Featured Articles Archive

Kothari, A.N., DiBrito, S.R., Lee, J.J. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10291-9

Citation:

Kothari, A.N., DiBrito, S.R., Lee, J.J. et al. Surgical Outcomes in Cancer Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery After Recovering from Mild-to-Moderate SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 8046–8053 (2021).

Synopsis:  A wait time of 20 days after recovering from mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be safe for cancer patients undergoing low-risk elective surgery. Patients requiring inpatient treatment of COVID-19 prior to surgery are at increased risk for adverse events.

Antonio, C.C.P., Alida, G.G., Elena, G.G. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-11087-7

Citation: Antonio, C.C.P., Alida, G.G., Elena, G.G. et al. Cytoreductive Surgery With or Without HIPEC After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: A Phase 3 Clinical Trial. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have shown their efficacy in multiple malignancies. The authors report the results of a single-center, randomized, prospective phase III clinical trial of interval CRS with or without HIPEC in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer (NCT-02328716).

Hempel, S., Oehme, F., Tahirukaj, E. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10292-8

Citation:

Hempel, S., Oehme, F., Tahirukaj, E. et al. More is More? Total Pancreatectomy for Periampullary Cancer as an Alternative in Patients with High-Risk Pancreatic Anastomosis: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 8309–8317 (2021).

Synopsis:  This retrospective analysis compares outcomes of standard pancreatoduodenectomy and total pancreatectomy for periampullary cancer and highlights total pancreatectomy as a safe treatment alternative in selected cases of high-risk pancreatic anastomosis.

Marano, L., Marrelli, D., Sammartino, P. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10157-0

Citation: Marano, L., Marrelli, D., Sammartino, P. et al. Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer with Synchronous Peritoneal Metastases: Multicenter Study of ‘Italian Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Oncoteam—S.I.C.O.’. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 9060–9070 (2021).

Synopsis:  The authors investigated the outcomes of CRS-HIPEC for gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases from an Italian multicentric database. Selected patients experienced encouraging results showing a clinically meaningful survival.

Giuliante, F., Viganò, L., De Rose, A.M. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10220-w

Citation: Giuliante, F., Viganò, L., De Rose, A.M. et al. Liver-First Approach for Synchronous Colorectal Metastases: Analysis of 7360 Patients from the LiverMetSurvey Registry. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 8198–8208 (2021).

Synopsis:  Patients resected for synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) included in the LiverMetSurvey registry were analyzed to clarify the outcome and role of the liver-first strategy. A multivariable analysis and a propensity score match stratifying patients for liver tumor burden showed a survival advantage of the liver-first approach in multiple bilobar synchronous CRLM.

De Lorenzi, F., Borelli, F., Pagan, E. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10800-w

Citation: De Lorenzi, F., Borelli, F., Pagan, E. et al. Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery for Synchronous Multicentric and Multifocal Tumors: Is It Oncologically Safe? A Retrospective Matched-Cohort Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  The authors compared patients affected by multicentric or multifocal breast tumors treated either with oncoplastic surgery or mastectomy.The overall survival was similar within the two groups suggesting the oncoplastic approach is safe for managing multifocal and multicentric breast cancers.

Sutton, T.L., Walker, B.S., Nabavizadeh, N. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10650-6

Citation:

Sutton, T.L., Walker, B.S., Nabavizadeh, N. et al. Geographic Disparities in Referral Rates and Oncologic Outcomes of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Population-Based Study. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 8152–8159 (2021).

Synopsis:  Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated at a referral center experience improved oncologic outcomes. Increasing distance to the nearest referral center is associated with lower odds of treatment at a referral center; interventions to facilitate referral, such as telemedicine use, may lead to improved outcomes.

Yanagaki, M., Haruki, K., Yasuda, J. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10704-9

Citation: Yanagaki, M., Haruki, K., Yasuda, J. et al. The Significance of the Rapid Turnover Protein Score as a Predictor of the Long-Term Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Hepatic Resection. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 8130–8139 (2021).

Synopsis:  The preoperative rapid turnover protein (RTP) score can be a prognostic factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection, suggesting that RTP plays a significant role in the assessment of the nutritional status in cancer patients.

Arjona-Sánchez, Á., Martínez-López, A., Valenzuela-Molina, F. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10372-9

Citation:

Arjona-Sánchez, Á., Martínez-López, A., Valenzuela-Molina, F. et al. A Proposal for Modification of the PSOGI Classification According to the Ki-67 Proliferation Index in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  Division of the high-grade Pseudomyxoma peritonei (HG-PMP) category of the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) classification, according to the Ki67 proliferation index, provides two well-defined sub-categories, with significant differences in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival, and hence high prognostic value.

Mason, M.C., Massarweh, N.N., Tzeng, CW.D. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09536-w

Citation: Mason, M.C., Massarweh, N.N., Tzeng, CW.D. et al. Time to Rethink Upfront Surgery for Resectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma? Implications from the Neoadjuvant Experience. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 6725–6735 (2021).

Synopsis:  Though not currently the standard of care, neoadjuvant therapy ahead of curative-intent surgery for patients with operable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is increasingly given. Neoadjuvant therapy is associated with improved survival compared to patients who receive upfront surgery.

Patrick-Brown, T.D.J.H., Carr, N.J., Swanson, D.M. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08655-8

Citation:

Patrick-Brown, T.D.J.H., Carr, N.J., Swanson, D.M. et al. Estimating the Prevalence of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei in Europe Using a Novel Statistical Method. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 252–257 (2021).

Synopsis:  Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare abdominal cancer with undetermined incidence and prevalence. Incidence and prevalence. Incidence and prevalence rates of 3.2 and 22 people per million, respectively, were determined, meaning that 11,736 people in Europe were living with PMP in 2018.

Davies, C.F., Macefield, R., Avery, K. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08736-8

Citation: Davies, C.F., Macefield, R., Avery, K. et al. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Post-mastectomy Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review of Development and Measurement Properties. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 386–404 (2021).

Synopsis:  Patient-reported outcomes are vital to inform decision-making in breast reconstruction (BR) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) should be robustly developed to ensure data are reliable. This systematic review evaluated the measurement properties of BR PROMs, recommending three for future use.

Weindelmayer, J., Mengardo, V., Gasparini, A. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10079-x

Citation:

Weindelmayer, J., Mengardo, V., Gasparini, A. et al. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery can Improve Patient Outcomes and Reduce Hospital Cost of Gastrectomy for Cancer in the West: A Propensity-Score-Based Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 7087–7094 (2021).

Synopsis:  Data on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for gastrectomy are scarce and mostly come from Eastern countries. This retrospective cohort study on 351 patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer demonstrated Enhanced Recovery After Surgery was feasible and safe and led to a reduction of hospitalization and cost.

Chmelo, J., Khaw, R.A., Sinclair, R.C.F. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10136-5

Citation: Chmelo, J., Khaw, R.A., Sinclair, R.C.F. et al. Does Cardiopulmonary Testing Help Predict Long-Term Survival After Esophagectomy?. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 7291–7297 (2021).

Synopsis: Patients undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing followed by esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were analyzed.  A high VEVCO2 before esophagectomy for malignant disease is independently predictive of patients’ long-term survival as demonstrated on cohort of  patients from single high-volume center.

Jezerskyte, E., van Berge Henegouwen, M.I., van Laarhoven, H.W.M. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10144-5

Jezerskyte, E., van Berge Henegouwen, M.I., van Laarhoven, H.W.M. et al. Postoperative Complications and Long-Term Quality of Life After Multimodality Treatment for Esophageal Cancer: An Analysis of the Prospective Observational Cohort Study of Esophageal-Gastric Cancer Patients (POCOP). Ann Surg Oncol 28, 7259–7276 (2021).

Synopsis:  Esophageal and gastro-esophageal junction cancer patients often have a reduced health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) following surgery. In general, postoperative complications were not associated with short- and long-term HR-QoL in patients following an esophagectomy.

Kask, G., Repo, J.P., Tukiainen, E.J. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09774-6

Citation: Kask, G., Repo, J.P., Tukiainen, E.J. et al. Soft Tissue Sarcoma of Lower Extremity: Functional Outcome and Quality of Life. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 6892–6905 (2021).

Synopsis:  Although tumor and treatment-related factors had an impact, the patient-related factors as age and BMI were the most consistent and significant determinants of both functional outcome and quality of life in postoperative lower extremity soft tissue sarcoma patients.

Retrospective, Multicenter Analysis Comparing Conventional with Oncoplastic Breast Conserving Surgery: Oncological and Surgical Outcomes in Women with High-Risk Breast Cancer from the OPBC-01/iTOP2 Study.

Fitzal, F., Bolliger, M., Dunkler, D. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10809-1

Citation: Fitzal, F., Bolliger, M., Dunkler, D. et al. Retrospective, Multicenter Analysis Comparing Conventional with Oncoplastic Breast Conserving Surgery: Oncological and Surgical Outcomes in Women with High-Risk Breast Cancer from the OPBC-01/iTOP2 Study. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:   In this article the authors evaluated whether oncoplastic breast conservation with large resection volumes improves local recurrence compared to conventional breast conservation/low volume oncoplastic procedures. The authors found that the former allows larger tumors resection without increasing local recurrence and reduces the re-excision rate.

Brac, B., Dufour, C., Behal, H. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10707-6

Citation: Brac, B., Dufour, C., Behal, H. et al. Is There an Optimal Definition for a Positive Circumferential Resection Margin in Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer?. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  The College of American Pathologists definition of a positive circumferential resection margin (CRM) is more accurate to predict prognosis and recurrence in esophageal cancer. A new cut-off value of 100 micrometers seems to be even more precise to predict overall survival.

Altomare, M., Sposito, C., Regalia, E. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09428-z

Citation: Altomare, M., Sposito, C., Regalia, E. et al. Resection of Retro-Hepatic Vena Cava (RHVC) En-bloc with Caudate Lobe without Vascular Exclusion for a Low Grade Leiomyosarcoma of Inferior Vena Cava. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 6848–6849 (2021).

Synopsis:   The video article shows removal of a leiomyosarcoma of the vena cava en-bloc with caudate lobe. With hybrid 3D-superimposition of vascular anatomy of the region, splanchnic circulation and liver venous outflow were maintained throughout surgery, allowing parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy and cava reconstruction.

