The optimal surgical resection approach for T2 gallbladder carcinoma: evaluating the role of surgical extent according to the tumor location

Accuracy of preoperative T2 gallbladder tumor localization and the adequate surgical resection

INTRODUCTION

The agreement between the radiologic and histopathologic tumor locations in T2 gallbladder cancer is critical. There is no consensus regarding the extent of curative resection by tumor locations.

METHODS

Between January 2010 and December 2019, a consecutive series of 118 patients with pathological T2 gallbladder cancer who underwent surgery were retrospectively analyzed in terms of the accordance between radiologic and histopathologic tumor locations, the extents of hepatic resection and the numbers of harvested lymph nodes. Radical resection was defined as liver resection with harvesting of at least four lymph nodes.

RESULTS

The accuracy of preoperative tumor localization was only 68%. After radical resection, the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 59.4%; after nonradical resection, the figure was 46.1% (p = 0.092). In subanalyses, the 5-year OS was marginally better for patients who underwent liver resection or from whom at least four lymph nodes were harvested than those who did not undergo liver resection or from whom three or fewer lymph nodes were harvested (58.2% vs. 39.4%, p = 0.072; 59.9% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.072, respectively). In patients with peritoneal side tumor, the 5-year OSs of those who did and did not undergo liver resection were 67% and 41.2%, respectively (p = 0.028). In multivariate analysis, perineural invasion and radical resection were independently prognostic of OS.

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of preoperative tumor localization was 68%. Hepatic resection, lymph node dissection harvesting of at least four lymph nodes are required for curative resection for gallbladder cancer, regardless of tumor location.

Prognostic Effect of Liver Resection in Extended Cholecystectomy for T2 Gallbladder Cancer Revisited: A Retrospective Cohort Study With Propensity Score-matched Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of liver resection on the prognosis of T2 gallbladder cancer (GBC).

BACKGROUND

Although extended cholecystectomy [lymph node dissection (LND) + liver resection] is recommended for T2 GBC, recent studies have shown that liver resection does not improve survival outcomes relative to LND alone.

METHODS

Patients with pT2 GBC who underwent extended cholecystectomy as an initial procedure and did not reoperation after cholecystectomy at 3 tertiary referral hospitals between January 2010 and December 2020 were analyzed. Extended cholecystectomy was defined as either LND with liver resection (LND+L group) or LND only (LND group). We conducted 2:1 propensity score matching to compare the survival outcomes of the groups.

RESULTS

Of the 197 patients enrolled, 100 patients from the LND+L group and 50 from the LND group were successfully matched. The LND+L group experienced greater estimated blood loss ( P <0.001) and a longer postoperative hospital stay ( P =0.047). There was no significant difference in the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) of the 2 groups (82.7% vs 77.9%, respectively, P =0.376). A subgroup analysis showed that the 5-year DFS was similar in the 2 groups in both T substages (T2a: 77.8% vs 81.8%, respectively, P =0.988; T2b: 88.1% vs 71.5%, respectively, P =0.196). In a multivariable analysis, lymph node metastasis [hazard ratio (HR) 4.80, P =0.006] and perineural invasion (HR 2.61, P =0.047) were independent risk factors for DFS; liver resection was not a prognostic factor (HR 0.68, P =0.381).

CONCLUSIONS

Extended cholecystectomy including LND without liver resection may be a reasonable treatment option for selected T2 GBC patients.

Comparative analysis of postoperative curative effect of liver wedge resection and liver IVb + V segment resection in patients with T2b gallbladder cancer

Objective

To compare the therapeutic effects of wedge resection and liver segment IVb + V resection on patients with T2b gallbladder cancer.

