Effect of body mass index on operative outcome after robotic-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy: retrospective analysis of 129 cases at a single high-volume tertiary care center

The impact of body weight on outcomes after robotic-assisted esophageal surgery for cancer has not been studied. We examined the short-term operative outcomes in patients according to their body mass index following robotic-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy at a high-volume tertiary-care referral cancer center and evaluated the safety of robotic surgery in patients with an elevated body mass index. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent robotic-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy between April 2010 and June 2013 for pathologically confirmed distal esophageal cancer was conducted. Patient demographics, clinicopathologic data, and operative outcomes were collected. We stratified body mass index at admission for surgery according to World Health Organization criteria; normal range is defined as a body mass index range of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2. Overweight is defined as a body mass index range of 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 and obesity is defined as a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 and above. Statistics were calculated using Pearson's Chi-square and Pearson's correlation coefficient tests with a P-value of 0.05 or less for significance. One hundred and twenty-nine patients (103 men, 26 women) with median age of 67 (30-84) years were included. The majority of patients, 76% (N = 98) received neoadjuvant therapy. When stratified by body mass index, 28 (22%) were normal weight, 56 (43%) were overweight, and 45 (35%) were obese. All patients had R0 resection. Median operating room time was 407 (239-694) minutes. When stratified by body mass index, medians of operating room time across the normal weight, overweight and obese groups were 387 (254-660) minutes, 395 (310-645) minutes and 445 (239-694), respectively. Median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 150 (25-600) cc. When stratified by body mass index, medians of EBL across the normal weight, overweight and obese groups were 100 (50-500) cc, 150 (25-600) cc and 150 (25-600), respectively. Obesity significantly correlated with longer operating room time (P = 0.05) but without significant increased EBL (P = 0.348). Among the three body mass index groups there was no difference in postoperative complications including thrombotic events (pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis) (P = 0.266), pneumonia (P = 0.189), anastomotic leak (P = 0.090), wound infection (P = 0.390), any cardiac events (P = 0.793) or 30 days mortality (P = 0.414). Our data study demonstrates that patients with esophageal cancer and an elevated body mass index undergoing robotic-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy have increased operative times but no significantly increased EBL during the procedure. Other potential morbidities did not differ with the robotic approach.

Body Mass Index and Perioperative Complications After Esophagectomy for Cancer

BACKGROUND

Given the increasing rate of obesity, the effects of excessive body weight on surgical outcomes constitute a relevant quality of care concern. Our aim was to determine the relationship between preoperative body mass index (BMI) on perioperative complications after esophagectomy for cancer.

METHODS

From our comprehensive esophageal cancer database consisting of 510 patients, we identified 166 obese (BMI ≥30), 176 overweight (BMI 25-29), and 148 normal-weight (BMI 20-24) patients. Malnourished patients (BMI of <20) were excluded. Incidence of preoperative risk factors and perioperative complications in each group were analyzed.

RESULTS

The patient group consists of 420 men and 70 women with a mean age at time of surgery were 64 years (range 28-86 years). The categories of patients (obese, overweight, and normal-weight) were similar in terms of demographics and comorbidities, with the exception of a younger age (62.5 years vs 66.2 years vs 65.3 years, P = 0.002), and a higher incidence of diabetes (23.5% vs 11.4% vs 10.1%, P = 0.001) and hiatal hernia (28.3% vs 14.8% vs 20.3%, P = 0.01) for obese patients. More patients with BMI >24 were found with adenocarcinoma, compared with the normal-weight group (90.8% vs 90.9% vs 82.5%, P = 0.03). Despite similar preoperative stage, obese patients were less likely to receive neoadjuvant treatment (47.6% vs 54.5% vs 66.2%, P = 0.004). The type of surgery performed, overall blood loss, extent of lymphadenectomy, rate of resections with negative margins, and postoperative complications were not influenced by BMI on univariate and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, BMI did not affect number of harvested lymph-nodes, rates of negative margins, and morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy for cancer. In our experience, esophagectomy could be performed safely and efficiently in mildly obese patients.

Single-institution retrospective comparison of preoperative versus definitive chemoradiotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus

PURPOSE

We sought to determine the impact of esophagectomy on survival in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus cancer after chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

METHODS

A database of esophageal cancer was queried for nonmetastatic patients with adenocarcinoma treated between 2000 and 2011 with CRT. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) curves were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed by the Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

We identified 154 patients (60 without surgery; 94 with surgery) who were included in the analysis. The only differences between the 2 groups were more advanced disease stage, improved performance status, and younger age in the surgery group. Patients undergoing surgery had significantly higher survival. Median and 5-year OS for surgical patients were 4.1 years and 43.6 %, versus 1.9 years and 35.6 % for nonsurgical patients (p = 0.007). Multivariate analysis for OS and RFS revealed that factors associated with increased survival were surgical resection, tumor length < 5 cm, male gender, and lower stage. Age, tumor location, radiation dose/technique, and induction chemotherapy were not prognostic. There was a trend toward improved survival on univariate analysis (p = 0.10) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.063) for surgical patients compared to nonsurgical patients who were healthy enough for surgery before CRT (n = 38), and no difference in OS in nonsurgical patients healthy enough for surgery after CRT (n = 22).

CONCLUSION

Esophagectomy after CRT is associated with improved survival in patients with adenocarcinoma after CRT. Trimodal therapy should continue to remain the standard of care for esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Effect of body mass index on operative complications after robotic-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrostomy: Retrospective analysis of 133 cases at a single high-volume tertiary care center

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Background: The impact of body weight on robotic-assisted surgical morbidity has not been studied in esophageal cancer. We thus examined operative outcomes in patients according to their body mass index (BMI) following robotic-assisted Ivor-Lewis Esophagogastrostomy (RAIL) at a high-volume tertiary-care referral cancer center and evaluated the safety of robotic surgery in patients with an elevated BMI. Methods: We retrospectively studied patients who underwent RAIL for pathologically confirmed malignancy in the distal esophagus and assessed morbidity and intraoperative outcomes relative to BMI. We evaluated operative complications from surgery to discharge, including average operating time, estimated blood loss (EBL), pneumonia, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, wound infection, and surgical leaks. Median ICU days after surgery and 30 day operative mortality was assessed. Wilcoxon Rank-Sum and Spearman Coefficient were used. Results: Of 134 total patients, 106 were male and 28 were female, with an average age of 67 years. Among patients, 76% (N=102) received neoadjuvant therapy. According to BMI, 3 patients were underweight, 35 were normal weight, 62 were overweight, and 34 were obese. All patients had R0 resection, with a median of 19 lymph nodes removed. Among evaluated surgical complications, anastomotic leak rate was significantly higher in patients with high BMI (p=0.01). Median operating time was 407 mins and EBL was 150cc. High BMI was significantly associated with increased operation time and EBL (p=0.01 & p=0.05, respectively). Conclusions: This retrospective study shows that patients with distal esophageal cancer and an elevated BMI undergoing RAIL have increased operative times and EBL during the procedure. An elevated postoperative risk for anastomotic leak also exists and must be carefully monitored. However, BMI does not affect the quality of oncological resection as determined by the number of harvested lymph nodes and rates of R0 resection, suggesting similar outcomes irrespective of BMI among all patients undergoing RAIL at a high volume tertiary center.

The impact of body mass index on esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgeons are increasingly operating on patients who are overweight or obese. The influence of obesity on surgical and oncologic outcomes has only recently been addressed. We focus this review on obesity and its impact on esophageal cancer.

METHODS

Recent literature and our own institutional experience were reviewed to determine the impact of body mass index on the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer.