Role of Pelvic Lymph Node Resection in Vulvar Squamous Cell Cancer: A Subset Analysis of the AGO-CaRE-1 Study.

Woelber, L., Bommert, M., Harter, P. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09744-y

Citation: Tillmann, B.W., Hallet, J., Guttman, M.P. et al. A Population-Based Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes Among Older Adults Requiring Unexpected Intensive Care Unit Admission After Cancer Surgery. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis: The data presented in this article provide evidence regarding the relation of inguinal and pelvic lymph node involvement. Valid prediction of pelvic involvement could be made in case of ≥6 positive groin nodes; pelvic LAE is therewith unnecessary in the majority of node-positive patients.

Broman, K.K., Bettampadi, D., Pérez-Morales, J. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10570-5

Citation: Broman, K.K., Bettampadi, D., Pérez-Morales, J. et al. Surveillance of Sentinel Node-Positive Melanoma Patients Who Receive Adjuvant Therapy Without Undergoing Completion Lymph Node Dissection. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis: Sentinel node-positive melanoma patients managed without completion node dissection have similar recurrence patterns with or without adjuvant treatment. Most nodal recurrences are within the first year and detected by exam or nodal ultrasound, supporting their continued use alongside cross- sectional imaging.

Tillmann, B.W., Hallet, J., Guttman, M.P. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10705-8

Citation: Tillmann, B.W., Hallet, J., Guttman, M.P. et al. A Population-Based Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes Among Older Adults Requiring Unexpected Intensive Care Unit Admission After Cancer Surgery. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  Among older adults who underwent high-intensity cancer surgery, patients with an unexpected ICU admission were at increased risk of death or nursing home admission for at least five years after surgery. This risk was modified by the duration of ventilation.

IThorgersen, E.B., Asvall, J., Frøysnes, I.S. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10022-0

Citation:  Thorgersen, E.B., Asvall, J., Frøysnes, I.S. et al. Increased Local Inflammatory Response to MOC31PE Immunotoxin After Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 5252–5262 (2021).

Synopsis:  Despite CRS-HIPEC most patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer experience disease relapse. A compartmentalized inflammatory response after CRS-HIPEC was enhanced by instillation of MOC31PE immunotoxin in the peritoneal cavity. The response could improve remnant cancer cell killing.

Kamarajah, S.K., Madhavan, A., Chmelo, J. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09720-6

Citation: Kamarajah, S.K., Madhavan, A., Chmelo, J. et al. Impact of Smoking Status on Perioperative Morbidity, Mortality, and Long-Term Survival Following Transthoracic Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 4905–4915 (2021).

Synopsis:  Smoking is a risk factor for esophageal cancer. This study demonstrates that being a current smoker is associated with an increased risk of complications after esophagectomy but no difference in overall and recurrence free survival to ex and non-smokers.

van Beek, DJ., Nell, S., Vorselaars, W.M.C.M. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09496-1

Citation: van Beek, DJ., Nell, S., Vorselaars, W.M.C.M. et al. Complications After Major Surgery for Duodenopancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors in Patients with MEN1: Results from a Nationwide Cohort. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 4387–4399 (2021).

Synopsis:   The incidence and severity of complications after major duodenopancreatic surgery (i.e., Whipple procedure or total pancreatectomy) for duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in patients with MEN1 were investigated in a population-based cohort. Major duodenopancreatic surgery in patients with MEN1 is associated with a very high risk of severe complications and cumulative burden of morbidity and should therefore be reserved for a selected subgroup of patients with MEN1-related dpNETs.

Erdrich, J., Cordova-Marks, F., Monetathchi, A.R. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10730-7

Citation: Erdrich, J., Cordova-Marks, F., Monetathchi, A.R. et al. Disparities in Breast-Conserving Therapy for Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native Women Compared with Non-Hispanic White Women. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  American Indian/Alaska Native women have significantly higher percentage of mastectomy and lower percentage of lumpectomy for early stage breast cancer compared to White women. There were no significant differences in operations for late stage disease, and no differences in radiation.

van Kooten, R.T., Voeten, D.M., Steyerberg, E.W. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10734-3

Citation: van Kooten, R.T., Voeten, D.M., Steyerberg, E.W. et al. Patient-Related Prognostic Factors for Anastomotic Leakage, Major Complications, and Short-Term Mortality Following Esophagectomy for Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:   Esophagectomy is a high-risk procedure with high incidence of postoperative complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis focusses on the identification of preoperative patient-related risk factors for anastomotic leakage, major complications and mortality. This may give leads for perioperative care improvement.

Kurreck, A., Gronau, F., Alberto Vilchez, M.E. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10508-x

Citation: Kurreck, A., Gronau, F., Alberto Vilchez, M.E. et al. Sodium Thiosulfate Reduces Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery Plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy with Cisplatin: A Single-Center Observational Study. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  This retrospective analysis of 238 patients that underwent cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with cisplatin reports a significantly lower incidence and severity of acute kidney injury in patients receiving sodium thiosulfate.

The Effect of Primary Surgery in Patients with De Novo Stage IV Breast Cancer with Bone Metastasis Only (Protocol BOMET MF 14-01): A Multi-Center, Prospective Registry Study.

Soran, A., Dogan, L., Isik, A. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09621-8

Citation: Soran, A., Dogan, L., Isik, A. et al. The Effect of Primary Surgery in Patients with De Novo Stage IV Breast Cancer with Bone Metastasis Only (Protocol BOMET MF 14-01): A Multi-Center, Prospective Registry Study. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 5048–5057 (2021).

Synopsis:   Locoregional treatment prolongs overall, systemic progression-free survival and decreases locoregional recurrence in de novo bone only metastatic breast cancer patients. Timing of primary breast surgery either at diagnosis or after systemic treatment provided a survival benefit similar to systemic therapy alone. Locoregional treatment should be in the treatment scheme when consulting patients diagnosed with de novo stage IV bone only metastatic breast cancer.

Carter, T.S., Philips, P., Egger, M. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09669-6

Citation: Carter, T.S., Philips, P., Egger, M. et al. Outcomes of Esophageal Stent Therapy for the Management of Anastomotic Leaks. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 4960–4966 (2021).

Synopsis:  Esophageal Stenting for an anastomotic leak after resection offers a safe and effective method of treatment and is successful in the majority of cases. Critical to success is optimal patient selection, adequate leak drainage, and optimal stent selection and placement.

Libia, A., Ferraro, V., Tedeschi, M. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09582-4

Citation: Libia, A., Ferraro, V., Tedeschi, M. et al. Laparoscopic R1 Vascular Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (with Video). Ann Surg Oncol 28, 3699–3700 (2021).

Synopsis: R1 vascular hepatectomy is an emerging issue in the field of liver surgery. In this multimedia article, the authors describe two cases of laparoscopic R1 vascular hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in unfavorable position, which is technically demanding but with promising results in term of survival.

Malleo, G., Salvia, R., Maggino, L. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09649-w

Citation: Malleo, G., Salvia, R., Maggino, L. et al. Long-term Outcomes After Surgical Resection of Pancreatic Metastases from Renal Clear-Cell Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 3100–3108 (2021).

Synopsis:   This article focuses on long-term outcomes of 69 patients undergoing resection of pancreatic metastases from metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and followed for a median of 141 months. The 10-year incidence of disease-specific death was 25.5%. The only significant prognostic factor was the time to new RCC recurrence following pancreatectomy.

Acem, I., Smit, M.M., Verhoef, C. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09946-4

Citation: Acem, I., Smit, M.M., Verhoef, C. et al. Management of Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Extremities: Variation in Treatment Recommendations and Surveillance According to Specialty and Continent. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  This article provides an insight in the clinical decision making and surveillance strategy in patients with high-grade soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity.

Alasmar, M., Kausar, A., Borgstein, A.BJ. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09885-0

Citation: Alasmar, M., Kausar, A., Borgstein, A.BJ. et al. Is Re-introducing Major Open and Minimally Invasive Surgery during COVID-19 Safe for Patients and Healthcare Workers? An International, Multi-centre Cohort Study in the Field of Oesophago-gastric Surgery. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 4816–4826 (2021).

Synopsis:   This international, multi-center study examines the safety of reintroducing major minimally invasive and open esophago-gastric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of patients and healthcare workers. Consecutive cases during a two-month period were included by centers serving populations severely affected by COVID-19.

Metcalfe, K.A., Eisen, A., Poll, A. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09855-6

Citation: Metcalfe, K.A., Eisen, A., Poll, A. et al. Frequency of Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Breast Cancer Patients with a Negative BRCA1 and BRCA2 Rapid Genetic Test Result. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 4967–4973 (2021).

Synopsis:  Women receiving a risk assessment and a negative BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic test result prior to surgery use this information to guide their CPM decision. Uptake of CPM for women who were planning on CPM before genetic testing decreases after receiving a negative BRCA1/BRCA2 test result.

Li, A.T., Vakharia, K., Lo, S.N. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10489-x

Citation: Li, A.T., Vakharia, K., Lo, S.N. et al. Survival Outcomes of Salvage Metastasectomy After Failure of Modern-Era Systemic Therapy for Melanoma. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:   The authors analyzed the survival outcomes of 190 patients who received salvage metastasectomy following extracranial disease progression after BRAF-targeted therapy or immunotherapy. The results suggest that in appropriately selected patients, salvage metastasectomy is associated with durable survival and disease control.

Cao, L., Sugumar, K., Keller, E. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10459-3

Citation: Cao, L., Sugumar, K., Keller, E. et al. Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy as an Alternative to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Among Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Patients: Pathologic and Surgical Outcomes. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis: Tumor or nodal downstage and complete pathological response are achievable with neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET). NET can be offered to de-escalate surgery in patients when neoadjuvant chemotherapy  is not tolerated or not effective based on genomic testing.

Kedrzycki, M.S., Leiloglou, M., Ashrafian, H. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09288-7

Citation: Kedrzycki, M.S., Leiloglou, M., Ashrafian, H. et al. Meta-analysis Comparing Fluorescence Imaging with Radioisotope and Blue Dye-Guided Sentinel Node Identification for Breast Cancer Surgery. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 3738–3748 (2021).