Methods

The clinical and pathological data of 40 patients with gallbladder cancer admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2017 to November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into two groups according to different surgical methods. The control group underwent liver wedge resection, while the experimental group underwent liver segment IVb + V resection. Preoperative age, bilirubin index, tumor markers, postoperative complications and survival were compared between the two groups. Log-rank test was used for univariate analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were drawn.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that tumor markers and degree of differentiation were the risk factors for the prognosis of patients with gallbladder carcinoma after radical cholecystectomy (P &lt; 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the elevation of CA125 and CA199, poor differentiation, and Lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for the prognosis of gallbladder carcinoma after radical resection (P &lt; 0.05). According to the 3-year survival rate, the survival rate of patients with liver 4B + 5 segment resection + cholecystectomy was higher than that of patients with 2 cm liver wedge resection + cholecystectomy (41.6% vs. 72.7%).

Conclusion

Patients with T2b gallbladder cancer should be treated with liver segment IVb + V resection, which is helpful to improve the prognosis of patients and should be widely promoted.

Subserosal vascular density predicts oncological features of T2 gallbladder cancer

PURPOSE

Tumor sidedness (hepatic side vs. peritoneal side) reportedly predicts microvascular invasion and survival outcomes of T2 gallbladder cancer, although the actual histopathological mechanism is not fully understood.

METHODS

The clinical relevance of tumor sidedness was revisited in 84 patients with gallbladder cancer using histopathological analysis of the vascular density of the gallbladder wall.

RESULTS

Hepatic-side tumor location was associated with overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR], 13.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.09-88.93) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR, 8.70; 95% CI, 1.36-55.69) in T2 tumors. The Adjusted Kaplan-Meier curve indicated a clear survival difference between T2a (peritoneal side) and T2b (hepatic side) tumors (P = 0.006). A review of 56 pathological specimens with gallbladder cancer and 20 control specimens demonstrated that subserosal vascular density was significantly higher on the hepatic side of the gallbladder, regardless of the presence of cancer (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis also confirmed that higher subserosal vascular density was significantly associated with poor OS (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.10-2.73 per 10 microscopic fields) and poor RFS (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.06-2.49) in T2  gallbladder cancer.

CONCLUSION

Higher subserosal vascular density may account for the higher incidence of cancer spread and the poor prognosis of T2b gallbladder cancer.

Preoperative Assessment and Perioperative Management of Resectable Gallbladder Cancer in the Era of Precision Medicine and Novel Technologies: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a rare malignancy, with an estimated 5-year survival rate of less than 5% in the case of advanced disease. Surgery is the only radical treatment for early stages, but its application and effectiveness depend on the depth of tumoral invasion. The extent of resection is usually determined according to the T-stage. Therefore, an early and correct preoperative assessment is important for the prognosis, as well as for the selection of the most appropriate surgical procedure, to avoid unnecessary morbid surgeries and to reach the best outcomes. Several modalities can be used to investigate the depth of invasion, from ultrasounds to CT scans and MRI, but an ideal method still does not exist. Thus, different protocols are proposed according to different recommendations and institutions. In this scenario, the indications for laparoscopic and robotic surgery are still debated, as well as the role of new technologies such as next-generation sequencing and liquid biopsies. The aim of this article is to summarize the state of the art current modalities and future perspectives for assessing the depth of invasion in GBC and to clarify their role in perioperative management accordingly.

High-Quality Surgery for Gallbladder Carcinoma: Rare, Associated with Disparity, and Not Substitutable by Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Oncologic surgery for T1b-T3 gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) consists of gallbladder fossa resection or bisegmentectomy IVb/V with negative margins and portal/retropancreatic lymphadenectomy. Frequency of high quality oncologic surgery, factors associated with its use, and the ability of chemotherapy to rescue low-quality surgery (LQS) remain unknown.