RESULTS

With few exceptions, no significant differences were seen in perioperative outcomes or survival in patients treated for esophageal cancer when stratified by body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

Although obesity poses increased operative challenges to the surgeon, surgical and oncologic outcomes remain unchanged in obese patients compared with patients who are not obese.

Minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer: review of the literature and institutional experience

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer represents a major public health problem in the world. Several minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) techniques have been described and represent a safe alternative for the surgical management of esophageal cancer in selected centers with high volume and surgeons experienced in minimally invasive procedures.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the most recent and largest studies published in the medical literature that reported the outcomes for MIE techniques.

RESULTS

In larger series, MIE has proven to be equivalent in postoperative morbidity and mortality to the open esophagectomy. However, MIE has been associated with less blood loss, reduced postoperative pain, decreased time in the intensive care unit, and shortened length of hospital stay compared with the conventional open approaches. Despite limited data, no significant difference in survival stage for stage has been observed between open esophagectomy and MIE.

CONCLUSIONS

The myriad of MIE techniques complicates the debate for defining the optimal surgical approach for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Randomized controlled trials comparing MIE with conventional open esophagectomy are needed to clarify the ideal procedure with the lowest postoperative morbidity, best quality of life after surgery, and long-term survival.

Body mass index and perioperative complications after oesophagectomy for adenocarcinoma: a systematic database review

OBJECTIVE

Given the increasing rate of obesity, the effects of excessive body weight on surgical outcomes constitute a relevant quality of care concern. Our aim was to determine the relationship between preoperative body mass index (BMI) on perioperative complications after oesophagectomy for adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus.

DESIGN

Retrospective database review.

SETTING

Single institution high volume oncological tertiary care referral centre.

PARTICIPANTS

From our comprehensive oesophageal cancer database consisting of 709 patients, we stratified patients according to BMI: 155 normal-weight (BMI 20-24), 198 overweight (BMI 25-29) and 187 obese (BMI ≥30) patients.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent oesophagectomy for cancer.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidences of preoperative risk factors and perioperative complications in each group were analysed.

RESULTS

The patient cohort consisted of 474 men and 66 women with a mean age of 64.3 years (28-86). They were similar in terms of demographics and comorbidities, with the exception of a younger age (65.2 vs 65.4 vs 62.5 years, p=0.0094), and a higher incidence of diabetes (9.1% vs 13.2% vs 22.7%, p=0.001), hiatal hernia (16.8% vs 17.8% vs 28.8%, p=0.009) and Barrett oesophagus (24.7% vs 25.4% vs 36.2%, p=0.025) for obese patients. The type of surgery performed, overall blood loss, extent of lymphadenectomy, R0 resections and complications were not influenced by BMI on univariate and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, patients with an elevated BMI and oesophageal adenocarcinoma do not experience an increase in morbidity and mortality after oesophagectomy as stated in previous reports, when performed at a high volume centre. Additionally, BMI did not affect the quality of oncological resection as determined by number of harvested lymph-nodes and rates of R0 resections.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

MCC 15030, IRB 105286.

Outcomes associated with surgery for T4 esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

T4 esophageal cancer often portends a dismal prognosis even after surgical resection. Historical incomplete resections and poor survival rates often make surgery palliative rather than curative.

METHODS

Using a comprehensive esophageal cancer database, we identified patients who underwent an esophagectomy for T4 tumors between 1994 and 2011. Neoadjuvant treatment (NT) and pathologic response variables were recorded, and response was denoted as complete response (pCR), partial response (pPR), and nonresponse (NR). Clinical and pathologic data were compared. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests for significance.

RESULTS

We identified 45 patients with T4 tumors all who underwent NT. The median age was 60 years (range, 31-79 years) with a median follow-up of 27 months (range, 0-122 months). There were 19 pCR (42 %), 22 pPR (49 %), and 4 NR (9 %). R0 resections were accomplished in 43 (96 %). There were 18 recurrences (40 %) with a median time to recurrence of 13.5 months (2.2-71 months). In this group pCR represented 7 (38.9 %), whereas pPR and NR represented 10 (55.5 %), and 1 (5.5 %) respectively. The overall and disease-free survival for all patients with T4 tumors were 35 and 36 %, respectively. Patients achieving a pCR had a 5 year overall and disease-free survival of 53 and 54 %, compared with pPR 23 and 28 %, while there were no 5 year survivors in the NR cohort.

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated that neoadjuvant therapy and downstaging of T4 tumors leads to increased R0 resections and improvements in overall and disease-free survival.

Robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with or without neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for esophageal cancer

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Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NT) has become standard of care for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. In selected patients, robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (RAIL) is a safe and feasible operative strategy in the management of esophageal cancer. This study was designed to determine potential differences in peri-operative morbidity and short term outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer treated with RAIL with or without NT. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent RAIL esophagectomy between October 2010 and June 2012 with and without NT was performed. Clinical and pathological variables were analyzed with two-sided student t-test assuming equal variance. Data were considered significant at a p-value <0.05. Results: Eighty-nine patients underwent RAIL during the study period. Seventy-seven patients (87%) received NT and twenty-two patients did not (13%). The median age was 66 years (range 44 – 84) and the median BMI was 28 kg/m2(range 16.7 – 40.1). All patients had a R0 resection. There were no differences in the mean estimated blood loss (149 vs.153 mL; p = 0.52) and mean operative times (434 vs. 427 minutes; p = 1.0). There were no differences in the incidence of pneumonia or atrial fibrillation, lengths of stay in the ICU, or length of hospitalization. In total, there were two anastomotic leaks and one leak from the gastric conduit. The anastomotic leaks occurred in the group that did not receive NT and the gastric conduit leak occurred in the group that received NT. There were no mortalities in either group. There was no difference in the mean number of lymph nodes harvested in the NT group (22 ± 11 vs. 20 ± 8, p = 0.41). Conclusions: RAIL can be safely performed following neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy.In this series there were similar perioperative, morbidity and short-term mortality outcomes in patients who received NT compared with RAIL alone. Longer follow-up is required in order to determine long term oncologic outcome.

Comparative outcomes for 3D conformal versus intensity modulated radiation therapy for esophageal cancer

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Background: Emerging data suggests a benefit for using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for the management of esophageal cancer. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients treated at our institution who received definitive or preoperative chemoradiation with either IMRT or 3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) between October 2000 and January 2012. Kaplan Meier analysis and the Cox proportional hazard model were used to evaluate survival outcomes. Results: We evaluated a total of 232 patients (138 IMRT, 94 3DCRT) who received a median dose of 50.4 Gy (range, 44-64.8) to gross disease. Median follow up for all patients, IMRT patients alone, and 3DCRT patients alone was 18.5 (range, 2.5-124.2), 16.5 (range, 3-59), and 25.9 months (range, 2.5-124.2), respectively. We observed no significant difference based on radiation technique (3DCRT vs. IMRT) with respect to median overall survival (OS) (29 vs. 32 months; p=0.78) or median relapse free survival (RFS) (20 vs. 25 months; p=0.74). On multivariable analysis (MVA), not undergoing surgical resection resulted in worse OS (HR 2.255; p <0.0001) and RFS (HR 1.893; p<0.0001). Superior OS was associated on MVA with stage I/II disease (HR 0.523; p=0.010) and tumor length ≤5 cm (HR 0.567; p=0.006). Improved RFS on MVA was associated with stage I/II disease (HR 0.663; p=0.070), tumor length ≤5 cm (HR 0.611; p=0.011), adenocarcinoma histology (HR 0.532; p=0.055), and 3DCRT(HR 0.524; p=0.002). IMRT was also associated on univariate analysis with a significant decrease in acute weight loss (mean 6%+4.3% vs 9%+7.4%, p=0.0001) and on MVA with a decrease in objective grade ≥ 3 toxicity, defined as any hospitalization, feeding tube, or >20% weight loss (OR 0.51; p=0.050). Conclusions: Our data suggest that while IMRT-based chemoradiation for esophageal cancer does not impact survival there was significantly less toxicity. In the IMRT group there was significant decrease in weight loss and grade ≥3 toxicity compared to 3DCRT.