Synopsis:  A meta-analysis of fluorescence guided sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer suggests non-inferiority to the gold standard radioisotope and blue dye approach. However, fluorescence imaging has many advantages as it is radiation free and does not lead to semi-permanent tattooing.

Voeten, D.M., van der Werf, L.R., Wilschut, J.A. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09510-6

Citation: Voeten, D.M., van der Werf, L.R., Wilschut, J.A. et al. Failure to Cure in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Gastric Cancer: A Nationwide Cohort Study. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 4484–4496 (2021).

Synopsis: A novel outcome measure for gastric cancer surgery is described. Failure to cure, defined as unsuccessful surgery, occurred in 22.3% of 3,862 patients ranging from 14.5%-34.8% among hospitals  with higher rates in hospitals with a low tendency to administer neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

López-Ben, S., Albiol, M.T., Falgueras, L. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09462-x

Citation: López-Ben, S., Albiol, M.T., Falgueras, L. et al. Pure Laparoscopic Anatomic Resection of the Segment 8 Dorsal Area Using the Dorsal Approach of the Right Hepatic Vein. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 3697 (2021).

Synopsis:   The key point of the procedure demonstrated in this multimedia article was to perform hepatic parenchyma transection along the middle hepatic vein. Also, the fluorescence was adjusted to ensure a precise margin and determine whether there was bile leakage on the transected surface.

Sahara, K., Tsilimigras, D.I., Toyoda, J. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09811-4

Citation: Sahara, K., Tsilimigras, D.I., Toyoda, J. et al. Defining the Risk of Early Recurrence Following Curative-Intent Resection for Distal Cholangiocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 4205–4213 (2021).

Synopsis:   Early recurrence (ER) occurred in one-fourth of patients undergoing resection for distal cholangiocarcinoma. A novel risk scoring model was developed to predict the probability of ER to help clinicians identify candidates for alternative treatment strategies, as well as counselling patients about prognosis.

Fong, Z.V., Sekigami, Y., Qadan, M. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09853-8

Citation: Fong, Z.V., Sekigami, Y., Qadan, M. et al. Assessment of the Long-Term Impact of Pancreatoduodenectomy on Health-Related Quality of Life Using the EORTC QLQ-PAN26 Module. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 4216–4224 (2021).

Synopsis: While the authors reported that patients who had a pancreatoduodenectomy had better long-term global quality of life than healthy controls, a more granular, pancreas-specific questionnaire uncovered important continued abnormalities. These data can better inform clinical decision-making and potential areas for improvement.

Fromer, M.W., Hawthorne, J., Philips, P. et al.

Ann Surg Oncol (2021). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10174-z

Citation: Fromer, M.W., Hawthorne, J., Philips, P. et al. An Improved Staging System for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Critical Need in the Multidisciplinary Era. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  This article proposes a novel subclassification system for stage III pancreatic cancers based on their pattern of vascular involvement and examines the current evidence for resection in each scenario.

Ho, F., Torphy, R.J., Friedman, C. et al.

Ann Surg Oncol (2021). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09999-5

Citation: Ho, F., Torphy, R.J., Friedman, C. et al. Induction Chemotherapy Plus Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation for Esophageal and Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis: In this retrospective study, use of induction chemotherapy before neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT) is associated with a significant survival benefit as well as higher pathologic complete response rates when compared to nCRT without induction chemotherapy for esophageal and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Obeng-Gyasi, S., Asad, S., Fisher, J.L. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09688-3

Citation: Obeng-Gyasi, S., Asad, S., Fisher, J.L. et al. Socioeconomic and Surgical Disparities are Associated with Rapid Relapse in Patients with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  Rapid relapse among triple negative breast cancer patients in SEER is associated with socioeconomic factors such as Medicaid or uninsured status, single status, black race and omission of surgical management.

Vega, E.A., Salehi, O., Nicolaescu, D. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10030-0

Citation: Vega, E.A., Salehi, O., Nicolaescu, D. et al. Failure to Cure Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases: The Impact of the Liver Surgeon. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis: Lack of a liver surgeon (LS) may lead to a failure-to-cure in patients with possibly resectable colorectal liver metastases. This study demonstrates that 44% of patients who were assigned palliative chemotherapy at multidisciplinary tumor boards without an LS present, were considered resectable or potentially resectable following independent LS re-review.

Ruzzenente, A., Bagante, F., Olthof, P.B. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09905-z

Citation: Ruzzenente, A., Bagante, F., Olthof, P.B. et al. Surgery for Bismuth-Corlette Type 4 Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Results from a Western Multicenter Collaborative Group. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  In the Eastern series, surgery for Bismuth-Corlette type IV cholangiocarcinoma has been demonstrated to reach acceptable long- and short-term outcomes. In this analysis, a large cohort of patients who underwent surgery at Western centers for cholangiocarcinoma was analyzed. Resection was shown to be an acceptable curative treatment option for selected BC type IV patients even though a more technically challenging surgical approach was required.

Nakanishi, R., Oki, E., Hasuda, H. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09581-5

Citation: Nakanishi, R., Oki, E., Hasuda, H. et al. Radiomics Texture Analysis for the Identification of Colorectal Liver Metastases Sensitive to First-Line Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 2975–2985 (2021).

Synopsis: The authors developed and validated a radiomics-based prediction model for the response of colorectal liver metastases to first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. This approach may allow the early prediction of chemosensitivity and support the treatment strategy for colorectal liver metastasis.

Fligor, S.C., Lopez, B., Uppal, N. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09797-z

Citation: Fligor, S.C., Lopez, B., Uppal, N. et al. Time to Surgery and Thyroid Cancer Survival in the United States. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 3556–3565 (2021).

Synopsis:  In the first study to investigate time to surgery in papillary thyroid cancer using the National Cancer Database, increasing surgical delay was associated with decreased overall survival.

Hajiran, A., Azizi, M., Aydin, A.M. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09696-3

Citation: Hajiran, A., Azizi, M., Aydin, A.M. et al. Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection Versus Surveillance for Adult Early Stage Pure Testicular Teratoma: A Nationwide Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 3648–3655 (2021).

Synopsis: Post-orchiectomy management of low-stage pure testicular teratoma is unclear. In a crosssectional nationwide analysis, we found that active surveillance and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection yield comparable survival outcomes, while surveillance has been increasingly adopted in recent years.

van Loevezijn, A.A., van der Noordaa, M.E., van Werkhoven, E.D. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09273-0

Citation: van Loevezijn, A.A., van der Noordaa, M.E., van Werkhoven, E.D. et al. Minimally Invasive Complete Response Assessment of the Breast After Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy for Early Breast Cancer (MICRA trial): Interim Analysis of a Multicenter Observational Cohort Study. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 3243–3253 (2021).

Synopsis:  The therapeutic effect of surgery in breast cancer patients with pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy is questionable. We evaluated the false-negative rate (FNR) of core-biopsies assessing pCR in patients with good response on MRI, aiming to identify pCR without surgery.

Vugts, J.J.A., Gaspersz, M.P., Roos, E. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09001-8

Citation: Vugts, J.J.A., Gaspersz, M.P., Roos, E. et al. Eligibility for Liver Transplantation in Patients with Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 1483–1492 (2021).

Synopsis: Liver transplantation has been performed in patients presenting with unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in the Mayo Clinic, with a reported 5-year survival of 53%. In a Dutch cohort of 732 patients, only 5% were eligible for transplantation under the Mayo Criteria. Without transplantation, a median survival of about 1 year and no long-term survival was observed.

Obeng-Gyasi, S., Asad, S., Fisher, J.L. et al

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09688-3

Citation: Obeng-Gyasi, S., Asad, S., Fisher, J.L. et al. Socioeconomic and Surgical Disparities are Associated with Rapid Relapse in Patients with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  Rapid relapse among triple negative breast cancer patients in SEER is associated with socioeconomic factors such as Medicaid or uninsured status, single status, black race and omission of surgical management.

Garnier, J., Traversari, E., Ewald, J. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09716-2

Citation: Garnier, J., Traversari, E., Ewald, J. et al. Venous Reconstruction During Pancreatectomy Using Polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts: A Single-Center Experience with Standardized Perioperative Management. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis: PTFE reconstruction can be safely performed with simple perioperative management in cases requiring interposition graft use. None of the patients experienced anticoagulation-related morbidity or PTFE graft-related infection. The median long-term PTFE graft patency duration was 37 months.

Papageorge, M.V., de Geus, S.W.L., Woods, A.P. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09607-6

Citation: Papageorge, M.V., de Geus, S.W.L., Woods, A.P. et al. Undertreatment of Gallbladder Cancer: A Nationwide Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 2949–2957 (2021).

Synopsis:  Despite national guidelines, re-resection rates for gallbladder cancer (T1b and greater) are low (7.6%). Patients who underwent re-resection had a survival advantage of 13 months. The barriers to appropriate surgical care are patient and institution specific.

CHIR-Net SIGMA Study Group., Mihaljevic, A., Fink, C. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09646-z

Citation: CHIR-Net SIGMA Study Group., Mihaljevic, A., Fink, C. et al. Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measures PRO-CTCAE and CAT EORTC QLQ-C30 in Major Abdominal Cancer Surgery (PATRONUS): A Student-Initiated German Medical Audit (SIGMA) Study. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 3075–3089 (2021).

Synopsis: Two novel patient-reported outcome measures (PRO-CTCAE and CAT EORTC QLQ-C30) were successfully applied in patients undergoing cancer surgery. This multicenter study was performed by a student-led research network. Postoperative complications did not affect health-reported quality of life 6 months after surgery.

Petruolo, O., Sevilimedu, V., Montagna, G. et al.

Ann Surg Oncol 28, 287–294 (2021).

https://rdcu.be/ckzXq

Petruolo, O., Sevilimedu, V., Montagna, G. et al.  How Often Does Modern Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Downstage Patients to Breast-Conserving Surgery? Ann Surg Oncol 28, 287–294 (2021).

Synopsis:  In this article the authors evaluate breast-conserving surgery (BCS) conversion rates with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with tumors too large for conservation. Borderline-BCS candidacy, HER2+/triple negative receptor status, tumor size, cN+ status, and mammographic calcifications are factors to consider when selecting patients for downstaging with NAC.