METHODS

The NCDB was queried for patients diagnosed with stage I-III (T1b-T3) GBC undergoing curative-intent surgery from 2004 to 2016. These patients were divided into two groups based on receiving high quality surgery (HQS) or not; HQS was defined as cholecystectomy with partial hepatectomy, lymph node harvest ≥ 6, and negative margins. Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 3796 patients met inclusion criteria; only 364 (9.6%) met HQS criteria, and 3432 (90.4%) did not achieve HQS and were deemed low-quality surgery (LQS). HQS was associated with improved median overall survival (55.1 vs. 25.5 months, P < .001). Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) was not able to rescue LQS with poorer survival compared to HQS without AC (27.9 vs 55.1 months, P < .001). Factors associated with HQS included private insurance (OR 1.809, P < .001), higher income (OR 1.380, P = .038), urban/rural residence (vs metropolitan) (OR 1.641, P = .001), higher education (OR 1.342, P = .031), Medicaid expansion states (OR 1.405, P = .005), stage 3 GBC (OR 1.642, P = .020), and reresection (OR 2.685, P < .001). Factors associated with LQS included older age (OR 0.974, P < .001), comorbidities (OR 0.701, P = .004), and laparoscopic approach (0.579, P < .001). Facility type incrementally improved HQS rate (integrated cancer network vs. comprehensive community, 9.8% vs. 6.1%, OR 1.694, P = .003; academic/research center vs. integrated cancer network, 14.9% vs. 9.8%, OR 1.599, P = .003).

CONCLUSION

While HQS for GBC strongly improves survival, it is infrequently practiced. The newly identified factors that improve survival for GBC, such as centralization, open approach, and insurance coverage, are modifiable and, therefore, should be considered to achieve optimal outcomes.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of survival outcomes in T2a and T2b gallbladder cancers

BACKGROUND

The 8th edition of AJCC TNM staging of Gallbladder cancer subdivided T2 stage into T2a and T2b based on tumour location. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes in T2a and T2b gallbladder cancers.

METHODS

Literature search of Medline, Web of science, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed. Study characteristics, survival and recurrence data were extracted for meta-analysis of effect estimates and of individual patient data.

RESULTS

Fifteen retrospective studies (2531 patients, T2a = 1332, T2b = 199) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall survival (OS) was significantly worse in patients with T2b compared to T2a tumours (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.67-2.86, p < 0.0001). Meta-analysis of individual patient data (n = 629) showed similar results (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.43-2.58, p < 0.00001). Patients with T2b tumours had higher risk of recurrence compared to T2a (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.40-7.28, p = 0.006) and were more likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.12-2.84, p = 0.014). Liver resection improved OS in T2b tumours (HR 2.99, CI 1.73-5.16, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

T2b gallbladder tumours have worse overall survival and increase risk of recurrence compared to T2a. Liver resection appears to improve OS in patients with T2b tumours. However, high quality multicenter data is required to confirm these results.

Tumor location and concurrent liver resection, impact survival in T2 gallbladder cancer: a meta-analysis of the literature

Aim of doing this review was to give a uniform consensus on prognostic impact of tumor location (hepatic vs peritoneal), liver resection and adjuvant chemotherapy in gall bladder cancer and, to compare them with previous well-studied factors of survival. We systematically review PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane for relevant articles with no date restrictions, language was restricted to English. Those articles were included that had provided Hazard ratio (HR) of survival for T2 gall bladder cancer. We identified nine retrospective studies published between 2014 and 2020 with 2345 patients. Meta-analysis showed that T2b (hepatic) cancers had higher odds of mortality (HR 3.16 [2.11, 4.74], I2 = 0%). Liver resection was associated with significantly higher odds of 5-year overall survival only in T2b (2.20 [1.33, 3.63], I2 = 67%), adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with any significant decrease in mortality risk (0.98 [0.83-1.16]. I2 = 20%). Hepatic sided gall bladder tumors carry higher odds for mortality and recurrence. T2a tumors can be managed without hepatic resection. To risk stratify patients we also formulated a scoring system for mortality risk.