Survival in patients with esophageal cancer treated with surgery after chemoradiotherapy

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Background: Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgical resection is the standard of care for treating advanced esophageal cancer. However, the role of surgery has come into question in recent studies. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes of patients treated with CRT with or without surgery. Methods: An IRB-approved database was queried to identify esophageal cancer patients treated with CRT with or without surgical resection between 2000 and 2011. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank analysis. Multivariate analysis for OS and DFS were calculated with a Cox proportional hazard ratio model. Results: We identified 232 patients treated with CRT (122 without surgery, 110 with surgery). Surgery was associated with a significant increase in OS and DFS. Median and 5 year OS for surgical versus nonsurgical patients was 42.2 months, and 42.3% versus 20.4 months and 29%, respectively (p = 0.0003). Median and 5 year DFS for surgical versus nonsurgical patients was 16.8 months and 29% versus 8.4 months and 22.8% (p < 0.001). MVA for OS revealed that lower stage (p = 0.0098), tumor length <5 cm (p = 0.0059), and surgery (p<0.0001) were prognostic for significantly decreased mortality, while age, gender, histology, tumor location, radiation dose, and radiation technique were not prognostic. MVA for DFS showed that tumor length <5 cm (p = 0.0112), radiation technique (p = 0.0023), and surgery (p = 0.0007) were prognostic for significantly decrease mortality, while lower stage (p = 0.069) and squamous histology (p = 0.055) were trending for decreased mortality. Age, gender, radiation dose, and tumor location were not prognostic for DFS. Conclusions: Surgery after CRT is strongly associated with increased OS and DFS in our esophageal cancer patient population. While we highly recommend surgical resection as part of trimodality treatment, it should only be performed in high volume centers. Longer followup in the already conducted randomized trials involving squamous cell carcinomas are needed to better qualify the initial negative results and randomized trials are need to address the role of surgery for adenocarcinomas.

Prognostic significance of lymphadenectomy in patients with esophageal cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation

87

Background: The optimal number of lymph nodes that should be harvested in esophageal cancer patients remains to be defined, particularly in patients that receive neoadjuvant therapies. We investigated the impact of nodal resection and survival in esophageal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NT).

Methods: Using our comprehensive esophageal cancer database we identified patients treated with NT followed by esophagectomy between 2000-2011. Clinical and pathologic data were compared using Fisher’s exact and chi-square while, Kaplan Meier estimates were used for survival analysis. Overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared with varying numbers of lymph nodes resected <10 and ≥10 (ST-1), <12 and ≥12 (ST-2), and <15 and ≥15 (ST-3). Multivariate analysis was analyzed by the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results: We identified 358 patients treated with NT and esophagectomy with a median follow-up of 18.5 months (range, 0-116 months). There was no survival benefit demonstrated for patients with increased lymph nodes removed during their surgery (ST-1 OS p=0.400, DFS p=0.8727; ST-2 OS p=0.6833, DFS p=0.6092; ST-3 OS p=0.1798, DFS p=0.4028). Patients were further stratified by pathologic response to NT and nodal harvest. There were no differences in OS or DFS in patients with increased nodal harvest when analyzed by complete (pCR) (ST-1 OS p=0.7278, DFS p=0.3602; ST-2 OS p=0.6182, DFS p=0.3592; ST-3 OS p=0.4489, DFS p=0.6976), partial (pPR) (ST-1 OS p=0.3762, DFS p=0.5061; ST-2 OS p=0.8036, DFS p=0.6497; ST-3 OS p=0.0890, DFS p=0.3364), or non response (pNR) (ST-1 OS p=0.6825, DFS p=0.7161; ST-2 OS p=0.7084, DFS p=0.8351; ST-3 OS p=0.5002, DFS p=0.7314) to NT. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age (p=0.028), t-stage (p=0.006), pPR (p=0.025), and pNR (p<0.0005) to NT were all independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusions: In our experience, the number of lymph nodes resected was not predictive for overall or disease free survival in esophageal cancer patients treated with NT. In addition, extended lymph node resection did not improve survival for those with residual disease.

Multimodality therapy for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: A single-institution experience

280

Background: Multimodality therapy has been advocated for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRCP); however, specific regimens vary widely by institution. Outcomes of these interventions need to be examined to inform future investigation of the optimal therapy for these patients. This study represents the experience of multimodality therapy for BRPC at an NCI designated cancer center.

Methods: We identified all patients (pts) with operable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) from 2006 to 2011. Patients were divided into two groups: resectable group and BRPC group as per the NCCN and AHPBA consensus guidelines. Primary outcomes were resection rate, microscopic negative margin (R0) resection rate, overall survival (OS), and disease free survival (DFS). Fisher's exact and chi-square were used for group comparison while Kaplan-Meier estimates was used for survival analysis.

Results: 160pts were identified with operable PDA. 100 (63%) pts had resectable tumors, and 60 (37%) pts had borderline resectable tumors. Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) was administered to 0% in the group with resectable tumors, and 100% in the group with borderline resectable tumors. The resection rate was 100% in pts with resectable tumors and 58% in pts with borderline resectable tumors. R0 resection rates were 80% in the resectable tumors and 97% in the borderline resectable tumors following NT. Perioperative mortality was <1% (1/125) for resectable tumors and 0% in borderline resectable tumors. Median OS was 22.6 months (m) for pts that had resectable tumors and 13.9m for all pts with borderline resectable tumors (p=0.017); however, the median OS for resected pts with borderline resectable tumors was 21.5m (p=0.6). Improved DFS was seen in patients with resectable tumors when compared with resected borderline resectable tumors (15 vs. 9.5m; p=0.04).

Conclusions: Multimodality therapy leads to high rates of R0 resections in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer; however 42% of patients progressed during NT. The overall survival for patients with resected borderline resectable pancreatic cancer following NT is similar to patients who undergo resection for resectable pancreatic cancer.

Safety and oncologic outcomes of robotic-assisted esophagogastrectomy

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Background: The introduction of robotic systems to surgical oncology has allowed improved visualization with more precise manipulation of tissues. In esophageal cancer patients, this is crucial since most patients undergo neoadjuvant therapy (NT) prior to surgical resection. We report our initial experience in patients undergoing robotic-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy (RAIL) for oncologic purposes at a large-referral center.

Methods: A retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing RAIL from 2010-2011 was performed. Basic demographics such as age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Oncologic outcomes include tumor type, location, NT, post-operative tumor margins, and nodal harvest. Immediate 30-day postoperative complications were also recorded.

Results: We identified 50 patients who under went RAIL with median age of 66 (42-82 years). The mean BMI was 28.6 ± 0.7, 67% of patients received NT and 54% had an ASA classification of 3. The mean and median number of lymph nodes retrieved during surgery was 20 ± 1.4 and 18.5 (8-63) respectively. R0 resections were achieved in all patients. The mean estimated blood loss was 146 ± 15 ml and there were no conversions to an open procedure. Postoperative complications occurred in 13 (26 %) of patients. Complications included atrial fibrillation 5 (10%), pneumonia 5 (10%), anastamotic leak 1 (2%), conduit staple line leak 1(2%), and chylous thorax 2 (4%). There were no wound infections documented. The median ICU stay and length of hospitalization (LOH) were 2 and 9 days respectively. Total mean operating time calculated from time of skin incision to wound closure was 453 ± 13 minutes. The mean operative time significantly decreased over time (first 23 cases 479 min vs. second 23 cases 428 min, p<0.05). Similarly the frequency of complications decreased significantly after 28 cases: 10 (35%) vs. 3 (13%) p=0.04. There were no in hospital mortalities.