Lurvink, R.J., Tajzai, R., Rovers, K.P. et al.

Ann Surg Oncol 28, 265–272 (2021). https://rdcu.be/ckzYV

Citation: Lurvink, R.J., Tajzai, R., Rovers, K.P. et al.  Systemic Pharmacokinetics of Oxaliplatin After Intraperitoneal Administration by Electrostatic Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (ePIPAC) in Patients with Unresectable Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases in the CRC-PIPAC Trial.  Ann Surg Oncol 28, 265–272 (2021).

Synopsis: Electrostatic Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy as a palliative treatment for unresectable isolated colorectal peritoneal metastases results in concentrations equal to those reached with systemic chemotherapy.

Stahl, K., Wong, W., Dodge, D. et al.

Ann Surg Oncol 28, 2646–2658 (2021).

https://rdcu.be/cj2eV

Citation: Stahl, K., Wong, W., Dodge, D. et al. Benefits of Surgical Treatment of Stage IV Breast Cancer for Patients With Known Hormone Receptor and HER2 Status. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 2646–2658 (2021).

Synopsis:  In patients with stage IV breast cancer, surgical intervention in addition to systemic therapy is beneficial to survival, and, in patients who are ER+, PR+, or HER2+, surgical intervention after neoadjuvant chemotherapy has significant survival benefit.

Mulligan, K.M., Glennon, K., Donohoe, F. et al.

Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

https://rdcu.be/cj2fZ

Citation: Mulligan, K.M., Glennon, K., Donohoe, F. et al. Multidisciplinary Surgical Approach to Increase Complete Cytoreduction Rates for Advanced Ovarian Cancer in a Tertiary Gynecologic Oncology Center. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis: This study shows that a multidisciplinary approach to cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer results in increased complete macroscopic resection rates without a corresponding increase in morbidity.

Rieser, C.J., Hoehn, R.S., Zenati, M. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09627-2

Citation: Rieser, C.J., Hoehn, R.S., Zenati, M. et al. Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Presentation and Outcomes in Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases Following Cytoreduction and Chemoperfusion: Persistent Inequalities in Outcomes at a High-Volume Center. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis:  Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been liked to disparities in access to cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (CRS HIPEC) for colorectal peritoneal metastases. Even among patients able to access care, low SES is associated with significantly worse perioperative outcomes and overall survival (17.8 vs 32.4 mos, p=0.02).

D’Alimonte, L., Bao, Q.R., Spolverato, G. et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09243-6

Citation: D’Alimonte, L., Bao, Q.R., Spolverato, G. et al. Long-Term Outcomes of Local Excision Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 2801–2808 (2021).

Synopsis: Local excision might represent an alternative to total mesorectal excision for patients with a major response after neoadjuvant. In highly selected patients, local excision after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is associated with excellent long-term outcomes, and high rates of stoma-free rectum preservation.

Stephanie A. Valente, Rahul D. Tendulkar, Sheen Cherian…Stephen R. Grobmyer

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09432-3

Citation: Valente, S.A., Tendulkar, R.D., Cherian, S. et al. TARGIT-R (Retrospective): 5-Year Follow-Up Evaluation of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) for Breast Cancer Performed in North America. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 2512–2521 (2021).

Synopsis:  In this multi-institutional retrospective registry of patients who received intraoperative radiation (IORT) for breast cancer, the 5-year ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence rate was 6.6%. Patients who were compliant with endocrine therapy (3.9%) and those receiving IORT as a boost (1.2%) had the lowest recurrence rates among patients in this series.

Zhi Ven Fong, Sarah A. Brownlee, Motaz Qadan, and Kenneth K. Tanabe

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-09671-y

Citation: Fong, Z.V., Brownlee, S.A., Qadan, M. et al. The Clinical Management of Cholangiocarcinoma in the United States and Europe: A Comprehensive and Evidence-Based Comparison of Guidelines. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 2660–2674 (2021).

Synopsis: With the rising incidence of cholangiocarcinoma, clinical guidelines play an increasingly important role in the standardization of evidence-based care. Inconsistency amongst guidelines may promote practice variations. This article provides a comparison and analysis of the NCCN, ESMO, BSG, and ILCA clinical guidelines. Intra-tumor heterogeneity is a known mechanism of breast cancer progression and metastasis. The authors found that it correlates with less immune cell infiltration, less cytolytic activity, and worse survival in breast cancer utilizing computational analyses including Mutant Allele Tumor Heterogeneity (MATH) algorithm.

Citation: McDonald, KA., Kawaguchi, T., Qi, Q. et al. Tumor Heterogeneity Correlates with Less Immune Response and Worse Survival in Breast Cancer Patients. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 2191–2199 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-07338-3

Synopsis: Intra-tumor heterogeneity is a known mechanism of breast cancer progression and metastasis. The authors found that it correlates with less immune cell infiltration, less cytolytic activity, and worse survival in breast cancer utilizing computational analyses including Mutant Allele Tumor Heterogeneity (MATH) algorithm.

Citation: Ratti, F., Fiorentini, G., Cipriani, F. et al. Perioperative and Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Versus Open Lymphadenectomy for Biliary Tumors: A Propensity-Score-Based, Case-Matched Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 564–575 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-018-6811-0

Synopsis: The aim of this study was to compare patients undergoing MILS and open liver resections with associated lymphadenectomy for biliary tumors (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer) in a case-matched analysis using propensity scores. Laparoscopy proved to be a valid option since it allows to maintain the advantages of minimally invasive approach, without compromising the accuracy and the outcomes of nodal dissection, specifically evaluated in terms of lymphadenectomy-related morbidity.

Jónsdóttir, B., Lomnytska, M., Poromaa, I.S. et al.

Ann Surg Oncol 28, 244–251 (2021).

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08649-6

Citation: Jónsdóttir, B., Lomnytska, M., Poromaa, I.S. et al. The Peritoneal Cancer Index Is a Strong Predictor of Incomplete Cytoreductive Surgery in Ovarian Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 244–251 (2021).

Synopsis: The Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) is an excellent predictor of incomplete cytoreductive surgery. A PCI
higher than 24 was associated with a lower rate of surgery success and a higher rate of major complications.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy could be considered with a PCI above this PCI cutoff.

Lagergren, J., Bottai, M. & Santoni, G.

Ann Surg Oncol 28, 159–166 (2021).

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08653-w

Citation: Lagergren, J., Bottai, M. & Santoni, G. Patient Age and Survival After Surgery for Esophageal Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 159–166 (2021).

Synopsis:  This population-based cohort study in Sweden included 1,737 patients having undergone surgery for esophageal cancer. Compared with patients aged <70 years, those aged ≥75 years had higher odds of 90-day mortality, 5-year all-cause mortality, and 5-year disease-specific mortality.

Citation: Kim, R.Y., Christians, K.K., Aldakkak, M. et al. Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Operable Pancreatic Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 2246–2256 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09149-3

Synopsis: We compared total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) to shorter course neoadjuvant therapy (SNT) for operable pancreatic cancer and found TNT was associated with an increased likelihood of receiving at least 5 months of non-surgical therapy without negatively impacting the ability to undergo surgery.

Dokmak, S., Aussilhou, B., Levenson, G. et al.
Ann Surg Oncol 28, 2028–2029 (2021).
https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09155-5

Citation: Dokmak, S., Aussilhou, B., Levenson, G. et al. Staged Double Hepatectomy, Double Total Vascular Exclusion, and Double Venous Reconstruction by Peritoneal Patches in One Patient with Colorectal Liver Metastases. Ann Surg Oncol (2021).

Synopsis: A 47-year-old female with colorectal liver metastases treated by chemotherapy underwent two staged liver resections. Each hepatectomy was done total vascular exclusion and venous reconstruction of the vena cava and the hepatic vein were achieved by the peritoneum.

Mertens, A.C., Kalff, M.C., Eshuis, W.J. et al. 

Ann Surg Oncol 28, 175–183 (2021). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08760-8 

Citation: Mertens, A.C., Kalff, M.C., Eshuis, W.J. et al. Transthoracic Versus Transhiatal Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: A Nationwide Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 175–183 (2021). 

Synopsis:  While providing a higher lymph node yield, the transthoracic group showed higher morbidity and mortality rates. (y)pN stage was higher in the transthoracic group, potentially indicating residual lymph node metastases during transhiatal resection. 

Colombo, C., De Leo, S., Di Stefano, M. et al. 

Ann Surg Oncol (2021). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09481-8 

Citation: Colombo, C., De Leo, S., Di Stefano, M. et al. Total Thyroidectomy Versus Lobectomy for Thyroid Cancer: Single-Center Data and Literature Review. Ann Surg Oncol (2021). 

Synopsis: Lobectomy  can  be  safely  proposed  for  low  risk  thyroid  cancer  patients  and  total  thyroidectomy should be favored in intermediate risk tumors. In patients treated with lobectomy the final outcome is confirmed after a longer follow up. In  patients  submitted  to  lobectomy,  serum  thyroglobulin/TSH  increasing  trend  associates  with persistence/relapse.

Mudgway, R., Chavez de Paz Villanueva, C., Lin, A.C. et al. 

https://rdcu.be/ce7lL

Citation: Mudgway, R., Chavez de Paz Villanueva, C., Lin, A.C. et al. The Impact of Primary Tumor Surgery on Survival in HER2 Positive Stage IV Breast Cancer Patients in the Current Era of Targeted Therapy. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 2711–2720 (2020).

Synopsis:  Observational data from the National Cancer Database demonstrate that surgery of the primary site for metastatic HER2+ breast cancer is associated with improved overall survival in the current era of targeted therapy.

Kuipers, H., de Savornin Lohman, E.A.J., van Dooren, M. et al. 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08858-z

Citation: Kuipers, H., de Savornin Lohman, E.A.J., van Dooren, M. et al. Extended Resections for Advanced Gallbladder Cancer: Results from a Nationwide Cohort Study. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 835–843 (2021). 

Synopsis: Significant post-operative morbidity and mortality were found in patients with advanced gallbladder cancer undergoing extended resection.  However, long-term survival was achieved in a subset. Therefore, extended resections do not preclude long-term survival and a subgroup of patients benefit from surgery.