Approach to Resectable Biliary Cancers

OPINION STATEMENT

Biliary malignancies, although rare, can be some of the most challenging to manage surgically. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas are resectable if there is no evidence of metastatic disease. These tumors are managed with anatomic resection and portal lymphadenectomy when centrally located or multiple in a single lobe. Non-anatomic resection can be performed for solitary peripheral tumors with minimally invasive techniques. It is not our practice to routinely employ neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to resection of these tumors. Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy is utilized at our institution in highly selected patients in the context of an ongoing clinical trial for unresectable tumors. Hilar cholangiocarcinomas, when resectable (i.e., ipsilateral arterial involvement or lack of vascular involvement), are managed with right or left (extended) hepatectomy, caudate resection, and portal lymphadenectomy. Distal cholangiocarcinomas are managed with pancreaticoduodenectomy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is not routinely used in our treatment algorithm of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. Nodal involvement and positive margin (R1) resection necessitates adjuvant chemotherapy. Finally, gallbladder carcinoma is managed with radical cholecystectomy, anatomic segment IVb/V resection, and portal lymphadenectomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy is employed routinely amongst patients with T2 or higher tumors and those with positive lymph nodes.

Survival Benefits of Simple Versus Extended Cholecystectomy and Lymphadenectomy for Patients With T2 Gallbladder Cancer: A Propensity-Matched Population-Based Study (2010 to 2015)

Objective

This article aims to evaluate the survival benefits of simple cholecystectomy, extended cholecystectomy, as well as scope regional lymphadenectomy for T2 gallbladder cancer (GBC) patients.

Methods

We identified eligible patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The confounding factors were controlled via propensity score matching. The log-rank test was utilized to compare overall survival. The multivariate Cox regression was then used to determine risk factors.

Results

Overall, data from 1,009 patients were obtained. The median overall survival (OS) of 915 patients that underwent simple cholecystectomy was 15 months; the median OS of 94 patients that underwent extended cholecystectomy was 17 months. There were no significant differences before and after propensity score matching (p = 0.542 and p = 0.258). The patients who received regional lymphadenectomy did show significant survival benefit, compared to those who did not receive regional lymphadenectomy. Furthermore, this benefit is observed in the N0 stage, but not observed in the N1 stage. In addition, the OS of patients who received lymphadenectomy for four or more regions was significantly better than those who received one to three regions lymphadenectomy. Age, the scope of regional lymphadenectomy, N stage, and tumor size were identified as prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Extended cholecystectomy was not observed to significantly improve postoperative prognosis of patients with T2 GBC. However, there was a significant survival benefit shown for those with regional lymphadenectomy, particularly for patients with negative lymph nodes. Future studies on the control of potential confounding factors and longer follow-ups are still needed.

Prognostic Significance of Tumor Location in T2 Gallbladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: The AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, Eighth Edition, subdivided T2 GBC into T2a and T2b. However, there still exist a lack of evidence on the prognostic significance of tumor location. The aim of the present study was to examine the existing evidence to determine the prognostic significance of tumor location of T2 gallbladder cancer (GBC) and to evaluate the optimal surgical extent according to tumor location. (2) Methods: We searched for relevant literature published in the electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase before September 2020 using search terms related to gallbladder, cancer, and stage. Data were weighted and pooled using random-effects modeling. (3) Results: Seven studies were deemed eligible for inclusion, representing a cohort of 1789 cases of resected T2 GBC. The overall survival for T2b tumor was significantly worse than that for T2a tumor (HR, 2.141; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.140 to 4.023; I² = 71.4%; P_chⁱ² = 0.007). The rate of lymph node metastasis was lower in the T2a group (26.6%) than in the T2b group (36.6%) (OR, 2.164; 95% CI, 1.309 to 3.575). There was no evidence of a survival difference between the patients who underwent extended cholecystectomy and simple cholecystectomy in T2a GBC (OR, 0.802; 95% CI, 0.618 to 1.042) and T2b GBC (OR, 0.820; 95% CI, 0.620 to 1.083). (4) Conclusions: Hepatic side tumor was a significant poor prognostic factor in T2 GBC. Extended cholecystectomy and simple cholecystectomy showed comparable survival outcomes in T2 GBC, and additional large-scale prospective studies are warranted to establish evidence-based treatment guidelines for T2 GBC.