Conclusions: We demonstrated that RAIL for esophageal cancer can be performed safely with acceptable oncologic outcomes. RAIL may be associated with fewer complications after a learning curve, and shorter ICU stay and LOH.

Effect of lymphadenectomy on survival in patients with esophageal cancer

65

Background: The number of resected lymph nodes is associated with overall and disease-free survival in some gastrointestinal malignancies. The impact of nodal harvest during esophagectomy remains to be determined. We examined the influence of lymphadenectomy on overall survival in patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods: Utilizing a prospectively maintained comprehensive esophageal cancer database we identified patients who underwent esophagectomy with between 1994 and 2011. The association between disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and nodal harvest was evaluated using multivariable Cox regression models. The number of harvested nodes was examined as a categorical variable based on strata(S): 1) ≤8, 2) 9-12, 3) 13-20, and 4) >20.

Results: We identified 635 patients, 541 males and 94 females with a median age of 65 years (28-86) and median follow-up of 22 months (0-168). Adenocarcinoma 559 (88 %) was the predominant histology where as squamous cell carcinoma represented 76 (12%) of the cases. The 5-year OS and DFS rate for S1-S4 was (43%, 42%, 55%, and 36%, p=0.1836) and (44%, 37%, 46%, and 36%, p=0.5166) respectively. There were 209 patients with metastatic disease in 1 or more lymph nodes. The 5-year OS and DFS for S1-S4 was (17%, 31%, 21%, and 27%, p=0.4372) and (17%, 23%, 16%, and 25%, p=0.2726). There were 418 node negative patients. The 5-year OS and DFS rates by S1-S4 was (54%, 51%, 79%, and 26%, p=0.0538) and (55%, 48%, 64%, and 27%, p=0.3703). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients within S3 exhibited a survival benefit adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.57 (CI 0.360-0.916, p=0.020). However patients within S1 were more likely to die, AOR 1.74 (CI 1.09-2.78, p=0.020). No survival benefit was demonstrated for patients within (S4) AOR 1.11 (CI 0.60-2.09, p=0.731). There were 171 (27.5%) recurrences with a median time to recurrence of 12.2 (1-101) months. There were no differences in recurrences between strata p=0.129.

Conclusions: We demonstrated that patients with ≤8 lymph nodes resected were more likely to die of their disease compared to those with 13-20 nodes resected. Additionally, extended lymphadenectomy (>20 nodes) does not increase the likelihood of proper staging and does not improve patient outcome.

Effect of lymph node harvest for squamous cell cancer of the esophagus on survival

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Background: The optimal number of lymph nodes harvested remains controversial in patients with esophageal cancer. Pathologic response to neoadjuvant therapy (NT) has demonstrated improved survival. However, little is known regarding the impact of NT or nodal harvest in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus. We examined the extent of LN harvest and outcome in patients who underwent esophagectomy for SCC.

Methods: After IRB approval, using a comprehensive esophageal cancer database we identified patients who underwent esophagectomy between 1994-2011. Clinical and pathologic data were compared using Fisher’s exact and chi-square when appropriate while Kaplan-Meier estimates were utilized for survival analysis. Nodal strata were set at 12 (ST-1), 15 (ST-2), and 20 nodes (ST-3). Pathologic response to NT was defined as complete (pCR), partial (pPR), or non-response (pNR).

Results: We identified 76 patients who underwent esophagectomy for SCC between 1994-2011. The median age was 62.5 years (40-85 months) with median follow up of 18.5 months (1-157 months). 48 (63%) were male and 28 (37%) were female. Twenty-eight patients (37%) underwent primary esophagectomy alone (PE) while 48 (63%) patients were treated with NT. Extent of lymphadenectomy had no significant impact on overall survival (OS) or disease free survival (DFS) for the entire cohort ST-1 p=0.8 and p=0.9, ST-2 p=0.5 and p=0.4, and ST-3 p=0.5 and 0.4, respectively. Among the patients who received NT, pCR was observed in 28 (58%), pPR in 14 (29)%, and pNR in 6 (13)%. When examining the degree of pathologic response to treatment, extent of LN harvest had no significant impact on OS or DFS for patients who underwent esophagectomy after NT (p=ns across all strata).

Conclusions: The extent of LN harvest failed to demonstrate an overall or disease free survival benefit in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Moreover, patients treated with NT also did not benefit from increased nodal resection irrespective of their pathologic response.

Low 18f-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography as a prognostic factor for stage I and II pancreatic cancer

159

Background: Metabolic activity as defined by the uptake of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) on Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has proven beneficial as a prognostic marker for multiple malignancies; however, no study has examined the prognostic value of PET in stage I and II pancreatic cancer. We examined the value of PET FDG uptake in early pancreatic cancer.

Methods: Using a comprehensive pancreatic adenocarcinoma database, we identified patients with early stage pancreatic cancer (I-II) who underwent pancreatectomy for cancer and had PET scan performed as part of their preoperative evaluation from 2004 to 2010. Patients were divided by the median primary tumor standard uptake value (SUVmax) into two groups: high and low FDG uptake. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS). Kaplan-Meier estimate was used for survival analysis. Pathologic data were compared using Fisher's exact and chi-square.

Results: We identified 105 patients with resected stage I and II pancreatic cancer who had PET scans as part of their preoperative evaluation. 51 patients had low FDG uptake while 54 patients had high FDG uptake. The median age at diagnosis was 69 (24-89) years, 57% of the patients were male. 84 (81%) patients had PET avid tumors, while 20 (19%) patients did not. The median SUVmax was 5.1. High FDG uptake correlated with pathologic stage (p=0.012). Median follow-up was 12.3 (0-56) months. Patients with low FDG uptake had a significantly better median OS than patients with high FDG uptake (27 vs. 16 months; p=0.036). Recurrence occurred in 64 (60%) patients. Patients with low FDG uptake had significantly longer median DFS than patients with high FDG uptake (14 vs. 12 months; p=0.049).

Conclusions: Low 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in PET scans for stage I and II pancreatic cancer correlates with improved overall survival and disease free survival. This observation supports the concept that glucose metabolic pathways are important in pancreatic cancer biology, and that PET scan activity can be used as a prognostic biomarker after pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer.

Pathologic nonresponders after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer demonstrate no survival benefit compared with patients treated with primary esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NCRT) has become the preferred treatment for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. Survival often is correlated to degree of pathologic response; however, outcomes in patients who are found to be pathologic nonresponders (pNR) remain uninvestigated. This study was designed to evaluate survival in pNR to NCRT compared with patients treated with primary esophagectomy (PE).

METHODS

Using our comprehensive esophageal cancer database, we identified patients treated with NCRT and deemed pNR along with patients who proceeded to PE. Clinical and pathologic data were compared using Fisher's exact and χ(2), whereas Kaplan-Meier estimates were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 63 patients treated with NCRT and were found to have a pNR, and 81 patients who underwent PE. Disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly decreased in the pNR group compared with those treated with PE (10 vs. 50 months (0-152), P < 0.001 and 13 vs. 50 months (0-152), P < 0.001, respectively). For patients with stage II disease, DFS and OS were similarly decreased in pathologic nonresponders (13 vs. 62 months (0-120), P < 0.001 and 31 vs. 62 months (0-120), P = 0.024, respectively). There were no differences in DFS or OS for patients with stage III disease (10 vs. 14 months (0-152), P = 0.29 and 10 vs. 19 months (0-152), P = 0.16, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Pathologic nonresponders to NCRT for esophageal cancer receive no benefit in DFS or OS compared with patients treated with PE. For patients with stage II disease, DFS and OS are, in fact, significantly decreased in the pNR.