Cardenas G, Valentini M, Mellado B, et al.

https://rdcu.be/ceKWk 

Citation: Cárdenas, G., Valentini, M., Mellado, B. et al. Laparoscopic Right Adrenalectomy in a Large Right Adrenal Oncocytic Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol (2020).

Synopsis:  In this multimedial article, the authors report on a step-by-step laparoscopic approach for an unusual large right adrenal oncocytic carcinoma and description of its anatomo-pathological features.

Altomare M, Sposito C, Regalia E, et al

https://rdcu.be/ceKZe 

Citation: Altomare, M., Sposito, C., Regalia, E. et al. Resection of Retro-Hepatic Vena Cava (RHVC) En-bloc with Caudate Lobe without Vascular Exclusion for a Low Grade Leiomyosarcoma of Inferior Vena Cava. Ann Surg Oncol (2021). 

Synopsis: The video of this multimedia articles shows removal of a leiomyosarcoma of the vena cava en-bloc with caudate lobe. With hybrid 3Dsuperimposition of vascular anatomy of the region, splanchnic circulation and liver venous outflow were maintained throughout surgery, allowing parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy and cava reconstruction. 

Marc D. Moncrieff, Riti A. Sharma, Esther Gathura, and Martin J. Heaton

https://rdcu.be/ceqVi 

Citation: Moncrieff, M.D., Sharma, R.A., Gathura, E. et al. Improved Perioperative Seroma and Complication Rates Following the Application of a 2-Layer Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System After Inguinal Lymphadenectomy for Metastatic Cutaneous Melanoma. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 3692–3701 (2020). 

Synopsis:  Inguinal lymphadenectomy is associated with a high incidence of perioperative morbidity. A twolayer negative pressure wound therapy system significantly reduced the incidence of seroma, return to theatre rate and the drainage period compared to traditional closed suction drainage technique.

J.F. Huisman, I.J.H. Schoenaker, R.M. Brohet, O. Reerink, H. van der Sluis, F.C.P. Moll, E. de Boer, J.C. de Graaf, W.H. de Vos tot Nederveen Cappel, G.L. Beets, and H.L. van Westreenen

https://rdcu.be/ceqVr 

Citation: Huisman, J.F., Schoenaker, I.J.H., Brohet, R.M. et al. Avoiding Unnecessary Major Rectal Cancer Surgery by Implementing Structural Restaging and a Watch-and-Wait Strategy After Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy. Ann Surg Oncol (2020). 

Synopsis: This study demonstrated a significant decline in unnecessary surgery due to a Watch & Wait strategy for selected patients with good tumor response after neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Major total mesorectal excision surgery was avoided in more than 20% of the cases.

Leonie T. Jonker, Matthijs Plas, Geertruida H. de Bock, Erik Buskens, Barbara L. van Leeuwen, and Maarten M. H. Lahr

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08705-1 

Citation: Jonker, L.T., Plas, M., de Bock, G.H. et al. Remote Home Monitoring of Older Surgical Cancer Patients: Perspective on Study Implementation and Feasibility. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 67–78 (2021).

Synopsis:  Elderly patients in the study setting considered postoperative home monitoring following oncological surgery acceptable and usable. These results provide a  valuable contribution to the discussion on the feasibility of home monitoring after surgery and are relevant for future studies.

Alessandro Vanoli, Federica Grillo, Camilla Guerini…Antonio Di Sabatino

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245%2Fs10434-020-08926-4 

Citation: Vanoli, A., Grillo, F., Guerini, C. et al. Prognostic Role of Mismatch Repair Status, Histotype and High-Risk Pathologic Features in Stage II Small Bowel Adenocarcinomas. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 1167–1177 (2021). 

Synopsis: In patients with stage  II  small bowel adenocarcinomas,  mismatch repair deficiency and celiac disease represent favorable prognostic markers, whereas poorly cohesive histology and  pT4  are associated with a  worse prognosis.  These features may help in selecting patients for adjuvant chemotherapy.

Tran CG, Sherman SK, Scott AT, et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08784-0

Citation: Tran, C.G., Sherman, S.K., Scott, A.T. et al. It Is Time to Rethink Biomarkers for Surveillance of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 732–741 (2021).

Synopsis:  Chromogranin A is the most commonly monitored tumor biomarker in small bowel neuroendocrine tumors. In this study, pancreastatin provided more information on survival and was more sensitive and specifi c in detecting recurrence.

Adileh M, Yuval JB, Walch HS, et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08993-7

Citation: Adileh, M., Yuval, J.B., Walch, H.S. et al. Primary Tumor Location and Outcomes After Cytoreductive Surgery and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Metastases of Colorectal Origin. Ann Surg Oncol 28, 1109–1117 (2021).

Synopsis: In patients with peritoneal metastases of colorectal origin, location of the primary tumor was an independent predictor of survival. Worse outcomes were observed in patients with right-sided tumors. The genetic alterations were different in left-sided and right-sided tumors.

Pedone Anchora L, Turco LC, Bizzarri N, et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-08162-5

Citation: Pedone Anchora, L., Turco, L.C., Bizzarri, N. et al. How to Select Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Patients Still Suitable for Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy: a Propensity-Matched Study. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 1947–1955 (2020).

Synopsis:  The main determinant factor in the choice of surgical approach is a tumor diameter of 20 mm. Women with > 20 mm disease should undergo open surgery while in case of tumor < 20 mm both approaches appear safe.

Chicago Consensus Working Group., Schuitevoerder, D., Plana, A. et al. 

https://rdcu.be/cdhkJ 

Citation: Chicago Consensus Working Group., Schuitevoerder, D., Plana, A. et al. The Chicago Consensus on Peritoneal Surface Malignancies: Management of Appendiceal Neoplasms. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 1753–1760 (2020).

Synopsis: The Chicago Consensus Working Group provides multidisciplinary recommendations for the management of appendiceal neoplasms specifically related to the management of peritoneal surface malignancies.

Griffin, S.M., Jones, R., Kamarajah, S.K. et al. 

https://rdcu.be/ccmME 

Citation: Griffin, S.M., Jones, R., Kamarajah, S.K. et al. Evolution of Esophagectomy for Cancer Over 30 Years: Changes in Presentation, Management and Outcomes. Ann Surg Oncol (2020). 

Synopsis:  The presentation, management and outcomes of esophageal cancer have changed greatly over the last 30 years. This study highlights these changes through the lens of a single high volume center and illustrates the huge improvement in patient survival.

Blanco, B.A., Poulson, M., Kenzik, K.M. et al. 

https://rdcu.be/ccmRy 

Citation: Blanco, B.A., Poulson, M., Kenzik, K.M. et al. The Impact of Residential Segregation on Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Mortality. Ann Surg Oncol (2020).

Synopsis: This study highlights the impact of residential segregation on pancreatic cancer outcomes and shows that with reduction in segregation, disparities in stage at diagnosis, surgical resection, and overall mortality disappear. 

Robert Sucher MD, Uwe Scheuermann MD & Daniel Seehofer MD 

Citation: Sucher, R., Scheuermann, U. & Seehofer, D. Total Laparoscopic Resection of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Type 3b: Applying a Parachute Technique for Hepaticojejunostomy. Ann Surg Oncol (2020). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09175-1 

Synopsis:  With the implementation of novel surgical techniques and strategies, laparoscopic liver surgery has gained momentum also in the field of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) surgery. To accomplish the most delicate part of the procedure – the hepatico-jejunostomy – the authors applied a parachute suturing technique, which allowed for a good view on both components of the anastomosis, the posterior wall of the hepatic duct as well as the jejunal segment which the authors intended to anastomose. This strategy hence allowed for a successful total laparoscopic operation without the need for an “open surgery service incision” to accomplish biliary reconstruction. 

Marcel Autran Machado, Bruno V. Mattos, Murillo Macedo Lobo Filho, and Fabio Makdissi

Citation: Machado, M.A., Mattos, B.V., Lobo Filho, M.M. et al. Robotic Resection of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 4166–4170 (2020). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08514-6 

Synopsis: This video shows a robotic radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma which consisted in left hepatectomy, caudate lobe resection, resection of bile duct, lymphadenectomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Robotic approach has some technical advantages over laparoscopic technique for this procedure.

Angarita, S., Ye, L., Rünger, D. et al. 

Citation: Angarita, S., Ye, L., Rünger, D. et al. Assessing the Burden of Nodal Disease for Breast Cancer Patients with Clinically Positive Nodes: Hope for More Limited Axillary Surgery. Ann Surg Oncol (2020).

https://rdcu.be/caZlL 

Synopsis:  This article assesses the burden of nodal disease in breast cancer patients who present with clinically positive axillary nodes. The data reported demonstrate that over 40% of patients have minimal pN1 disease. Palpable lymphadenopathy does not predict for higher nodal stage. 

Bartlett, D.L., Howe, J.R., Chang, G. et al. 

Citation: Bartlett, D.L., Howe, J.R., Chang, G. et al. Management of Cancer Surgery Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Considerations. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 1717–1720 (2020).

https://rdcu.be/cbyD5

Synopsis: In these unprecedented times of COVID-19, surgical oncologists are being forced to consider triage and rationing of cancer surgery cases. This article presents recommendations for managing care in respective areas of cancer specialties, assuming a 3- to 6-month delay in care.

De Andrade, J.P., Wong, P., O’Leary, M.P., et al. 

https://rdcu.be/caZlL 

Citation: De Andrade, J.P., Wong, P., O’Leary, M.P. et al. Multidisciplinary Care for Melanoma of Unknown Primary: Experience in the Era of Molecular Profiling. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 5240–5247 (2020). 

Synopsis:  Melanoma of unknown primary (MUP) is melanoma with locoregional or distant metastases without evidence of a primary lesion. In this article, the authors review the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of a modern cohort of patients with MUP.

Tsilimigras, D.I., Hyer, J.M., Paredes, A.Z., et al. 

https://rdcu.be/caZi5 

Citation: Tsilimigras, D.I., Hyer, J.M., Paredes, A.Z. et al. A Novel Classification of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Phenotypes Using Machine Learning Techniques: An International Multi-Institutional Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 5224–5232 (2020). 

