Background
Additional histologic features of T3 colon cancer, such as tumour depth invasion beyond muscularis propria and elastic lamina invasion (ELI), have taken interest for a more accurate ...staging.
Methods
Patients with pT3 and pT4a (control group) colon adenocarcinoma were retrospectively collected from our institutional database. The study group was divided according to depth of tumour invasion < 5 mm and ≥ 5 mm, and into ELI − and ELI + . Chi-square test was used to compare the clinicopathological characteristics. OS and DFS were estimated using Kaplan–Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were employed to assess the effect on OS and DFS.
Results
Out of 290 pT3 tumours, 168 (58%) had a depth of tumour invasion < 5 mm and 122 (42%) ≥ 5 mm. The 5-year OS and DFS were 85.2, 68.7 and 60.9%, and 81.4, 73.9 and 60.1% in pT3 < 5 mm, pT3 ≥ 5 mm, and pT4a respectively (
p
= 0.001,
p
= 0.072). Considering ELI − (
n
= 157, 54%) and ELI + (
n
= 133, 46%), the 5-year OS and DFS were 78.9, 76.7, and 60.9%, and 75.5, 81.5, and 60.1% in ELI − , ELI + and pT4a respectively (
p
= 0.955,
p
= 0.462). At multivariable analysis, the depth of invasion was found to be an independent predictive factor for OS (HR 2.04, 95%CI 1.28–3.24,
p
= 0.003) and DFS (HR 1.98, 95%CI 1.24–3.18,
p
= 0.004), while ELI did not result a prognostic factor for OS nor DFS.
Conclusion
In pT3 colon cancer, depth of tumour invasion ≥ 5 mm is an independent risk factor for OS and DFS, whereas ELI did not result a prognostic factor affecting OS nor DFS.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2/CTGF) has been traditionally described as a downstream mediator of other profibrotic factors including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and angiotensin ...II. However, recent evidence from our group demonstrated the direct role of CCN2 in maintaining aortic wall homeostasis and acute and lethal aortic aneurysm development induced by angiotensin II in the absence of CCN2 in mice. In order to translate these findings to humans, we evaluated the potential association between three polymorphisms in the
gene and the presence of a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). Patients with and without TAA retrospectively selected were genotyped for rs6918698, rs9402373 and rs12526196 polymorphisms related to the
gene. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed. In our population of 366 patients (69 with TAA), no associations were found between rs6918698 and rs9402373 and TAA. However, the presence of one C allele from rs12526196 was associated with TAA comparing with the TT genotype, independently of risk factors such as sex, age, hypertension, type of valvulopathy and the presence of a bicuspid aortic valve (OR = 3.17; 95% CI = 1.30-7.88;
= 0.011). In conclusion, we demonstrated an association between the C allele of rs12526196 in the CCN2 gene and the presence of TAA. This study extrapolates to humans the relevance of CCN2 in aortic aneurysm observed in mice and postulates, for the first time, a potential protective role to CCN2 in aortic aneurysm pathology. Our results encourage future research to explore new variants in the CCN2 gene that could be predisposed to TAA development.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background
The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and body fat composition (measured with radiological fat parameters (RFP)) and pathological response ...after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer patients. The secondary aim of the study was to assess the role of BMI and RFP on major surgical complications, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS).
Methods
All patients who underwent surgical resection following nCRT between 2005 and 2017 for mid-low rectal cancer were retrospectively collected. Visceral fat area (VFA), superficial fat area (SFA), visceral/superficial fat area ratio (V/S), perinephric fat thickness (PNF), and waist circumference (WC) were estimated by baseline CT scan. Predictors of pathologic response and postoperative complications were investigated using logistic regression analysis. The correlations between BMI and radiologic fat parameters and survival were investigated using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test.
Results
Out of 144 patients included, a complete (TRG1) and major (TRG1+2) pathologic response was reported in 32 (22%) and 60 (45.5%) cases, respectively. A statistically significant correlation between BMI and all the RFP was found. At a median follow-up of 60 (35–103) months, no differences in terms of OS and DFS were found considering BMI and radiologic fat parameters. At univariable analysis, neither BMI nor radiologic fat parameters were predictors of complete or major pathologic response; nevertheless, VFA, V/S>1, and BMI were predictors of postoperative major complications.