An elevated body mass index does not reduce survival after esophagectomy for cancer

BACKGROUND

Incidences of esophageal cancer and obesity are both rising in the United States. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of elevated body mass index on outcomes after esophagectomy for cancer.

METHODS

Overall and disease-free survivals in obese (BMI ≥ 30), overweight (BMI 25-29), and normal-weight (BMI 20-24) patients undergoing esophagectomy constituted the study end points. Survivals were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were analyzed by log rank method.

RESULTS

The study included 166 obese, 176 overweight, and 148 normal-weight patients. These three groups were similar in terms of demographics and comorbidities, with the exception of younger age (62.5 vs. 66.2 vs. 65.3 years, P = 0.002), and higher incidence of diabetes (23.5 vs. 11.4 vs. 10.1%, P = 0.001) and hiatal hernia (28.3 vs. 14.8 vs. 20.3%, P = 0.01) in obese patients. Rates of adenocarcinoma histology were higher in obese patients (90.8 vs. 90.9 vs. 82.5%, P = 0.03). Despite similar preoperative stage, obese patients were less likely to receive neoadjuvant treatment (47.6 vs. 54.5 vs. 66.2%, P = 0.004). Response to neoadjuvant treatment, type of surgery performed, extent of lymphadenectomy, rate of R0 resections, perioperative complications, and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy were not influenced by BMI. At a median follow-up of 25 months, 5-year overall and disease-free survivals were longer in obese patients (respectively, 48, 41, 34%, P = 0.01 and 48, 44, 34%, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, an elevated BMI did not reduce overall and disease-free survivals after esophagectomy for cancer.

Evidence-based surgical practice in academic medical centers: consistently anecdotal?

INTRODUCTION

Randomized trials, meta-analyses, and guidelines form the basis of clinical decision making. We queried a small sample of surgeons at three academic medical centers to determine whether key elements of surgical practice were concordant with available evidence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A French Society of Digestive Surgery (FSDS) questionnaire was submitted to general surgery trainees and faculty at the University of South Florida and University of Chicago and to surgical oncology fellows at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Participants were asked to respond "never," "rarely," "often," or "always" to 13 questions involving different aspects of gastrointestinal surgery. For each question, a correct evidence-based answer was available from published studies.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

One hundred ten surgeons (79% of eligible participants) completed the survey. Only 60% of the answers were concordant with existing data. The percentages of correct answers did not differ significantly according to institution or level of experience of participants. The low frequency of correct responses in our subjects paralleled the findings from the 2004 FSDS study. Variability in the quality of evidence and ambiguity in the survey questions may have influenced the responses, but evidence-based medicine does not appear to uniformly influence clinical decision making.

Aviation

BACKGROUND

An increased awareness of the need for safety in medicine in general and in surgery in particular has prompted comparisons between the cockpit and the operating room. These comparisons seem to make sense but tend to be oversimplified.

DISCUSSION

Attempts in healthcare to mimic programs that have been credited for the safety of commercial aviation have met with varying results. The risk here is that oversimplified application of an aviation model may result in the abandonment of good ideas in medicine. This paper describes in more depth the differences between medicine and commercial aviation: from the hiring process, through initial operating experience, recurrent training, and the management of emergencies. These programs add up to a cultural difference. Aviation assumes that personnel are subject to mistake making and that systems and culture need to be constructed to catch and mitigate error; medicine is still focused on the perfection of each individual's performance. The implications of these differences are explored.

Perspectives of Third-Year Medical Students Toward Their Surgical Clerkship and a Surgical Career

INTRODUCTION

A deficit of surgeons currently exists in the health care workforce. We have designed a study that identifies predictors of students choosing a career in surgery. First, we conducted two feasibility studies, and on the basis of these data, designed a third study for addressing our specific aims. The design and one-year results for the new study are provided here.

METHODS

For the feasibility studies, students participating in the third-year surgery clerkship at our institution were asked to complete surveys using two different study designs. For the new study, which began in June 2005, students complete surveys covering domains of interest at the beginning of the clerkship and at weekly intervals throughout the clerkship, and will be providing match results.

RESULTS

The feasibility studies offered insight into ways to improve our study design. In the first year of this multi-year study, 93 students participated (response rate = 77%). Forty-five students were women (48%), and the average age was 26.09 (sd 2.85). Proportion of students rating general surgery or a surgery subspecialty in their top three choices for a career increased over the course of the clerkship by 24.7% (n = 32, 34.4% at baseline; n = 55, 59.1% at end of clerkship). Seventy-one students (76.3%) reported having a meaningful experience on the clerkship, and 30 (32.3%) received honors grades.

CONCLUSION

Our study design benefitted from the knowledge we gained from our feasibility studies. We look forward to achieving the necessary sample size in the next several years to report the final results of this study.

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

In the year 2005, an estimated 31,800 people will die of pancreatic cancer in the United States. This disease is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States. Its peak incidence occurs in the seventh and eighth decades of life. Although incidence is roughly equal in the two sexes, African Americans appear to have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer than white Americans. In these NCCN Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma guidelines, only tumors of the exocrine pancreas are discussed; endocrine tumors from the islets of Langerhans and carcinoid tumors are not included.

For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org

Tumorigenicity issues of embryonic carcinoma-derived stem cells: relevance to surgical trials using NT2 and hNT neural cells

Cell therapy is a rapidly moving field with new cells, cell lines, and tissue-engineered constructs being developed globally. As these novel cells are further developed for transplantation studies, it is important to understand their safety profiles both prior to and posttransplantation in animals and humans. Embryonic carcinoma-derived cells are considered an important alternative to stem cells. The NTera2/D1 teratocarcinoma cell-line (or NT2-N cells) gives rise to neuron-like cells called hNT neurons after exposure to retinoic acid. NT2 cells form tumors upon transplantation into the rodent. However, when the NT2 cells are treated with retinoic acid to produce hNT cells, they terminally differentiate into post-mitotic neurons with no sign of tumorigenicity. Preliminary human transplantation studies in the brain of stroke patients also demonstrated a lack of tumorigenicity of these cells. This review focuses on the use of hNT neurons in cell transplantation for the treatment in central nervous system (CNS) diseases, disorders, or injuries and on the mechanism involved in retinoic acid exposure, final differentiation state, and subsequent tumorigenicity issues that must be considered prior to widespread clinical use.

Realistic Expectations and Leadership in the Era of Work Hour Reform1

BACKGROUND

Work hour guidelines and core competencies were introduced to improve surgical education and are changing the landscape of surgical training. We sought to examine perceptions and attitudes regarding the impetus and impact associated with these changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anonymous surveys were distributed to faculty and surgeons-in-training in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, university-based, training program.

RESULTS

Faculty (F, n = 30) and trainees (T, n = 30) agree that lifestyle expectations and long work hours are the principal issues facing surgical education (F = 80%, T = 56%; P = 0.03). Implementation of ACGME guidelines is perceived as NOT improving patient care or clinical experience (F = 100%, T = 90%; P = 0.03) while reducing operative experience (F = 50%, T = 70%). More faculty (>80%) than trainees (33%) are concerned that ACGME guidelines will diminish patient care experiences. Although most (F = 77%, T = 83%; P = NS) agree that hiring additional providers will improve guideline compliance, many oppose ACGME guideline implementation fearing a loss of professionalism. Although both (F = 50%, T = 47%) admonish deficient interpersonal and communication skills as the major impediment to implementing ACGME guidelines, opinions regarding implementation differ. Most faculty (67%) believe ACGME-imposed deadlines are the most influential reason; however, trainees (57%) believe guidelines should be promptly implemented to address long-awaited changes in work environment and surgical graduate medical education.