Synopsis: The current study identified 3 distinct clusters of ICC patients based purely on phenotype: common, proliferative and inflammatory ICC. Patients with inflammatory ICC had the worst long-term outcomes following resection and should be considered candidates for alternative treatment therapies such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Citation: Gruber, E.S., Jomrich, G., Kaider, A. et al. The Prognostic Index Independently Predicts Survival in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Resection. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 2017–2024 (2020).

https://rdcu.be/caHPr 

Synopsis:  Cancer-related inflammation drives tumor development.  The Prognostic Index is a simple inflammation score, that combines CRP and white blood count, whilst other prognostic scores require extended laboratory analysis. Further on, it has proven as a strong  independent  tool  for  survival  prognostication  in  357  patients  with  pancreatic cancer undergoing resection.

Citation: Yang, Wf., Choi, W.S., Wong, M.CM. et al. Three-Dimensionally Printed Patient-Specific Surgical Plates Increase Accuracy of Oncologic Head and Neck Reconstruction Versus Conventional Surgical Plates: A Comparative Study. Ann Surg Oncol (2020).

 https://rdcu.be/caHRH 

Synopsis: In this comparative study, 3D-printed patient-specific surgical plates increase accuracy of oncological head and neck reconstruction versus conventional surgical plates, concerning the entire maxilla or mandible,  bilateral mandibular angles, and reconstructed bone grafts. This constitutes the highest level of evidence to date.

Ridner SH, Dietrich MS, Cowher MS, et al. 

https://rdcu.be/b9J85

Citation: Ridner, S.H., Dietrich, M.S., Cowher, M.S. et al. A Randomized Trial Evaluating Bioimpedance Spectroscopy Versus Tape Measurement for the Prevention of Lymphedema Following Treatment for Breast Cancer: Interim Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 3250–3259 (2019). 

Synopsis:  An interim analysis is reported of a randomized controlled trial comparing lymphedema progression rates using volume measurements calculated from circumference using tape measure (TM) to bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). Interim results demonstrate that post-treatment surveillance with BIS reduced absolute rates of progression of BCRL by approximately 10%, a clinically meaningful improvement.

Aquina CT, Truong M, Justiniano CF, et al.

https://rdcu.be/b9MzZ 

Citation: Aquina, C.T., Truong, M., Justiniano, C.F. et al. Variation in Adequate Lymph Node Yield for Gastric, Lung, and Bladder Cancer: Attributable to the Surgeon, Pathologist, or Hospital?. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 4093–4106 (2020). 

Synopsis: This study investigated trends, factors, and sources of variation related to adequate lymph node yield (ALNY) for gastric, lung, and bladder cancer resection.  ALNY remains low, and the relative contributions of the surgeon/pathologist/hospital in attaining ALNY differ across organ systems.

Arielle Stafford, Austin Williams, Kirsten Edmiston, Costanza Cocilovo, Robert Cohen, Sara Bruce, Kahyun Yoon-Flannery, and Lucy De La Cruz

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08905-9

Citation: Stafford, A., Williams, A., Edmiston, K. et al. Axillary Response in Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Endocrine Treatment for Node-Positive Breast Cancer: Systematic Literature Review and NCDB Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 4669–4677 (2020). 

Synopsis:  The  utility  of neoadjuvant  endocrine therapy  (NET)  on axillary  downstaging  in clinically  node-positive breast cancer is unclear. Using the National Cancer Database, the authors found that complete pathologic response in the axilla occurs after NET more frequently than previously reported.

Lizhi Shao, Zhenyu Liu, Lili Feng, Xiaoying Lou, Zhenhui Li, Xiao-Yan Zhang, Xiangbo Wan,Xuezhi Zhou, PhD2,8, Kai Sun, Da-Fu Zhang, Lin Wu, Guanyu Yang, Ying-Shi Sun, Ruihua Xu, Xinjuan Fan, and Jie Tian

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08659-4

Citation: Shao, L., Liu, Z., Feng, L. et al. Multiparametric MRI and Whole Slide Image-Based Pretreatment Prediction of Pathological Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Rectal Cancer: A Multicenter Radiopathomic Study. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 4296–4306 (2020).

Synopsis: This is a multicenter study combining radiological information of whole tumor and pathological information of local lesions to specifically differentiate response prior to nCRT, taking advantage of the complementary information provided by mp-MRI and WSI.

Brittany L. Murphy, Min Yi, Banu K. Arun, Angelica M. Gutierrez Barrera, and Isabelle Bedrosian

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08889-6

Citation: Murphy, B.L., Yi, M., Arun, B.K. et al. Contralateral Risk-Reducing Mastectomy in Breast Cancer Patients Who Undergo Multigene Panel Testing. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 4613–4621 

Synopsis:  Among patients with unilateral breast cancer who underwent multi-gene panel testing,  patients with a  BRCA 1/2 mutation were thirteen times more likely than those without a germline mutation to undergo CRRM, patients with a non-BRCA mutation were four times as likely, and a VUS were twice as likely.

Tracy-Ann Moo, Kate R. Pawloski, Varadan Sevilimedu, Jillian Charyn, Brett A. Simon, Lisa M. Sclafani, George Plitas, Andrea V. Barrio, Laurie J. Kirstein, Kimberly J. Van Zee, and Monica Morrow

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08886-9 

Citation: Moo, T., Pawloski, K.R., Sevilimedu, V. et al. Changing the Default: A Prospective Study of Reducing Discharge Opioid Prescription after Lumpectomy and Sentinel Node Biopsy. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 4637–4642 (2020). 

Synopsis: The authors examine outcomes following a change in standard discharge prescription from opioid/NSAID to an NSAID/acetaminophen, and conclude  that  most  patients  undergoing  lumpectomy  with  SLNB  can  be  discharged with an NSAID/acetaminophen, reducing the number of unused opioids in the community.

Laparoscopic Suprapancreatic Lymph Node Dissection Using a Systematic Mesogastric Excision Concept for Gastric Cancer

Tsutomu Kumamoto, Yasunori Kurahashi, Hirotaka Niwa, et al. 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-07700-5

Citation: Kumamoto, T., Kurahashi, Y., Niwa, H. et al. Laparoscopic Suprapancreatic Lymph Node Dissection Using a Systematic Mesogastric Excision Concept for Gastric Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 529–531 (2020). 

Synopsis:  Laparoscopic suprapancreatic lymphadenectomy using SME takes advantage of the surgical anatomy and achieves en bloc removal of the primary tumor and gastric mesentery. This series provides evidence that this procedure can be performed in a timely manner and is feasible.

Alessandra Marano, Fabrizio Allisiardi, Enrico Perino, et al.

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-08041-z

Citation: Marano, A., Allisiardi, F., Perino, E. et al. Robotic Treatment for Large Duodenal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 1101–1102 (2020). 

Synopsis: The adoption of a robotic approach could facilitate a duodenal sparing resection of large duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors amenable to a conservative R0 resection.

Forsythe SD, Sasikumar S, Omeed Moaven, et al. 

Citation: Forsythe, S.D., Sasikumar, S., Moaven, O. et al. Personalized Identification of Optimal HIPEC Perfusion Protocol in Patient-Derived Tumor Organoid Platform. Ann Surg Oncol (2020).

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08790-2

Synopsis:  Tumor organoid HIPEC platform for determination of optimal systemic and intraperitoneal chemotherapy at the level of the individual patient, suggesting that not only type of chemotherapy, but also application of hyperthermia should be personalized. 

Leimkühler M, Hentzen JEKR, Hemmer PHJ. et al.

Citation: Leeds, I.L., Meyers, P.M., Enumah, Z.O. et al. Psychosocial Risks are Independently Associated with Cancer Surgery Outcomes in Medically Comorbid Patients. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 936–944 (2019).

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-018-07136-3 

Synopsis: The effect of psychosocial risks on cancer surgery remains understudied. In comorbid patients, multiple psychosocial risks conferred a three times increase in the odds of a complication. These findings support the use of psychosocial risk assessment and potential preoperative optimization.

Fraune C, Burandt E, Simon R, et al.

Citation: Fraune, C., Burandt, E., Simon, R. et al. MMR Deficiency is Homogeneous in Pancreatic Carcinoma and Associated with High Density of Cd8-Positive Lymphocytes. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 3997–4006 (2020).

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08209-y 

Synopsis:  Immune checkpoint inhibition can be effective in microsatellite instable tumors. Here, we found that about 1 percent of 597 pancreatic cancers showed microsatellite instability, which was detectable throughout the entire tumor bulk. Our data suggest that microsatellite instability can be reliably assessed in small pancreatic cancer biopsies to select patients for therapy.

Leimkühler M, Hentzen JEKR, Hemmer PHJ. et al.

Citation: Leimkühler, M., Hentzen, J.E.K.R., Hemmer, P.H.J. et al. Systematic Review of Factors Affecting Quality of Life After Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 3973–3983 (2020).

 https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08650-z 

Synopsis: Quality of life deteriorates in the 6 months after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, returning to baseline by 12 months. This is negatively influenced by age, operation times, extensive disease, residual disease, adjuvant chemotherapy, complications, stoma placement, and recurrence.

Neal Bhutiani, Yan Li, Qianqian Zheng, Harshul Pandit, Xiaoju Shi, Yujia Chen, Youxi Yu, Zachary R. Pulliam, Min Tan, and Robert C. G. Martin II

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08782-2 

Citation: Bhutiani, N., Li, Y., Zheng, Q. et al. Electrochemotherapy with Irreversible Electroporation and FOLFIRINOX Improves Survival in Murine Models of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 4348–4359 (2020). 

Synopsis: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) with IRE and FOLFIRINOX resulted in increased tumor-cell apoptosis in mice models. In five patients, ECT with either FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine was well tolerated and resulted in no dose-limiting toxicities.

Giacomo Montagna, Anita Mamtani, Andrea Knezevic, Edi Brogi, Andrea V. Barrio, and Monica Morrow

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08650-z 

Citation: Montagna, G., Mamtani, A., Knezevic, A. et al. Selecting Node-Positive Patients for Axillary Downstaging with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 4515–4522 (2020). 

Synopsis: Here we evaluate how often node-positive patients avoid ALND with NAC and identify predictors of retrieval of ≥3 SLNs and ALND avoidance. ALND was spared in 41% of patients; this was associated with receptor status, grade, and LVI.