The optimal extent of surgery in T2 gallbladder cancer and the need for hepatectomy: A meta-analysis

Extensive surgery is the mainstay treatment for gallbladder cancer and offers a long-term survival benefits to the patients. However, the optimal extent of surgery remains debatable. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of hepatectomy and no hepatectomy approaches in patients with T2 gallbladder cancer. We searched the following electronic databases for systematic literature: PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. We selected studies that compared patients with T2 gallbladder cancer who underwent hepatectomy with those who did not. While the long-term overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were the primary outcomes, perioperative morbidity and mortality were the secondary outcome. We analysed over 18 studies with 4,587 patients. Of the total patients, 1,683 and 1,303 patients underwent hepatectomy and no hepatectomy, respectively. The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between the hepatectomy and no hepatectomy groups, in terms of the overall morbidity (risk ratio [RR] = 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66-5.20) and 30-day mortality (RR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.1-8.2). The results were comparable in terms of the OS (RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.57-1.01), (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.49-1.12), and DFS (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.88-1.11). In conclusion, the perioperative and long-term outcomes of hepatectomy and no hepatectomy approaches were comparable. Hepatectomy may not be required in T2 gall bladder cancer if the preoperative evaluation confirms the depth of the tumour in the perimuscular connective tissue and the intraoperative frozen sections confirm microscopic negative margins. Likewise, for those whom gall bladder cancer was diagnosed from the pathological report after simple cholecystectomy, further hepatectomy may not necessary.

Applicability of sentinel lymph node oriented treatment strategy for gallbladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Utility of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in some malignancies has been reported, however, research on that of gallbladder cancer (GBC) is rare. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the concept of SLN is applicable to T2/3 GBC.

METHODS

A total of 80 patients who underwent resection for gallbladder cancer were enrolled in this study. Patients with GBC were stratified into two groups based on the location of tumor, peritoneal-side (T2p or 3p) and hepatic-side (T2h or 3h) groups. We evaluated the relationship between cystic duct node (CDN) and downstream lymph node (LN) status. CDN was defined as a SLN in this study.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were classified into T2, including T2p (n = 18) and T2h (n = 20), and 42 patients into T3, including T3p (n = 22) andT3h (n = 20). The incidence of LN metastasis was significantly higher in hepatic-side than peritoneal-side in both T2 and T3 (P = 0.036 and 0.009, respectively). In T2, 14 T2p had negative CDN and downstream LN, however, three T2h had negative CDN and positive downstream LNs (defined as a skipped LN metastasis) (P = 0.043). In T3, patients with skipped LN metastasis were significantly higher in T3h (n = 11) than those in T3p (n = 2) (P<0.001). There was no recurrence of the local lymph node. Disease-free survival in the T2p and T3p were significantly better than those in the T2h and T3h (P = 0.005 and 0.025, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The concept of SLN can be applicable to T2p GBC, where the downstream LNs dissection can be omitted.

Causes of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis and therapeutic and preventive strategies for unexpected gallbladder carcinoma

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been widely used in the treatment of gallbladder diseases. Since the indications for operation are constantly expanding, the intraoperative or postoperative incidence of unexpected gallbladder carcinoma (UGC) is gradually increasing. The incidence of UGC in LC and open cholecystectomy is 2.09% and 0.91%, respectively. Because gallbladder carcinoma is often accompanied by gallstones or inflammation and lacks specific clinical manifestations, imaging features, and specific serum tumor markers, the preoperative diagnostic rate of gallbladder carcinoma is only 30%, and 30% of cases of gallbladder carcinoma are diagnosed intraoperatively or postoperatively. Pathological T stage, lymph node metastasis, and gallbladder rupture are independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients with UGC. Preoperative imaging combined with serological tumor markers, intraoperative careful exploration, and rapid pathological examination are important measures to reduce the misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of UGC. For patients with benign gallbladder diseases with a high potential of canceration, performing cholecystectomy in time and strictly grasping the indications for preserving gallbladder for benign gallbladder diseases are important preventive measures to reduce the incidence of UGC.

