European Journal of Surgical Oncology

Editorial Board

2010-08-01

Gastric cancer in the elderly: An overview

M.W. Saif, N. Makrilia, A. Zalonis, M. Merikas, K. Syrigos — 2010-08-01

Abstract: Aims: Gastric cancer in the elderly represents a distinct entity with specific clinicopathological characteristics and the majority of affected patients belong to this age group. Subtotal or total gastrectomy with radical lymph node dissection, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy or perioperative chemotherapy represent the only potentially curative treatment options and seem to be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates in selected elderly patients. Published research is very limited due to the strict selection and under-representation of elderly patients in clinical trials. A review of current recommendations and practice was performed.Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed searching Medline for articles published since 1974, using “gastric cancer”, “elderly” and “treatment” as keywords.Observations: The data suggest that elderly patients that fulfill the inclusion criteria of clinical trials experience the same advantages and toxicities from chemotherapy as younger patients. Fit elderly patients with operable gastric cancer should be candidates for the standard surgical resection provided that preoperative comorbidities are taken into account. Perioperative chemotherapy or postoperative chemoradiotherapy should be added in case of locally advanced disease. Palliative systemic chemotherapy seems to prolong survival in recurrent and metastatic disease.Conclusions: Chronological age alone is not sufficient reason to withhold curative or palliative treatment from an elderly gastric cancer patient. Performance status does not suffice in order to estimate the general condition of elderly patients and cofactors regarding their functional, social and mental status have to be considered.

Prognosis evaluation in alpha-fetoprotein negative hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy: Comparison of five staging systems

X.-F. Zhang, X. Qi, B. Meng, C. Liu, L. Yu, B. Wang, Y. Lv — 2010-08-01

Abstract: Aims: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) loses its potentials in treatment evaluation and prognosis prediction in patients with AFP negative (≤20 ng/ml) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study was to identify the risk factors affecting postoperative survival of AFP negative patients and to determine the optimal staging system in predicting the survival of these patients.Methods: The data of 306 in total and 98 AFP negative patients amongst were retrospectively reviewed. The risk factors affecting survivals of the patients were identified. And various staging systems were compared, including the sixth tumor node metastasis (TNM) system, Okuda staging, Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score, the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, and the Japan Integrated Staging (JIS) score.Results: AFP negative patients tended to have intact tumor capsule and earlier staged tumor by TNM, CLIP and BCLC. The independent risk factors worsening overall survival of AFP negative patients were absence of tumor capsule, Child-Pugh classification B, hepatitis B surface antigen positive and BCLC stage B–C. The risk factors promoting tumor recurrence were tumor size of >3 cm, distribution in two lobes, Okuda stage B–C and BCLC stage B–C.Conclusion: Normal AFP level implies earlier staged tumors. BCLC has the strongest potential in prognosis evaluation in AFP negative patients.

Results of single-probe microwave ablation of metastatic liver cancer

R. Hompes, S. Fieuws, R. Aerts, M. Thijs, F. Penninckx, B. Topal — 2010-08-01

Abstract: Aims: Microwave ablation (MWA) is the most recent development in the field of local ablative therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variability and reproducibility of single-probe MWA vs. radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver metastases smaller than 3cm in patients without underlying liver disease.Methods: Sixteen liver metastases were treated using MWA, and matched for size and localisation with 13 metastases treated by RFA. Tumour diameters and postoperative ablation diameters were recorded (D1 transverse; D2 antero-posterior; D3 cranio-caudal; mm) on computed tomography scans.Results: Median D1, D2, and D3 ablation diameters after MWA vs. RFA were 18.5 (12–64) vs. 34 (16–41)mm (p=0.003), 26 (14–60) vs. 35 (28–40)mm (p=0.046), and 20 (10–73) vs. 32 (20–45)mm (p=0.025), respectively. As compared to RFA, the variability between the lesions after MWA was significantly higher for D2 (p<0.0001) and D3 (p=0.002) but not for D1 (p=0.15). The ablation diameters were less uniform after MWA than after RFA (p<0.001).Conclusion: Ablation diameters after single-probe MWA of metastatic liver tumours are highly variable and suboptimal. Improvements are needed before MWA can be implemented routinely.