Anita Mamtani, Andrea V. Barrio, Debra A. Goldman, Hannah Y. Wen, Alain Vincent, and Monica Morrow

Citation: Mamtani, A., Barrio, A.V., Goldman, D.A. et al. Extranodal Tumor Deposits in the Axillary Fat Indicate the Need for Axillary Dissection Among T1–T2cN0 Patients with Positive Sentinel Nodes. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 3585–3592 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08632-1 

Synopsis: Among T1-T2cN0 patients with SLN metastases, the presence of extranodal tumor deposits in the axillary fat is strongly associated with ≥4 positive NSLNs. Even in patients meeting ACOSOG Z0011 criteria for omission of ALND, this finding may warrant completion ALND.

Citation: Ibrahim, A.M., Le May, M., Bossé, D. et al. Imaging Intensity and Survival Outcomes in High-Risk Resected Melanoma Treated by Systemic Therapy at Recurrence. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 3683–3691 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08407-8

Synopsis: The authors examined 353 high-risk melanoma patients over a 10-year period for imaging surveillance intensity and symptom status at recurrence. Asymptomatic detection of metastatic recurrence was associated with lower burden of disease, higher rates of systemic treatment, and improved overall survival outcomes.

Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion with Melphalan in Patients with Unresectable Ocular Melanoma Metastases Confined to the Liver: A Prospective Phase II Study

Susanna Meijer, Mark C. Burgmans, Eleonora M. de Leede…Alexander L. Vahrmeijer

Citation: Meijer, T.S., Burgmans, M.C., de Leede, E.M. et al. Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion with Melphalan in Patients with Unresectable Ocular Melanoma Metastases Confined to the Liver: A Prospective Phase II Study. Ann Surg Oncol (2020).

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08741-x 

Synopsis: The liver is the predominant site of metastases from ocular melanoma. This study shows that percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan can achieve a high overall response rate and median overall survival well beyond 1 year in patients with liver-only ocular melanoma metastases.

Amanda R. Kupstas, Tanya L. Hoskin, Courtney N. Day, Elizabeth B. Habermann, and Judy C. Boughey

Citation: Kupstas, A.R., Hoskin, T.L., Day, C.N. et al. Effect of Surgery Type on Time to Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Impact of Delay on Breast Cancer Survival: A National Cancer Database Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 3240–3249 (2019).

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-07566-7 

Synopsis: Using the National Cancer Database, we evaluated how the type of breast surgery impacted the timing to adjuvant chemotherapy and factors that infl uenced any delay in therapy, and furthermore, evaluated the impact of any delay in adjuvant chemotherapy on patient outcome. Initiation of chemotherapy greater than 120 days after diagnosis was associated with poorer overall survival. The time interval from diagnosis to surgery had the greatest impact on the time from diagnosis to chemotherapy, with reconstruction resulting in the greatest delay

Irbaz Hameed,  Piyush Aggarwal, and Martin R. Weiser 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-07692-2 

Citation: Hameed, I., Aggarwal, P. & Weiser, M.R. Robotic Extended Right Hemicolectomy with Complete Mesocolic Excision and D3 Lymph Node Dissection. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 3990–3991 (2019). 

Synopsis: This video provides a step-by-step demonstration of a robotically assisted extended right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision and D3 lymphadenectomy in a 62-year-old male with hepatic flexure adenocarcinoma. The use of robotics facilitates visualization and instrument dexterity.

Ji Hoon Kim MD and Hyeyoung Kim

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-07852-4 

Citation: Kim, J.H., Kim, H. Pure Laparoscopic Anatomic Resection of the Segment 8 Ventral Area Using the Transfissural Glissonean Approach. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 4608–4609 (2019).

Synopsis: The most difficult and critical step of anatomical resection of segment 8 ventral area is the determination of boundary. The transfissural Glissonean approach is a feasible and effective technique for laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy. The parenchymal transection along the main portal fissure allows easy and direct access to the segment 8 ventral branch.

Ruben Ciria, Irene Gomez-Luque, Sira Ocaña…Mohammed Abu Hilal

Citation: Ciria, R., Gomez-Luque, I., Ocaña, S. et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing the Short- and Long-Term Outcomes for Laparoscopic and Open Liver Resections for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Updated Results from the European Guidelines Meeting on Laparoscopic Liver Surgery, Southampton, UK, 2017. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 252–263 (2019). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-018-6926-3 

Synopsis: Laparoscopic approach for liver resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) improves short-term outcomes without compromising long-term outcomes. In specific sub-analyses, the main improvement is observed in hospital stay and complications. Minimally invasive approach should be considered an adequate strategy for resection of HCC. 

Diamantis I. Tsilimigras, Fabio Bagante, Kota Sahara…Timothy M. Pawlik 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-07580-9 

Citation: Tsilimigras, D.I., Bagante, F., Sahara, K. et al. Prognosis After Resection of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage 0, A, and B Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Assessment of the Current BCLC Classification. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 3693–3700 (2019). 

Synopsis: This study assessed the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for BCLC stage 0, A, and B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with a single large tumor had long-term outcomes comparable with patients with BCLC-B HCC following liver resection. Surgery after resection for BCLC-B HCC provided a 5-year overall survival of 49.9%.

Rittal Mehta, Diamantis I. Tsilimigras, Anghela Z. Paredes…Timothy M. Pawlik

Citation: Mehta, R., Tsilimigras, D.I., Paredes, A.Z. et al. Is Patient Satisfaction Dictated by Quality of Care Among Patients Undergoing Complex Surgical Procedures for a Malignant Indication? Ann Surg Oncol 27, 3126–3135 (2020). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08788-w

Synopsis: Higher patient satisfaction was strongly associated with hospital structural measures such as bed number, urban location as well as nurse-to-bed ratio. Patients who had an “optimal” TO following cancer surgery had higher odds of ranking the hospital within the highest HCAPS category. High quality of care can directly lead to improved patient satisfaction among surgical patients with cancer.

Citation: Kobayashi, S., Takahashi, S., Takahashi, N. et al. Survival Outcomes of Resected BRAF V600E Mutant Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study in Japan. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 3307–3315 (2020). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08817-8 

Synopsis: A multicenter retrospective cohort study to investigate the survival outcomes of resected BRAF V600E mutant CRLM was conducted. A clinicopathological analysis was performed, and the future treatment strategy for this disease is discussed.

Hannah Deborah  Müller, Florian Posch, Christoph Suppan…Marija Balic

Citation: Müller, H.D., Posch, F., Suppan, C. et al. Validation of Residual Cancer Burden as Prognostic Factor for Breast Cancer Patients After Neoadjuvant Therapy. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 4274–4283 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-07741-w 

Synopsis: In a clinical, independent setting the value of the residual cancer burden (RCB) predictive performance was assessed. The authors confirm the RCB score as externally valid prognostic marker independent of molecular subtype for relapse-free survival and overall survival.

Hatem Soliman, Susanne Wagner, Darl D. Flake II…William Gradishar

Citation: Soliman, H., Wagner, S., Flake, D.D. et al. Evaluation of the 12-Gene Molecular Score and the 21-Gene Recurrence Score as Predictors of Response to Neo-adjuvant Chemotherapy in Estrogen Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 765–771 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-08039-7 

Synopsis: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy may facilitate complete surgical resection in breast cancer. Using microarray data, two commercial breast cancer prognostic scores (12-gene MS and 21-gene RS) were significant predictors of response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, though the 12-gene MS outperformed the 21-gene RS.

Citation: Yin, K., Liu, Y., Lamichhane, B. et al. Legacy Genetic Testing Results for Cancer Susceptibility: How Common are Conflicting Classifications in a Large Variant Dataset from Multiple Practices?. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 2212–2220 (2020). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08492-9

Synopsis: By analyzing a large multipractice variant dataset, we found that 21.2% (n = 783) of the variants had discordance between lab-reported and ClinVar classifications. Of all unique variants, 2.5% (n = 121) had within-practice lab-reported discordances, and 1.2% (n = 56) had lab-reported discordances across practices.

Diamantis I. Tsilimigras, Fabio Bagante, Dimitrios Moris…Timothy M. Pawlik

Citation: Tsilimigras, D.I., Bagante, F., Moris, D. et al. Recurrence Patterns and Outcomes after Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma within and beyond the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Criteria. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 2321–2331 (2020). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08452-3

Synopsis: In this multi-institutional study, 602 (79.6%) and 154 (20.4%) patients underwent resection within (i.e. BCLC-0/A) and beyond (i.e. BCLC B/C) the current BCLC resection criteria. Recurrences in both BCLC 0/A and BCLC B/C groups were mostly intrahepatic. Surgery provided a 5-year OS of 51.6% among select patients with BCLC B/C HCC.

Marcel Autran C. Machado, Rodrigo C. Surjan, Fabio Makdissi

Citation: Machado, M.A.C., Surjan, R.C. & Makdissi, F. Robotic ALPPS. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 1174–1179 (2020). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-08027-x 

Synopsis: This streaming video article presents a robotic ALPPS procedure to treat synchronous colorectal liver metastases. The first and second stages were totally robotic as well as the colon resection. The use of the Xi da Vinci system was useful to complete this procedure. 

June S. Peng, Steven J. Nurkin, Steven N. Hochwald, Moshim Kukar

Citation: Peng, J.S., Nurkin, S.J., Hochwald, S.N. et al. Technique for Robotic Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy with 6-cm Linear Stapled Side-to-Side Anastomosis. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 824 (2020). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-019-07933-4 

Synopsis: Minimally invasive esophagectomy offers decreased postoperative complications compared with open esophagectomy, with equivalent oncologic outcomes. This streaming video article presents a technique for a completely robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with a 60-mm side-to-side intrathoracic anastomosis, which is associated with low stricture and leak rates.

Dominik Paul Modest, Volker Heinemann, Gunnar Folprecht…Ingrid Ricard

Citation:  Modest, D.P., Heinemann, V., Folprecht, G. et al. Factors That Influence Conversion to Resectability and Survival After Resection of Metastases in RAS WT Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): Analysis of FIRE-3- AIOKRK0306. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 2389–2401 (2020). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08219-w 

Synopsis:  Achievement of secondary resectability of metastases from colorectal cancer is associated with disease characteristics (BRAF mutation, presence of lung lesions etc) and with early response parameters. Resection of metastases is associated with improved post-best response survival.