Clinicopathological Differences in T2 Gallbladder Cancer According to Tumor Location

We aimed to identify clinicopathological differences and factors affecting survival outcomes of stage T2a and T2b gallbladder cancer (GBC) and validate the oncological benefits of regional lymphadenectomy and hepatic resection in these patients. This single-center study enrolled patients who were diagnosed with pathologically confirmed T2 GBC and underwent curative resection between January 1995 and December 2017. Eighty-two patients with T2a and 50 with T2b GBCs were identified, and clinical information was retrospectively collected from medical records and analyzed. Five-year overall survival rates were 96.8% and 80.7% in T2a and T2b groups, respectively (P = .007). Three- and 5-year survival rates among all patients with T2 GBC without and with lymph node metastasis were 97.2% and 94.4% and 81.3% and 81.3%, respectively (P = .029). There was no difference in survival rates between the 2 groups according to whether hepatic resection was performed (P = .320). However, in the T2b group, those who underwent hepatic resection demonstrated a better survival rate than those who did not (P = .029). The T2b group had more multiple recurrence patterns than the T2a group, and the lymph nodes were the most common site in both groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, and tumor location were significant independent prognostic factors. Hepatic resection was not always necessary in patients with peritoneal-side GBC. Considering clinicopathological features and recurrence patterns, a systematic treatment plan, including radical resection and adjuvant treatment, should be established for hepatic-side GBC.

Prognostic Significance of Tumor Location in T2 Gallbladder Cancer: A Korea Tumor Registry System Biliary Pancreas (KOTUS-BP) Database Analysis

Background: T2 gallbladder cancer (GBC) is subdivided into T2a and T2b by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition. However; there is a lack of evidence for the prognostic significance of tumor location and validation with large-scale studies is needed. The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical features and clinical outcomes of T2 GBC according to tumor location and determine the prognostic significance of tumor location and an appropriate surgical strategy. Methods: Between 2000 and 2014 the Korea Tumor Registry System Biliary Pancreas (KOTUS-BP) database was used to identify and enroll a total 707 patients with pathologically diagnosed T2 GBC who underwent curative resection. Clinicopathological findings and long-term follow-up results were analyzed. Results: The incidence of lymph node metastasis in T2b was significantly higher than that of T2a tumors (37.9% vs. 29.5%, p = 0.032). The 5-year disease-specific survival of T2a was better than that of T2b tumors (74.8% vs. 65.4%, p = 0.019). There was no significant survival difference in T2a between extended cholecystectomy and simple cholecystectomy with lymph node dissection (81.8% vs. 73.7%, p = 0.361). However; there was a better survival trend for T2b tumor after extended cholecystectomy (71.7% vs. 59.3%, p = 0.057). Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved survival for patients with lymph node metastasis in T2a (72.1% vs. 56.9; p = 0.022) and in T2b (68.2 vs. 48.5; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis was the only significant poor prognostic factor (Hazard ratio 3.222; 95% confidential interval 1.960–4.489; p < 0.001). Conclusions: For T2 GBC; tumor location was not an independent prognostic factor. Lymph node metastasis was a significant poor prognostic factor and adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered for the patients with lymph node metastasis.

Impact of surgical strategies on the survival of gallbladder cancer patients: analysis of 715 cases

Objective

The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of application of surgical strategies at different cancer stages on the survival of gallbladder cancer (GBC) patients.

Methods

The patients with GBC were divided into 3 groups according to their received surgical strategies: simple resection (full-thickness cholecystectomy for removal of primary tumor site), radical resection (gallbladder bed removal combined with partial hepatectomy), and palliative surgery (treatment at advanced stages). The overall survival (OS) of GBC patients who were received different surgical strategies was compared.

Results

Survival analysis showed that radical resection had a best OS at clinical stage II, and simple resection had a best OS at tumor clinical stage IV. Cox hazard proportional regression analysis showed that more advanced tumor stages, tumor location of gallbladder body or neck, and CA199 ≥ 27 U/mL were the major risk factors for the OS of GBC.

Conclusions

At tumor stage II, radical resection should be the most effective surgical therapy for GBC. However, the effect of radical resection at advanced stages could be restricted. The utilization of radical resection should be increased at tumor stage II for a better long-term survival outcome.