Conclusions
We found no associations between BMI and body fat composition and pathological response to nCRT, although VFA, V/S, and BMI were predictors of major complications. BMI and RFP are not related to worse long-term OS and DFS.
The surgical management of retroperitoneal sarcomas frequently involves complex multivisceral resections, however retroperitoneal liposarcoma (LPS) rarely invade major abdominal vessels. The aim of ...the study was to assess association of major vascular resections with outcome of primary LPS.
All consecutive patients who underwent resection at our institutions for primary LPS between 2002 and 2019 were included. A propensity matched analysis was performed, adjusting the groups for the variables of Sarculator, to assess the effect of vascular resection on oncological outcomes.
Overall 425 patients were identified. Twenty-four (5%) patients had vascular resection. At final pathology 18 patients had vascular infiltration, 2 vascular encasement and 4 involvement without infiltration. Vascular resection was associated with longer operative time (480′ vs. 330’; p < 0.001) and greater need for transfusions (4 vs. 0 units; p < 0.001), and was burdened by a higher rate of major complications (54% vs. 25%; p = 0.002). After propensity matched analysis, patients undergoing vascular resection had a lower 5-year OS (60% vs. 81%; p = 0.05), and a higher incidence of local and distant recurrence at 5 years (local: 45% vs. 24%, p = 0.05; distant: 20% vs. 0%, p = 0.04).
Vascular resection is feasible and safe even in the context of multivisceral resection for primary retroperitoneal liposarcomas, although associated to a higher complication rate. However, the independent association between vascular involvement and a higher risk of local recurrence, distant metastases and death may imply a more aggressive biology, which should be factored in the initial management of this complex disease.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Hepatic artery anomalies (HAA) may have an impact on surgical and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).
Patients who underwent PD at our institution between July ...2015 and January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and classified into two groups: group 1, with presence of HAA, and group 2, with no HAA. A weighted logistic regression model was employed to assess the association between HAA and postoperative complications, and to assess the association between HAA and R status in patients with pancreatic cancer.
502 patients were considered for analysis, with 75 (15%) of them in group 1. They had either an accessory (n = 28, 40.8%) or replaced (n = 26, 36.6%) right hepatic artery. Most patients underwent surgery for a malignancy (n = 451; 90%); among them, vascular resection was performed in 69 cases (15%). The presence of a HAA was reported at preoperative imaging only in 4 cases (5%) and the aberrant vessel was preserved in 72% of patients. At weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis, HAA were not associated to higher odds of morbidity (odds ratio OR: 0.753, 95% confidence interval CI: 0.543-1.043) nor to R1 status in case of pancreatic cancer (OR: 1.583, 95% CI: 0.979-2.561).
At our institution, the presence of HAA does not have an impact on postoperative outcomes or affects oncological clearance after PD. Hospitals', surgeons', volume and systematic review of preoperative imaging are all factors that help reduce possible adverse events.
Abstract
Background
The Cellular Communication Network Factor-2 (CCN2/CTGF) has been traditionally described as a downstream mediator of other profibrotic factors including transforming growth factor ...(TGF)-ß and Angiotensin II. However, recent evidence from our group demonstrated the direct role of CCN2 in maintaining aortic wall homeostasis and, in addition, the development of acute and lethal aortic aneurysm induced by Angiotensin II in absence of CCN2 in mice. In order to translate these findings to humans, we evaluated the potential association between three polymorphisms in the CCN2 gene and the presence of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA).
Material and methods
69 patients with TAA and 297 controls were genotyped for rs6918698, rs9402373 and rs12526196 polymorphisms related to CCN2 gene.Multivariable logistic regression models were performed.
Results and conclusions
While no associations were found between rs6918698 and rs9402373 with TAA development, patients carrying the C allele from rs12526196 polymorphism have a higher probability of suffering TAA compared to patients with TT genotype, independently of other risk factors such as sex, age, hypertension, type of valvulopathy and presence of bicuspid aortic valve (OR = 3.17; 95% CI = 1.30–7.88;P = 0.011). This study extrapolates to humans the relevance of CCN2 in aortic aneurysm observed in mice and postulate, for the first time, a protective role to CCN2 in aortic aneurysm pathology. Our results encourage future research to explore new variants, polymorphisms or mutations, in the CCN2 gene that could be predisposing to TAA development.