Angela Horvath, Augustinas Bausys, Rasa Sabaliauskaite…Kestutis Strupas

Citation: Horvath, A., Bausys, A., Sabaliauskaite, R. et al. Distal Gastrectomy with Billroth II Reconstruction is Associated with Oralization of Gut Microbiome and Intestinal Inflammation: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Ann Surg Oncol (2020). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08678-1

Synopsis: This study investigates the gut microbiome composition after subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth II reconstruction. Surgery results in gut microbiome oralization and intestinal inflammation. These changes are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. 

Monica Polcz, Cameron Schlegel, Gretchen C. Edwards…Christina E. Bailey

Citation:  Polcz, M., Schlegel, C., Edwards, G.C. et al. Primary Tumor Resection Offers Survival Benefit in Patients with Metastatic Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 2795–2803 (2020). 

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08602-7 

Synopsis:  The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence and survival impact of primary tumor resection (PTR) in patients with unresectable metastatic midgut neuroendocrine tumors. PTR was associated with improved overall survival, however 40% of patients did not undergo PTR.

Carlos Eduardo Barbosa de Carvalho, Renato Capuzzo, Camila Crovador…Vinicius L. Vazquez

Citation: de Carvalho, C.E.B., Capuzzo, R., Crovador, C. et al. Near Infrared (NIR) Fluorescence is Not a Substitute for Lymphoscintigraphy and Gamma Probe for Melanoma Sentinel Node Detection: Results from a Prospective Trial. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 2906–2912 (2020).

https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08409-6 

Synopsis: This prospective trial of 121 melanomas shows that a combined sentinel node detection approach using blue dye, radiocolloids and fluorescent tracers is the most efficient. Only radiocolloids provided sufficient sensitivity to be used alone.

Konstantinos I. Votanopoulos, Steven Forsythe, Hemamylammal Sivakumar…Aleksander Skardal

Citation:  Votanopoulos, K.I., Forsythe, S., Sivakumar, H. et al. Model of Patient-Specific Immune-Enhanced Organoids for Immunotherapy Screening: Feasibility Study. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 1956–1967 (2020).
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245%2Fs10434-019-08143-8 

Synopsis: The authors describe a patient-specific organoid platform, where melanoma and lymph node from the same patient are cocultured and used to predict tumor response to immunotherapy and generate adaptive immunity, by presenting tumor neoantigens on patient’s own nodal antigen-presenting cells (APCs). 

Korrel, J. van Hilst, A. Alseidi…M. G. Besselink

Citation: Korrel, M., Lof, S., van Hilst, J. et al. Predictors for Survival in an International Cohort of Patients Undergoing Distal Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol (2020).
 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245/s10434-020-08658-5 

Synopsis: It is unclear which predictors related to surgical technique are associated with improved overall survival after distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. In this international cohort including 1200 patients, predictors for improved overall survival included Gerota’s fascia resection, R0-resection, and decreased lymph node ratio.

Barbara L. Smith, Conor R. Lanahan, Michelle C. Specht…Michele A. Gadd

Citation: Smith, B.L., Lanahan, C.R., Specht, M.C. et al. Feasibility Study of a Novel Protease-Activated Fluorescent Imaging System for Real-Time, Intraoperative Detection of Residual Breast Cancer in Breast Conserving Surgery. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 1854–1861 (2020).   https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245/s10434-019-08158-1 

Synopsis: Real-time, intraoperative breast lumpectomy margin assessment was performed using LUM015, a protease-activated fluorescent imaging agent. The tumor was distinguished from benign tissue across all tumor histology, breast density, and menopausal status. 

Pim B. Olthof, Luca Aldrighetti, Ruslan Alikhanov…Thomas M. van Gulik

Citation: Olthof, P.B., Aldrighetti, L., Alikhanov, R. et al. Portal Vein Embolization is Associated with Reduced Liver Failure and Mortality in High-Risk Resections for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 2311–2318 (2020). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245/s10434-019-07157-6 

Synopsis: Using data on 1667 patients who underwent resection of suspected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma across 20 centers, it was shown in a propensity matched comparison that the use of peroperative portal portal vein embolization was associated with major reductions in liver failure and mortality rates.

Rebecca Hoesli, Julia R. Brennan, Andrew J. Rosko…Matthew E. Spector

Citation: Hoesli, R., Brennan, J.R., Rosko, A.J. et al. Intraoperative Fluorescent Angiography Predicts Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Salvage Laryngectomy. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 1320–1325 (2019). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245%2Fs10434-019-07262-6 

Synopsis: Intraoperative usage of indocyaine green imaging can predict the formation of post-operative fistulas, allowing for more tailored reconstructive options depending on risk of fistula.

Laura M. Enomoto, Joyce Fenstermaker, Rodwige J. Desnoyers…Perry Shen

Citation: Enomoto, L.M., Fenstermaker, J., Desnoyers, R.J. et al. Oncology Navigation Decreases Time to Treatment in Patients with Pancreatic Malignancy. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 1512–1518 (2019). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245/s10434-019-07157-6 

Synopsis: Significant delays in care may exist due to the complexity of multidisciplinary care in patients with pancreatic malignancy. Implementing an oncology navigation program significantly decreased the time to treatment in patients with pancreatic malignancy.

Stephanie A. Valente, Chirag Shah

Citation: Valente, S.A., Shah, C. The Landmark Series: Adjuvant Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol (2020). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08450-5 

Synopsis: This landmark series evaluating radiation therapy for breast cancer is a review of milestone trials which have established treatment paradigms to improve both local control and survival for breast cancer patients.

K. Kamarajah, M. Navidi, S. Wahed…A. W. Phillips

Citation: Kamarajah, S.K., Navidi, M., Wahed, S. et al. Anastomotic Leak Does Not Impact on Long-Term Outcomes in Esophageal Cancer Patients. Ann Surg Oncol (2020). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08199-x 

Synopsis: The impact of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy is unclear. Long-term outcomes of patients who experienced a leak after transthoracic esophagectomy over 20 years from a single unit were reviewed. Anastomotic leak, and severe leak did not impact on longterm survival

Nikita M. Shah, Dana M. Scott, Pridvi Kandagatla …Jacqueline S. Jeruss

Citation: Shah, N.M., Scott, D.M., Kandagatla, P. et al. Young Women with Breast Cancer: Fertility Preservation Options and Management of Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 1214–1224 (2019). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245/s10434-019-07156-7

Synopsis: Young breast cancer patients face the potential impact of treatment on future fertility. Additionally, a subset of patients will navigate the challenges of breast cancer treatment during pregnancy or during the postpartum period. Suggested guidelines are provided to address reproductive health in conjunction with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Arjona-Sanchez, L. Rodriguez-Ortiz, D. Baratti…J. Briceno

Citation: Arjona-Sanchez, A., Rodriguez-Ortiz, L., Baratti, D. et al. RAS Mutation Decreases Overall Survival After Optimal Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy of Colorectal Peritoneal Metastasis: A Modification Proposal of the Peritoneal Surface Disease Severity Score. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 2595–2604 (2019). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245%2Fs10434-019-07378-9

Synopsis: Adding the RAS mutations status to traditional PSDSS changes the traditional patient selection for CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer scoring by adding the biological feature of the tumor to clinical-pathologic score.

Stephanie Downs-Canner, Emily C. Zabor,Tyler Wind…Alexandra Heerdt

Citation: Downs-Canner, S., Zabor, E.C., Wind, T. et al. Radiation Therapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery in Women 70 Years of Age and Older: How Wisely Do We Choose?. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 969–975 (2019).https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245%2Fs10434-018-07151-4

Synopsis: Despite evidence that omission of RT in women with small estrogen receptor positive tumors is safe, use remains high. Neither factors consistent with risk of local recurrence or competing risk of death in 10 years predicted use of adjuvant radiation.

Song Ryo, Mitsuro Kanda, Seiji Ito…Yasuhiro Kodera

Citation: Ryo, S., Kanda, M., Ito, S. et al. The Controlling Nutritional Status Score Serves as a Predictor of Short- and Long-Term Outcomes for Patients with Stage 2 or 3 Gastric Cancer: Analysis of a Multi-institutional Data Set. Ann Surg Oncol 26, 456–464 (2019). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1245/s10434-018-07121-w

Synopsis: The authors evaluated the preoperative Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score’s predictive value among patients with stage II/III gastric cancer. A multicenter dataset analysis revealed that the preoperative CONUT score may be a useful predictor of postoperative short-term and long-term outcomes.

By Naruhiko Ikoma, Brian D. Badgwell, Paul Mansfield

Citation: Ikoma, N., Badgwell, B.D. & Mansfield, P. Fluorescent-Image Guidance in Robotic Subtotal Gastrectomy. Ann Surg Oncol (2020). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08523-5

Synopsis: Robotic surgery technology has significant advantages, but its limitations include a lack of tactile feedback. Fluorescent-imaging technology, part of the da Vinci robotic surgery system, helps to overcome this lack of feedback and improve safety.

By Yun Yang, Oliver Peacock, Songphol Malakorn, Thitithep Limvorapitak, Syed Nabeel Zafar, George J. Chang,

Citation: Yang, Y., Peacock, O., Malakorn, S. et al. Superior Mesenteric Vein-First Approach for Robotic Salvage Surgery with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography. Ann Surg Oncol (2020). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08222-1

Synopsis: Following the SMV-first approach principles provide a safe plane for dissection, and in conjunction with ICG, facilitates the delineation of the vascular anatomy, to enable robotic salvage surgery for recurrent disease within residual mesocolon to be performed.

Chicago Consensus Working Group

Citation: Turaga, K., Ahuja, N., Richard Alexander, H. et al. The Chicago Consensus Guidelines for Peritoneal Surface Malignancies: Introduction. Ann Surg Oncol 27, 1737–1740 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-08318-8

Synopsis: The Chicago Consensus Working Group provides multidisciplinary recommendations for the management of peritoneal surface malignancies of various causes. These guidelines recognize and address the emerging need for increased awareness of the appropriate management of peritoneal surface disease.