Observational study of blue dye-assisted four-node sampling for axillary staging in early breast cancer

2010-08-01

Abstract: Background: The use of radioisotopes (RIs) is regulated and not all institutions have nuclear medicine facilities for sentinel node biopsy (SNB). We previously reported blue dye-assisted four-node axillary sampling (4NAS/dye) to be a suitable method for detecting sentinel nodes (SNs) without RIs. Here, we present an interim report on an observational study of this technique.Methods: From May 2003 to June 2008, 234 early breast cancer patients underwent SNB with 4NAS/dye. Lymphatic mapping was performed by injection of patent blue, and axillary sampling was performed until 4 SNs were detected. Patients with metastatic SNs underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) at levels I and II, while SN-negative patients did not undergo further axillary procedures.Results: The SN identification rate was 99%. In total, 44 patients were diagnosed with metastatic disease by using the 4NAS/dye technique and underwent ALND; the remaining 189 patients did not undergo ALND (the SNB group). After a median follow-up period of 54 months, only 1 patient (0.5%) in the SNB group developed axillary recurrence. For the 4NAS/dye procedure, blue SNs were harvested in 220 patients (94%) and only unstained SNs were harvested in 13 patients (6%). Among the 44 patients with SN metastases, foci were found in blue SNs in 37 patients (84%), while they were found in only unstained SNs in 7 patients (16%).Conclusions: SNB with 4NAS/dye is a safe and reliable technique for treatment of early breast cancer patients. This technique may be particularly useful for surgeons who do not have access to radioisotope facilities.

Intra-operative evaluation of the sentinel lymph node for T1-N0 breast-cancer patients: Always or never? A risk/benefit and cost/benefit analysis

2010-08-01

Abstract: Aim: To investigate whether omitting intra-operative staging of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in T1-N0 breast-cancer patients is feasible and convenient because it could allow a more efficient management of human and logistic resources without leading to an unacceptable increase in the rate of delayed axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).Methods: According to the experimental procedure, T1a–T1b-patients were to not receive any intra-operative SLN evaluation on frozen sections (FS). In all T1c-patients, the SLN was macroscopically examined; if the node appeared clearly free of disease, no further intra-operative assessment was performed; if the node was clearly metastatic or presented a dubious aspect, the pathologist proceeded with analysis on FS. T2-patients, enrolled in the study as reference group, were treated according to the institutional standard procedure; they all received SLN staging on FS.Results: The study included 395 T1-N0-patients. Among the 118 T1a–T1b-patients whose SLN was not analyzed at surgery, 12 (10.2%) were recalled for ALND. In the group of 258 T1c-patients, 112 received SLN analysis on FS and 146 did not. An SLN falsely negative either at macroscopic or FS examination was found in 33 (12.8%) cases. Overall, the rate of recall for ALND was 11.6% as compared to 8.4% in T2-patients. Using the experimental protocol, the institution reached a 9.6% cost saving, as compared to the standard procedure.Conclusions: Omission of SLN intra-operative staging in T1-N0-patients is rather safe. It provides the institution with both management and economical advantages.

Does immediate breast reconstruction using free flaps lead to delay in the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer?

M. Kontos, R.S. Lewis, M. Lüchtenborg, L. Holmberg, H. Hamed — 2010-08-01

Abstract: Background: Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) using Free flaps is becoming increasingly popular. However, these are complex surgical procedures with more complications and longer recovery time, which can potentially delay adjuvant treatment. Our aim is to investigate the impact of free flap IBR on the timing of adjuvant treatment.Methods: Details of all breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy with (study group) and without (control group) free flap IBR, followed by adjuvant treatment between 2002 and 2007 were obtained. The time lapse between surgery and adjuvant therapy was calculated and the causes of delay were recorded. The results were compared between the two groups and with local and international guidelines.Results: Twenty-seven and 139 patients were included in the study and control group, respectively. The mean time period between surgery and commencement of adjuvant treatment for the study group was 55 days compared with 40 days for the controls. Furthermore, significantly less IBR patients received their adjuvant treatment within 6, 8 or 10 weeks after surgery in comparison to the control group. Groups appeared similar however at 12-week point. The reason for the delays was reconstruction-related surgical complications.Conclusion: There is a significant delay in the commencement of adjuvant treatment after mastectomy and free flap IBR in comparison to mastectomy alone patients due to reconstruction related surgical complications. The effects of this delay on survival have not been fully investigated yet and may be significant for at least some of the patients.

Regional variation in use of immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer in England

2010-08-01

Abstract: Aims: English national guidelines recommend that breast reconstruction is made available to women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy. We examined the use of immediate reconstruction (IR) across English Cancer Networks, who are responsible for the regional organisation of cancer services and ensuring equitable access to treatment.Methods: We analysed Hospital Episodes Statistics data for all women with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy in the English NHS between April 2006 and February 2009. IR rates were calculated for the 30 Networks. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust the rates for patient age, comorbidity, ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation.Results: Of 44 837 mastectomy patients, 7375 (16.5%) underwent IR. The IR rate was highest in women under 50 years (32.7%) and lowest in women aged 70 years or over (1.5%), and was lower in women with more comorbidities. Unadjusted IR rates varied from 8.4% to 31.9% among the 30 Networks (p<0.001). Adjusting for their patient characteristics did not appreciably reduce Network-level variation, with adjusted IR rates still ranging from 8.0% to 29.4% (p<0.001). The risk-model also suggested that non-white women and those from more deprived areas were less likely to undergo immediate reconstruction.Conclusions: There is substantial regional variation in immediate reconstruction use in England that is not explained by the characteristics of the local patient population. English Cancer Networks should act to reduce this variation. They should also examine why rates of reconstruction differ between particular patient groups.

Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast. Long-term follow-up of health-related quality of life, emotional reactions and body image

H. Sackey, K. Sandelin, J. Frisell, M. Wickman, Y. Brandberg — 2010-08-01

Abstract: Aims: To investigate and compare long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL), body image, and emotional reactions in women with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS) treated with different surgical methods.Patients and Methods: A total of 162 women were included in the study (47 had mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR), 51 sector resection alone and 64 sector resection and postoperative radiotherapy). All women included in the study were asked to complete three questionnaires 4–15 years after surgery: the SF-36 for HRQoL, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, and the Body Image Scale (BIS). The response rate was 81%.Results: Women in all three study groups had, overall, a very satisfactory HRQoL in the long term, similar to women in the general population. Women who underwent mastectomy and IBR scored significantly higher on physical functioning and bodily pain than the other two study groups as well as their age-adjusted norm groups. The addition of radiotherapy to breast-conserving therapy did not seem to have any negative impact on long-term HRQoL. Our results show significant differences between the three study groups for six of ten BIS items, with a greater proportion of women in the mastectomy and IBR group reporting problems.Conclusions: Women treated for DCIS have a very satisfactory long-term HRQoL. However, body image appeared to be negatively affected in mastectomy and IBR patients. Our results indicate that these women need more preoperative information about what changes in body image to expect after surgery.

Primary appendiceal carcinoma – Epidemiology, surgery and survival: Results of a German multi-center study

2010-08-01

Abstract: Background: While carcinoma of the colon is a common malignancy, primary carcinoma of the appendix is rare. Many retrospective reviews outlined experience from different centers on appendiceal neoplasms. However, the study population is often small because it is so rare. The aim of this study was to analyze the type of surgery and survival of patients with appendiceal malignancies using data from a German multi-center observational study (31 341 patients).Methods: During a five-year period, 196 consecutive patients with malignant appendiceal tumors were distributed into four groups: appendiceal carcinoids, adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma. The following parameters were analyzed: demographics, clinical presentation, comorbidities, type and appropriateness of surgery, final pathology and survival.Results: Adenocarcinoma had the highest incidence (50.5%). The most common presentation was that of acute appendicits. Mean age at presentation was youngest for carcinoid tumors. Carcinoid tumors had lowest tumor size and localized disease was present in 72.9%. Metastatic spread at presentation was highest for adenosquamous and mucinous adenocarcinoma and each had a distinct pattern. Right hemicolectomy was performed in 71.4%, limited resection in 11.7%. Overall 5-year survival was 83.1% for carcinoid vs. 49.2% for non-carcinoid tumors. Histological subtype and tumor stage significantly affected survival.Conclusions: Long-term outcome of carcinoid tumors is superior to non-carcinoid neoplasms. Among all appendiceal neoplasms, adenosquamous carcinoma is the rarest histological subtype which is most commonly associated with advanced tumor stage and worst prognosis. Appropriate oncologic resection is being performed in a significant percentage of cases in Germany. However, the high rate of right hemicolectomy in patients with small carcinoid tumors needs to be critically discussed.

Clinical utility of elevated tumor markers in patients with disseminated appendiceal malignancies treated by cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC

A. Ross, A. Sardi, C. Nieroda, B. Merriman, V. Gushchin — 2010-08-01

Abstract: Background: Appendiceal malignancies with peritoneal spread have been successfully treated with Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The aim of this study is to clarify the utility of common tumor markers in selecting patients for the combined treatment.Methods: Data on 56 patients with appendiceal neoplasms treated with CRS and HIPEC were prospectively collected. Chi square test was used to analyze a link between common tumor markers and completeness of cytoreduction score (CC score) and preoperative peritoneal cancer index score (PCI score). Cox proportional hazard model was used to perform survival analysis.Results: Forty-two patients were alive after 3 years of follow-up. Hazard ratio of disease related death was 5.6 (95% CI, 1.8–17.2) among patients with high CC score as compared to those with low CC score. Number of abnormal tumor markers (0 vs 1/2/3) correlated with PCI score 16.2 vs 32.5 (p < 0.001) but not with completeness of cytoreduction or survival. The 3-year survival rates in patients with normal vs abnormal CA 125 levels were 83% vs 52%(p = 0.003).Conclusions: Multiple abnormal tumor markers were not useful as an exclusion criterion for patients undergoing CRS. Elevation in CA 125 was an important indicator of survival in these patients. Complete cytoreduction was crucial for long-term survival.