Role of tumour location and surgical extent on prognosis in T2 gallbladder cancer: an international multicentre study

BACKGROUND

In gallbladder cancer, stage T2 is subdivided by tumour location into lesions on the peritoneal side (T2a) or hepatic side (T2b). For tumours on the peritoneal side (T2a), it has been suggested that liver resection may be omitted without compromising the prognosis. However, data to validate this argument are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of tumour location in T2 gallbladder cancer, and to clarify the adequate extent of surgical resection.

METHODS

Clinical data from patients who underwent surgery for gallbladder cancer were collected from 14 hospitals in Korea, Japan, Chile and the USA. Survival and risk factor analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Data from 937 patients were available for evaluation. The overall 5-year disease-free survival rate was 70·6 per cent, 74·5 per cent for those with T2a and 65·5 per cent among those with T2b tumours (P = 0·028). Regarding liver resection, extended cholecystectomy was associated with a better 5-year disease-free survival rate than simple cholecystectomy (73·0 versus 61·5 per cent; P = 0·012). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was marginally better for extended than simple cholecystectomy in both T2a (76·5 versus 66·1 per cent; P = 0·094) and T2b (68·2 versus 56·2 per cent; P = 0·084) disease. Five-year disease-free survival rates were similar for extended cholecystectomies including liver wedge resection versus segment IVb/V segmentectomy (74·1 versus 71·5 per cent; P = 0·720). In multivariable analysis, independent risk factors for recurrence were presence of symptoms (hazard ratio (HR) 1·52; P = 0·002), R1 resection (HR 1·96; P = 0·004) and N1/N2 status (N1: HR 3·40, P < 0·001; N2: HR 9·56, P < 0·001). Among recurrences, 70·8 per cent were metastatic.

CONCLUSION

Tumour location was not an independent prognostic factor in T2 gallbladder cancer. Extended cholecystectomy was marginally superior to simple cholecystectomy. A radical operation should include liver resection and adequate node dissection.

Survival benefits of simple versus extended cholecystectomy and lymphadenectomy for patients with T1b gallbladder cancer: An analysis of the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database (2004 to 2013)

Although guidelines recommend extended surgical resection, radical resection and lymphadenectomy for patients with tumor stage (T)1b gallbladder cancer, these procedures are substantially underutilized. This population‐based, retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate treatment patterns and outcomes of 401 patients using the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2004 to 2013. Results showed that median overall survival (OS) was 69 months for lymphadenectomy patients and 37 months for those without lymphadenectomy. Lymphadenectomy also tended to prolong cancer‐specific survival (CSS), although the differences were not statistically significant. OS and CSS were similar for patients who received simple cholecystectomy and extended surgical resection. Cox proportional hazards regression models revealed survival advantages in patients with stage T1bN0 gallbladder cancer compared to those with stage T1bN1, and patients who received simple cholecystectomy plus lymphadenectomy compared to those who did not receive lymph node dissection. In further analyses, patients undergoing simple cholecystectomy who had five or more lymph nodes excised had better OS and CSS than those without lymph node dissection. In conclusion, survival advantages are shown for patients with T1b gallbladder cancer undergoing surgeries with lymphadenectomy. Future studies with longer follow‐up and control of potential confounders are highly warranted.

Lymphatic spread of T2 gallbladder carcinoma: Regional lymphadenectomy is required independent of tumor location

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and distribution of regional lymph node metastasis according to tumor location, and to clarify whether tumor location could determine the extent of regional lymphadenectomy in patients with pathological T2 (pT2) gallbladder carcinoma.

METHODS

In total, 81 patients with pT2 gallbladder carcinoma (25 with pT2a tumors and 56 with pT2b tumors) who underwent radical resection were enrolled. Tumor location was determined histologically in each gallbladder specimen.