CONCLUSIONS

Although faculty and trainees' perception of the issues surrounding ACGME guidelines converge, perception of changes following implementation is quite divergent. For successful implementation, leadership must address prevailing attitudes and set realistic expectations. These trends have important implications for planning the future of surgical education, unifying multi-generational colleagues, and improving systems-based practice.

Cholangiocarcinoma: advocate an aggressive operative approach with adjuvant chemotherapy

Cholangiocarcinoma presents many challenges. Prognosis is thought to be determined by conventional predictors of survival; margin status, pathologic criteria, stage, and comorbid disease. Ninety-four patients, 57 males and 37 females, underwent resections for cholangiocarcinoma between 1989 and 2000. Thirty-two patients (34%) had distal tumors, 10 had midduct lesions, and 52 had proximal/intrahepatic lesions. Thirty-four patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomies, 23 bile duct resections alone, and 37 bile duct and concomitant hepatic resections. Tumor location did not influence mean survival (distal, 28 months +/- 23; midduct, 28 months +/- 21; and proximal, 31 months +/- 36). Operation undertaken did not alter survival (bile duct resection, 30 months +/- 37; pancreaticoduodenectomy, 27 months +/- 23; and concomitant bile duct/hepatic resection, 32 months +/- 32). TNM stage failed to predict survival: 5 stage I (29 months +/- 22), 12 stage II (41 months +/- 33), 12 stage III (33 months +/- 19), and 64 stage IV (27 months +/- 32). Tumor size did not influence survival: T1-2 (32 months +/- 33) versus T3-4 lesions (29 months +/- 25). Mean survival with negative margin (n = 67) was 34 months +/- 33, whereas microscopically positive (n = 13, 23.9 months +/- 25) or grossly positive (n = 14, 20.4 months +/- 20) margins were predictive of significantly shorter survival (P < 0.03). Adjuvant treatment (n = 41) was associated with significantly longer survival (40.5 months +/- 36) than those who received no further therapy (n = 53; 24 months +/- 24) (P = 0.05). TNM stage, tumor size, operation undertaken, and location were not associated with duration of survival after resection. Margin status was associated with duration of survival, though extended survival is possible even with positive margins. Advanced stage should not preclude aggressive resection. Without specific contraindications, an aggressive operative approach is advocated followed by adjuvant therapy.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is not associated with a higher complication rate vs. surgery alone in patients undergoing esophagectomy

Recent studies have claimed a higher rate of perioperative complications related to the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal cancer. We tested the hypothesis that neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has no significant effect on the perioperative complication rate. Data on 155 patients with esophageal carcinoma treated between 1996 and 2001 were collected in a prospective database. This included 61 patients (40%) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (group I) and 94 patients (60%) who underwent esophagectomy alone (group II). Neoadjuvant therapy consisted of two courses of cisplatinum and continuous-infusion 5-fluorouracil with radiation followed by esophagectomy. Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy was performed in 146 (94%) and a transhiatal resection in nine (6%). The two groups (I vs. II) were comparable in terms of age (61.3+/-11 years vs. 64.8+/-11 years), diagnosis (adenocarcinoma: 82% vs. 83%; squamous cell carcinoma:11% vs. 16%), and stage (stage 0 to I: 39% vs. 38%; stage II: 25% vs. 34%; stage III: 30% vs. 24%; and stage IV: 6% vs. 4%). The neoadjuvant group had 23 complete responses, 11 partial responses, and 27 nonresponses. There were 39 complications (25.1%) for the cohort, which included three deaths (1.9%) and four anastomotic leaks (2.6%) demonstrated by Gastrografin swallow (1 in group I vs. 3 in group II. Only one leak required reoperation (group II); all others responded to conservative treatment. Group I had 14 complications (22.9%) vs. 25 (26.5%) in group II (P=NS). Groups were comparable with respect to the rate of pulmonary events (4.9% vs. 6.3%), arrhythmias (6.5% vs. 8.5%), and stricture formation (6.5% vs. 7.4%). Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer was not associated with increased perioperative morbidity or mortality. Complete response to chemoradiotherapy also did not affect the complication rate (26% vs. 22%).

Modification of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, c-Src, and Bcl-XL protein expression during the progression of Barrett's neoplasia

Oncogenes, growth factors, cell surface receptors, and cell-cycle and apoptotic regulatory proteins have been implicated in the growth regulation and progression of Barrett's-associated neoplasia. Among these, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1-R) and c-Src are reported to be key regulators of mitogenesis and tumorigenesis. In addition, c-Src may exert its transforming capability by inducing increased expression of IGF1-R on the neoplastic cells. Bcl-X(L), a member of the Bcl-2 family, blocks apoptosis and has been reported to increase in Barrett's-associated neoplasia. To study the modifications in IGF1-R, c-Src, and Bcl-X(L) protein expression during the progression of Barrett's-associated neoplasia, we analyzed 34 resected gastroesophagectomy specimens by immunohistochemistry using antibodies to human IGF1-R, c-Src, and Bcl-X(L). In these cases, we found 22 intestinal (Barrett's) metaplasias (IMs), 25 low-grade dysplasias (LGDs), 28 high-grade dysplasias (HGDs), 34 invasive adenocarcinomas (CAs), and 19 lymph node metastases. High IGF1-R cytoplasmic staining was present in 14 of 19 (74%) node metastases, in 28 of 34 (82%) CAs, in 18 of 28 (64%) HGDs, in 13 of 25 (52%) LGDs, and in 5 of 22 (23%) IMs. Strong and diffuse c-Src expression was identified in 17 of 19 (89%) node metastases, in 29 of 34 (85%) Cas, in 26 of 28 (93%) HGDs, in 18 of 25 (72%) LGDs, and in 9 of 22 (41%) IMs. Bcl-X(L) cytoplasmic staining was evident in 12 of 19 (63%) node metastases, in 20 of 34 (59%) Cas, in 20 of 28 (71%) HGDs, in 15 of 25 (60%) LGDs, and in 6 of 22 (27%) IMs. In 11 cases, c-Src activity was measured by kinase assay and reflected the immunohistochemical results. Our data indicate that expression levels of IGF1-R, c-Src, and Bcl-X(L) proteins are coordinately elevated in Barrett's-associated neoplasia. These findings indicate important roles of these growth regulatory proteins in the malignant progression of Barrett's-associated neoplasia.

Barrett's esophagus and squamous cell carcinoma in a patient with psychogenic vomiting

We report the association of Barrett's esophagus and invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the distal esophagus in a young 31-yr-old woman with a history of self-induced psychogenic vomiting. The development of intestinalized columnar mucosa and esophageal cancer in this young patient illustrates the complicated associations between human behavior and pathogenetic mechanisms involved in esophageal carcinogenesis.

Local excision of rectal tumors

Local excision of rectal cancer is done with the goal of cure or palliation with minimal morbidity. Careful patient selection is paramount to avoid local recurrence. Endorectal sonography has brought accuracy to the preoperative staging of rectal cancer. Patients with ultrasound stage T1 carcinoma of the distal rectum and well-differentiated or moderately well-differentiated histology can be offered local excision, with expected low morbidity and a low risk of recurrence. Pathologic examination of the entire specimen determines favorable or unfavorable histologic features, and is the basis for final decisions made on therapy. The role of adjuvant therapy after local excision is still being defined. Preoperative chemoradiation followed by local excision appears promising for patients with more advanced or very distal tumors who have a complete pathologic response to the neoadjuvant therapy.

Antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect of ascorbyl stearate in human pancreatic cancer cells: association with decreased expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive tumor with short median survival and high mortality rate. Alternative therapeutic modalities are currently being evaluated for pancreatic cancer. Here we studied the effects of ascorbyl stearate (Asc-S), a nontoxic, lipophilic derivative of ascorbic acid, on pancreatic cancer. Treatment of human pancreatic carcinoma cells with Asc-S (50-200 microM) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of their proliferation. Asc-S slowed down the cell cycle, accumulating, PANC-1 cells in late G2-M phase. Furthermore, Asc-S treatment (150 microM) markedly inhibited growth in soft agar and facilitated apoptosis of PANC-1 cells but not of Capan-2 cells. These effects were accompanied by a significant reduction in insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1-R) expression, as compared to untreated controls. Interestingly, Capan-2 cells, the least responsive to Asc-S treatment, did not overexpress the IGF1-R. The results demonstrate the efficacy of Asc-S in inhibing growth of pancreatic cancer cells and warrant additional studies to explore the potential utility of this compound as an alternative and/or adjuvant therapeutic modality for pancreatic cancer.

Location, not staging, of cholangiocarcinoma determines the role for adjuvant chemoradiation therapy

The role of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CT/XRT) in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma is controversial. We undertook this study to determine whether CT/XRT is appropriate after resection of cholangiocarcinomas. One hundred ninety-two patients with cholangiocarcinomas were treated from 1988 to 1999. After resection, patients were assigned a stage (TNM) and were stratified by location of the tumor as intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal tumors. Data are presented as mean +/- standard deviation. Of 192 patients 92 (48%) underwent resections of cholangiocarcinomas. Thirty-four patients had liver resections, 25 had bile duct resections, and 33 underwent pancreaticoduodenectomies. Thirty-four patients had adjuvant CT/XRT, three had adjuvant chemotherapy, four had neoadjuvant CT/XRT, and 50 had no radiation or chemotherapy. Mean survival of resected patients with adjuvant CT/XRT was 42 +/- 37.0 months and without CT/XRT it was 29 24.5 months (P = 0.07). Mean survival of patients with distal tumors receiving or not receiving CT/XRT was 41 +/- 21.8 versus 25 +/- 20.1 months, respectively, (P = 0.04). Adjuvant chemoradiation improves survival after resection for cholangiocarcinoma (P = 0.07) particularly in patients undergoing resection for distal tumors (P = 0.04). Benefits of adjuvant CT/XRT are apparent when stratified by location of cholangiocarcinomas rather than staging.

Local excision of T2 and T3 rectal cancers after downstaging chemoradiation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of local excision in patients with T2 and T3 distal rectal cancers that have been downstaged by preoperative chemoradiation.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

T2 and T3 cancers treated by local excision alone are associated with unacceptably high recurrence rates. The authors hypothesized that preoperative chemoradiation might downstage both T2 and T3 lesions and significantly expand the indications for local excision.

METHODS

Local excision was performed after preoperative chemoradiation on patients with a complete clinical response or on patients who were either ineligible for or refused to undergo abdominoperineal resection. Local excision was approached transanally by removing full-thickness rectal wall and the underlying mesorectum.

RESULTS

From 1994 to 2000, 95 patients with rectal cancers underwent preoperative chemoradiation and surgical resection for curative intent. Of these, 26 patients (28%), 19 men and 7 women, with a mean age of 63 years (range 44-90), underwent local excision. Pretreatment endoscopic ultrasound classifications included 5 T2N0, 13 T3N0, 7 T3N1, and 1 not done. Pathologic partial and complete responses were achieved in 9 of 26 (35%) and 17 of 26 (65%) patients, respectively. Two of nine partial responders underwent immediate abdominoperineal resection. The mean follow-up was 24 months (median 19, range 6-77). The only recurrence was in a patient who refused to undergo abdominoperineal resection after a partial response. There was one postoperative death from a stroke. This treatment was associated with a low rate of complications.

CONCLUSION

Local excision appears to be an effective alternative treatment to radical surgical resection for a highly select subset of patients with T2 and T3 adenocarcinomas of the distal rectum who show a complete pathologic response to preoperative chemoradiation.

Location, not Staging, of Cholangiocarcinoma Determines the Role for Adjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy

The role of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CT/XRT) in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma is controversial. We undertook this study to determine whether CT/XRT is appropriate after resection of cholangiocarcinomas. One hundred ninety-two patients with cholangiocarcinomas were treated from 1988 to 1999. After resection, patients were assigned a stage (TNM) and were stratified by location of the tumor as intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal tumors. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Of 192 patients 92 (48%) underwent resections of cholangiocarcinomas. Thirty-four patients had liver resections, 25 had bile duct resections, and 33 underwent pancreaticoduodenectomies. Thirty-four patients had adjuvant CT/XRT, three had adjuvant chemotherapy, four had neoadjuvant CT/XRT, and 50 had no radiation or chemotherapy. Mean survival of resected patients with adjuvant CT/XRT was 42 ± 37.0 months and without CT/XRT it was 29 ± 24.5 months ( P = 0.07). Mean survival of patients with distal tumors receiving or not receiving CT/XRT was 41 ± 21.8 versus 25 ± 20.1 months, respectively, ( P = 0.04). Adjuvant chemoradiation improves survival after resection for cholangiocarcinoma ( P = 0.07) particularly in patients undergoing resection for distal tumors ( P = 0.04). Benefits of adjuvant CT/XRT are apparent when stratified by location of cholangiocarcinomas rather than staging.

Captopril-associated cholestasis complicating the management of pancreatic cancer

Cholestatic jaundice is a rare complication associated with the use of the angiotensin -converting enzyme inhibitor captopril. The severity of the disease may range from cholestasis on liver histology to overt fulminant hepatic failure. This diagnosis is seldom considered in patients with pancreatic or biliary tract malignancy. We present a patient with unresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas whose jaundice decreased slowly over many weeks despite establishment of adequate endoscopic biliary drainage. The presence of captopril-associated cholestasis confounded confirmation of adequate biliary drainage. The absence of observed hepatic bile secretion at duodenoscopy, as seen in this patient, is a previously unreported endoscopic feature of this syndrome.

Factors affecting morbidity, mortality, and survival in patients undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy

OBJECTIVES

To examine the safety of transthoracic esophagogastrectomy (TTE) in a multidisciplinary cancer center and to determine which clinical parameters influenced survival and the rates of death and complications.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Although the incidence of cancer at the gastroesophageal junction has been rising rapidly in the United States, controversy still exists about the safety of surgical procedures designed to remove the distal esophagus and proximal stomach. Alternatives to TTE have been proposed because of the reportedly high rates of death and complications associated with the procedure.

METHODS

Data from 143 patients treated by TTE by one author (1989-1999) were entered into a computerized database. Preoperative clinical parameters were tested for effect on death, complications, and survival.