Lymph node management in clinically node-negative patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma

S. Vergez, J. Sarini, J. Percodani, E. Serrano, Ph. Caron — 2010-08-01

Abstract: Aims: Systematic lymph node dissection in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to study the pattern of lymph node spread in patients with PTC clinically node-negative and then to propose a lymph node management strategy.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy and a systematic central neck dissection (CND) and lateral neck dissection. Ninety patients with PTC without lymph nodes metastases (LNM) detected on preoperative palpation and ultrasonographic examination were included.Results: Forty-one patients (45.5%) had LNM. Twenty-eight patients (31%) had a central and a lateral involvement. Thirteen patients (14.5%) had only a central involvement. All the patients without LNM in the central compartment were also free in the lateral compartment. There was no correlation between LNM status and TNM staging.The largest LNM in the central compartment was smaller than or equal to 5mm in 66% of the cases, and that could explain the lack of sensitivity of the preoperative ultrasonographic examination.Conclusion: CND could be considered at preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis of PTC whereas lateral neck dissection should be performed only in patients with preoperative suspected and/or intraoperatively proven LNM. Systematic CND allows an objective evaluation of lymph node status in this central cervical area where the LNM are particularly small and difficult to detect preoperatively.

Ratio of marked and excised sentinel lymph nodes and scintigraphic appearance time in melanoma patients with negative sentinel lymph node

E. Richtig, P. Komericki, M. Trapp, A. Ott, B. Bisail, J.W. Egger, I. Zalaudek — 2010-08-01

Abstract: Aim: Metastases can occur in up to 15% of all melanoma patients with negative sentinel lymph node examination (SN –). We retrospectively investigated the number of preoperatively marked sentinel lymph nodes (SNs) with lymphoscintigraphy and effectively surgically removed SNs in SN – patients with cutaneous melanoma ≥0.5 mm. Ratio of these parameters was calculated and impact of this ratio as well as impact of scintigraphic appearance time (SAT) on disease progression was studied.Materials and methods: Data on 122 SN – patients — 70 women (58%), mean age 56.5 years — were analyzed. Mean follow-up time was 58 months.Results: Mean tumour thickness of all patients was 2.3 mm. In 51 patients (42%) the number of SNs marked in lymphoscintigraphy was higher than excised in surgery, in 47 patients (38%) the same number as marked was excised and in 24 patients (20%) a lower number was marked than excised. Metastases occurred in 17 patients (14%) after a mean time of 24.8 months. Mean tumour thickness (5.4 mm) was significantly higher in these patients than in the other patients (p = 0.000). Ratio of marked and excised SNs had no influence on disease progression; the only parameter influencing outcome was tumour thickness (p = 0.000). Short SAT was significantly associated with higher tumour thickness (p = 0.004).Conclusion: Our study indicates that, in routine clinical practice, it suffices to harvest the first SN, as the ratio of marked and excised SNs has no impact on disease progression.

Paratubal borderline tumor incidentally found during cesarean section: Case report and review of literature

B. Kumbak, H. Celik, B. Cobanoglu, B. Gurates — 2010-08-01

Abstract: Diagnosis of a gynecologic malignancy during cesarean section is quite rare. We report a case of a 39-year-old, nulliparous woman who underwent elective cesarean section during which a paratubal cyst was noticed and removed. The pathology revealed serous borderline tumor. Subsequent staging laparotomy was done 23 days after cesarean section. She was diagnosed with stage IC paratubal serous borderline tumor and underwent no further therapy. For the time being 15 months have passed from the staging laparotomy and she is currently free of disease recurrence. This case presented the importance of the evaluation of adnexa during cesarean section together with a short review of the literature on the rare paratubal borderline tumors and the role of fertility-sparing, conservative surgery in their management.

Calendar of Events 2010–2011

2010-08-01

4th Latin American Conference on Lung Cancer 28–30 July 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Announcements

2010-08-01

The ESSO Education Committee is pleased to offer one major fellowship of 10.000 EUR and 5 standard fellowships of 2.000 EUR for young surgeons to visit a specialist centre and develop their experience or be trained in new techniques. The major fellowship is aimed for a training of 6 months and over whereas the standard fellowships are designed for a one-to-three month training.