RESULTS

Survival after resection was significantly worse in patients with pT2b tumors than those with pT2a tumors (5-year survival, 72% vs. 96%; p = 0.027). Tumor location was an independent prognostic factor on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 14.162; p = 0.018). The incidence of regional lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in patients with pT2b tumors than in those with pT2a tumors (46% vs. 20%; p = 0.028). However, the number of positive nodes was similar between the two groups (median, 2 vs. 2; p = 0.910). For node-positive patients with pT2b tumors, metastasis was found in every regional node group (12%-63%), whereas even for node-positive patients with pT2a tumors, metastasis was observed in regional node groups outside the hepatoduodenal ligament.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor location in patients with pT2 gallbladder carcinoma can predict the presence or absence of regional lymph node metastasis but not the number and anatomical distribution of positive regional lymph nodes. The extent of regional lymphadenectomy should not be changed even in patients with pT2a tumors, provided that they are fit enough for surgery.

Essential updates to the surgical treatment of biliary tract cancer

Biliary tract cancer, which includes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic bile duct cancer, gallbladder cancer, and ampullary cancer, is an intractable disease with a dismal prognosis. Prognosis is particularly poor in cases involving vessels or lymph nodes. Hepatobiliary pancreatic surgeons worldwide have consistently focused on improving surgical treatment, perioperative management, and chemotherapy to improve the outcomes of these diseases. There has been significant progress even in the last 2 years (2017 and 2018), such as promising findings reported by studies on the optimal extent of surgical treatment and multi-institutional randomized controlled trials on adjuvant chemotherapy. We overview the current trends and advancements made in surgical treatment in 2017 and 2018.

Laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy with common bile duct resection for T2 gallbladder cancer

The oncologic safety and feasibility of laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy for a preoperatively suspected gallbladder cancer is continually being challenged even in an era of minimally invasive surgery. A seventy-four-year-old woman was presented in the outpatient department with a history of fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. CT scan showed an irregular wall thickening of the body to the cystic duct of the gallbladder and portocaval lymph node. In addition, EUS revealed no subserosal invasion of the tumor. PET scan showed an intense FDG uptake of in the gallbladder and in the portocaval lymph node. The laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy was performed with 6 trocars. The procedure included simple cholecystectomy, hepatoduodenal and aortocaval lymphadenectomy, and common bile duct resection. The hepaticojejunal anastomosis was constructed laparoscopically, while the jejunal continuity was established via an extracorporeal anastomosis. The patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day with no complications and adjuvant chemotherapy was started on the 14th day after surgery. Based on our experienced, laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy with combined common bile duct resection is technically safe and feasible.

Validation of the oncologic effect of hepatic resection for T2 gallbladder cancer: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

While extended cholecystectomy is recommended for T2 gallbladder cancer (GBC), the role of hepatic resection for T2 GBC is unclear. This study aimed to identify the necessity of hepatic resection in patients with T2 GBC.

METHODS

Data of 81 patients with histopathologically proven T2 GBC who underwent surgical resection between January 1999 and December 2017 were enrolled from a retrospective database. Of these, 36 patients had peritoneal-side (T2a) tumors and 45 had hepatic-side (T2b) tumors. To identify the optimal surgical management method, T2 GBC patients were classified into the hepatic resection group (n = 44, T2a/T2b = 20/24) and non-hepatic resection group (n = 37, T2a/T2b = 16/21). The recurrence pattern and role of hepatic resection for T2 GBC were then investigated.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 69 (range 36-88) years, and the male-to-female ratio was 42:39 (male, 51.9%; female, 48.1%). Hepatic-side GBC had a higher rate of recurrence than peritoneal-side GBC (44.4% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.006). The most common type of recurrence in T2a GBC was para-aortic lymph node recurrence (n = 2, 5.6%); the most common types of recurrence in T2b GBC were para-aortic lymph node recurrence (n = 7, 15.6%) and intrahepatic metastasis (n = 6, 13.3%). Hepatic-side GBC patients had worse survival outcomes than peritoneal-side GBC patients (76.0% vs. 96.6%, p = 0.041). Hepatic resection had no significant treatment effect in T2 GBC patients (p = 0.272). Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis was the only significant prognostic factor (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic resection is not essential for curative treatment in T2 GBC, and more systemic treatments are needed for GBC patients, particularly for those with T2b GBC.