RESULTS

The patient population consisted of 127 men and 16 women. One hundred twenty-one patients had a history of tobacco abuse, and 118 reported the regular ingestion of alcohol. One hundred fifteen patients had adenocarcinoma, 16 had squamous cell cancer, 6 had another form of esophageal tumor, and 6 had high-grade dysplasia associated with Barrett epithelia. Fifty-six patients had adenocarcinomas arising in Barrett epithelium. Twenty-eight patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation before surgery. Three patients died within 30 days of surgery (mortality rate 2.1%). Five patients (3.5%) had a documented anastomotic leak; three died). Overall, 42 patients had complications (29%). Twenty-six had pulmonary complications (19%). The mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 3.35 days; the mean hospital length of stay was 13.54 days. The overall 3-year survival rate was 29.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

A high ASA score and the development of complications predicted an increased length of stay. The presence of diabetes predicted the development of complication and an increased length of stay. None of the other parameters tested predicted perioperative death or complications. Only disease stage, diabetes, and blood transfusion affected overall survival. From these results with a large series of patients with gastroesophageal junction cancers, TTE can be performed with a low death rate (2.1%), a low leak rate (3. 5%), and an acceptable complication rate (29%).

Expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in human colorectal cancer

The activation of the insulinlike growth factor 1/IGF-1 receptor system (IGF1/IGF1-R) has recently emerged as critical event in transformation and tumorigenicity of several murine and human tumors. Expression of IGF1 and of IGF1-R has been demonstrated in normal and neoplastic intestinal cell lines of rats and humans. However, the modulation of IGF1-R expression during the progression from normal colonic mucosa to adenoma, to carcinoma, and to metastasis, has not been evaluated. In this retrospective study, we investigated the expression of IGF1-R in 12 colonic adenomas (AD), 36 primary colorectal adenocarcinomas (CA), and in 27 corresponding metastases (MT). Normal colonic mucosa (N) was adjacent to the CA in 34 cases. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of each case were immunostained using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. We used an anti-IGF1-R rabbit polyclonal antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, CA; dilution 1:100). Positive staining was quantitated by CAS-200. Moderate to strong cytoplasmic immunostaining was observed in 34 of 36 CA (96%), and in 25 of 27 MT (93%). In all of the positive MTs, the intensity of the staining was always strong. In 10 of 12 ADs (83%), only a faint cytoplasmic stain was identified. Normal mucosa when present was negative. Strong IGF1-R positivity correlated with higher grade and higher-stage tumors (P < .01). These data suggest a role of IGF1-R expression during the progression of colorectal adenoma to carcinoma. An increased number of IGF1-R receptors may favor the metastasis of colorectal cancer.

Significance of Fas and retinoblastoma protein expression during the progression of Barrett's metaplasia to adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant lesion characterized by replacement of normal squamous epithelium with columnar epithelium. This lesion can progress to dysplasia and adenocarcinoma. Recently, the Fas receptor and retinoblastoma (Rb) protein have been described as important mediators of apoptosis and tumor suppression, respectively. This study was undertaken to examine their expression during the progression of metaplasia to adenocarcinoma in BE.

METHODS

In a review of 56 adenocarcinomas arising in BE, the specimen blocks were examined using the immunohistochemical avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique. For each specimen, areas of normal epithelium were compared with areas of metaplasia, dysplasia, or carcinoma (when present). Monoclonal mouse anti-human antibodies were used to identify Rb protein (Rb-Ab5, 1/50 dilution; Oncogene Science) and the 40-50-kDa cell membrane Fas protein (APO-1/Fas, 1/5 dilution; DAKO Corp.).

RESULTS

Loss of Rb staining was observed as the metaplasia progressed to dysplasia and carcinoma, indicating accumulation of unstainable aberrant protein. Conversely, Fas protein staining was undetectable or weak in normal or metaplastic epithelium, increasing in the areas of high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma. These differences were statistically significant (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The accumulation of abnormal Rb protein during the progression of Barrett's metaplasia to carcinoma leads to unsuppressed tumor growth. Fas overexpression may represent a cellular attempt to balance the uncontrolled tumor proliferation by promoting apoptosis.

Electrically enhanced drug delivery for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Pulsed electric fields have been shown to increase the effectiveness of antineoplastic agents by temporarily increasing the permeability of cell membranes. This type of drug delivery is called electrochemotherapy, and it has been successful in the treatment of patients with cutaneous malignancies in clinical trials. This study focused on determining the applicability of electrochemotherapy to the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, using an animal model bearing human sarcomas. The antitumor effects of single and multiple electrochemotherapy treatments were investigated using small (250 mm3) and large (4000 mm3) tumors.

METHODS

Established tumors were injected with bleomycin, then electric pulses were administered to the tumor site. Animals were followed based on periodic tumor volume determinations, which were used to categorize treatment of each tumor as a complete response, a partial response, stable disease, or progressive disease. Histologic analysis was used to confirm response data.

RESULTS

Animals were randomly assigned to one of four different treatment groups. These groups received no treatment, drug only, electric pulses only, or drug combined with electric pulses. A single electrochemotherapy treatment protocol for small tumors resulted in a 100% complete response rate and a 41.7% cure rate. Multiple treatments of small and large tumors resulted in complete response rates of 83.3% and 100%, respectively. These responses were identical to the cure rates. In contrast, tumors in the groups that received no treatment, electric pulses only, and drug only progressed for both single treatment and multiple treatment scenarios, regardless of tumor size.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a single electrochemotherapy treatment had a strong cytoreductive effect on small tumors that lasted approximately 35 days, until recurrences began. Multiple treatment of small and large tumors resulted in high complete response rates that lasted at least 100 days after treatment. This indicates the feasibility of electrochemotherapy as a modality of limb-preserving treatment for patients with sarcoma of the extremities.

Barrett's Esophagus and Barrett's Associated Neoplasia: Etiology and Pathologic Features

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Barrett's esophagus (BE) has been increasing in recent years. Patients with BE have 30- to 125-fold increased risk of developing adenocarcinoma. New techniques allowing early diagnosis, in addition to the identification of markers capable of predicting tumor progression, are needed. METHODS: The authors discuss the diagnostic features of BE and BE-associated neoplasia. RESULTS: BE can exhibit different types of metaplastic mucosa, but only the specialized (intestinal) mucosa has the potential to progress to dysplasia and carcinoma. The problems associated with diagnosing BE and with predicting the behavior of this condition are outlined. CONCLUSIONS: Studies are underway to identify molecular markers capable of predicting which BE patient will progress to carcinoma. Brush cytology and flow cytometry may become useful tools in the early detection of this disease.

Analysis of p53, p21WAF1, and TGF-beta1 in human ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas: TGF-beta1 protein expression predicts longer survival

Loss of p53 and p21WAF1 expression have previously been reported in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Despite these findings in several reports of oncogene and tumor suppressor gene alterations in pancreatic cancer, the clinical significance of these changes is still poorly understood. In an attempt to detect molecular prognostic markers for pancreatic carcinoma, we studied the immunohistochemical expression of p53, p21WAF1, and TGF-beta1 proteins in 42 pancreatic adenocarcinomas of the ductal type. The results were correlated with clinicopathologic findings to identify the markers with prognostic significance. p53 nuclear immunoreactivity was seen in 20 (48%) of the cases, and it was strong to moderate in 14 (33%) of them. p21WAF1 cytoplasmic positivity was found in 16 (38%) of the tumors, with 72% staining strong to moderate. TGF-beta1 stained the cytoplasm of the tumor cells in 13 (31%). Of the p53-negative cases, 12 (54%) exhibited p21WAF1 expression. In 3 (30%) of cases, TGF-beta1 reactivity was seen in the absence of p53 and p21WAF1 p53 positivity identified tumors of higher grade, but did not correlate with stage or survival. TGF-beta1 expression, however, identified low-grade tumors and patients with longer survival. No correlation was found between the expression of any of these molecular markers and smoking history. We report a significant correlation between TGF-beta1 reactivity and low-grade tumors and between TGF-beta1 and better survival. This is a novel finding pointing to TGF-beta1 as a possible new stage-independent predictor of tumor survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. In agreement with others, we also found p53 mutation in 20 (48%) of the tumors.