Funding
Research funded by ISCIII (PI20/000140, PI18/00694, PI19/00184, PI20/00639); RICORS2040-KIDNEY-DISEASE (RD21/0005/0002, RD21/0005/0017); Sara-Borrell-CD20/00042; Miguel-Servet-CP18/00106; Sociedad Española de Nefrología.
Abstract Background and aims The association of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) in the same patient is well known. We aimed to evaluate the ...degree of knowledge that patients with IBD have regarding the coexistence of other IMIDs and to analyze the factors associated with the concordance between self-reported and confirmed medical information. Methods Patients with IBD at a tertiary hospital answered a questionnaire on the presence of 54 IMIDs (self-reported diagnosis), and their IMID diagnosis was confirmed in their medical records (reference diagnosis). Agreement between the self-reported IMID and the IMID according to medical records was evaluated. The association between concordance and different predictors was evaluated using logistic regression models. Results A total of 1,620 patients were included. Six hundred and twenty-six (39%) patients were diagnosed with at least one IMID, and 177 (11%) with two or more. Overall agreement between patients´ self-report and medical records was k:0.61. When we grouped IMIDs according to affected organs or systems, agreement on rheumatic IMIDs was moderate (k:0.58), whereas agreement on cutaneous (k:0.66), endocrine (k: 0.74) and ocular (k:0.73) IMIDs was substantial. Among patients who had IMIDs, the factor associated with greater concordance was female gender, while lower concordance was associated with a lower educational level and the fact that the IMID had been diagnosed at the same time or later than IBD. Conclusion The knowledge that patients with IBD have regarding the coexistence of other IMIDs is poor, especially in rheumatic IMIDs.
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GEOZS, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPUK
A critical early step in a clinical trial is defining the study sample that appropriately represents the target population from which the sample will be drawn. Envisaging a “run-in” process in study ...design may accomplish this task; however, the traditional run-in requires additional patients, increasing times, and costs. The possible use of the available a-priori data could skip the run-in period. In this regard, ML (machine learning) techniques, which have recently shown considerable promising usage in clinical research, can be used to construct individual predictions of therapy response probability conditional on patient characteristics. An ensemble model of ML techniques was trained and validated on twin randomized clinical trials to mimic a run-in process within this framework. An ensemble ML model composed of 26 algorithms was trained on the twin clinical trials. SuperLearner (SL) performance for the Verum (Treatment) arm is above 70% sensitivity. The Positive Predictive Value (PPP) achieves a value of 80%. Results show good performance in the direction of being useful in the simulation of the run-in period; the trials conducted in similar settings can train an optimal patient selection algorithm minimizing the run-in time and costs of conduction.
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DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The aim of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term clinical outcomes, including the perceived health-related quality of life, in patients younger than 65 years having undergone aortic valve ...replacement either with biological or mechanical valve prostheses.
Between 2002 and 2013, 242 consecutive patients <65 years of age underwent isolated aortic valve replacement at our institution, either with biological (n = 134, 55.4%) or mechanical (n = 108, 44.6%) prostheses. Survival, health-related quality of life, short- and long-term clinical outcomes and echocardiographic data were analysed with a retrospective, single-centre study. Propensity matching was performed.
No significant difference in survival was found between the 2 groups (mechanical versus biological: 100% vs 96.6% at 1 year, 98.2% vs 93.1% at 5 years and 92.3% vs 83.4% at 10 years after surgery, P = 0.091). For all the interviewed patients (n = 161, 66.5%), perceived quality of life at the latest follow-up was excellent. Need for reoperation was higher in the bioprosthetic group (8% vs 0%, P = 0.995), whereas the rate of major bleedings was higher in the mechanical valve group (3% vs 20%, P = 0.094). The mean and maximum transvalvular pressure gradients were 20.5 ± 9.7 and 37.4 ± 17.5 mmHg in the biological group and 14.8 ± 4.8 and 26.6 ± 9.2 mmHg in the mechanical group (P = 0.014).
No significant differences were found between biological and mechanical valves in terms of patients' survival, clinical outcomes and quality of life. Mean and maximum transvalvular pressure gradients were significantly higher in the biological group. The majority of patients would opt for the same prosthesis type, if asked to choose again.
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