Dorin T. Colibaseanu

Surgery for locally advanced recurrent colorectal cancer involving the aortoiliac axis: can we achieve R0 resection and long-term survival?

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced, recurrent colorectal cancer involving the aortoiliac axis may be considered a contraindication for curative surgery because of the technical challenges of achieving a negative margin resection and an assumed poor prognosis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess oncologic outcomes and the ability to achieve an R0 resection in these patients. DESIGN: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database identified 406 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for locally recurrent colorectal cancer between 1997 and 2007. SETTING: This study was conducted at an academic multidisciplinary tertiary center. PATIENTS: The demographic and clinicopathological features of patients undergoing resection for locally advanced disease involving the aortoiliac axis at our institution were reviewed. RESULTS: Twelve patients (7 women, median age 51 years) were identified. Major vessel involvement included internal iliac artery (n = 7), common iliac artery (n = 5), external iliac artery (n = 3), aorta (n = 3), internal iliac vein (n = 2), and external iliac vein (n = 1). R0 resection was achieved in 7 patients, and R1 resection in 5. Eleven patients received intraoperative radiation therapy. Vascular reconstruction (3 aorta, 5 common iliac, 3 external iliac) included synthetic interposition grafts, femoral-femoral bypasses, or primary anastomosis. One patient underwent venous reconstruction of the external iliac vein. No graft complications were encountered, and graft patency at 4 years was 100%. Thirty-day morbidity was seen in 9 patients, 8 of whom had Clavien grade <3. Thirty-day mortality was nil. Overall and disease-free survival at 4 years was 55% and 45%. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its sample size, retrospective design, and the number of outcome events. CONCLUSION: R0 resection of locally advanced recurrent colorectal cancer involving the aortoiliac axis was achieved in over 50% of patients. Overall and disease-free survival was comparable to outcomes seen with locally advanced disease to nonvascular structures.

Extended sacropelvic resection for locally recurrent rectal cancer: can it be done safely and with good oncologic outcomes?

BACKGROUND: A multimodality approach to patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer that includes surgery is associated with a significant survival advantage when tumor-free margins are achieved. Patients with advanced tumors will require extended sacropelvic resection to optimize oncologic outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the safety, feasibility, and oncologic outcomes of extended sacropelvic resection for locally recurrent rectal cancer at our institution. DESIGN: A retrospective review identified 406 patients who had surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer between 1997 and 2007. From this group, all patients who underwent a curative-intent sacropelvic resection were analyzed. SETTINGS: This investigation was conducted at an academic tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Thirty patients (24 male) were identified. Median age was 59 years (range, 25–84). Operations were performed for a first local recurrence (n = 24), a second recurrence (n = 5) and for a third recurrence (n = 1). INTERVENTIONS: Twenty-six patients underwent neoadjuvant radiation, and 20 received intraoperative radiation therapy. All patients underwent extended sacropelvic resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were early (<30 days) and late (>30 days) surgical complications. Overall and disease-free survivals were estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier technique. RESULTS: Margin-negative resection was achieved in 93%. The most proximal level of spinal transection was the fourth lumbar space, and 4 patients underwent lower extremity amputation. There was no mortality, and early morbidity was seen in 76%. Median follow-up was 2.7 years (range, 2 months to 10.8 years). Overall survival at 2 and 5 years was 86% and 46%. Disease-free survival at 2 and 5 years was 79% and 43%. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective nature and the limited number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found extended sacropelvic resection for locally recurrent rectal cancer to be feasible and safe with overall and disease-free survival rates in comparison with survival rates seen in patients undergoing nonsacropelvic resections for locally recurrent rectal cancer.

Is curative resection and long-term survival possible for locally re-recurrent colorectal cancer in the pelvis?

BACKGROUND: A multimodality approach for locally recurrent colorectal cancer in the pelvis provides a significant survival advantage when negative margins are achieved. However, outcomes of surgical resection in patients who have locally re-recurrent disease in the pelvis are not well studied. Our aim was to assess the safety, feasibility of a negative margin resection, and survival outcomes in patients with pelvic locally re-recurrent colorectal cancer. DESIGN: A retrospective review identified 406 patients who underwent surgery for locally recurrent colorectal cancer between 1997 and 2007. Patients who had locally re-recurrent disease in the pelvis who underwent curative-intent resection were identified. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (31 male) were identified. Median age was 57 years (range, 30–84 years). Median time to re-recurrence was 2.4 years (range, 0.5–5.6 years). Margin status following re-resection was R0 60%, R1 32%, and R2 8%. Nonbowel organs were resected en bloc in 81%, including 7 sacral resections. Intraoperative radiation was given to 77%. Morbidity occurred in 42%, with 6% requiring reoperation for complications. Thirty-day mortality was nil. Overall survival at 2 and 5 years was 83% and 33%. Disease-free survival at 2 and 5 years was 55% and 27%. Five-year survival for patients who had R0 and R1 resections was 37% and 42%, whereas no patients having an R2 resection survived beyond 2 years (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In highly selected patients with re-recurrent colorectal cancer in the pelvis, we found that surgery could be performed safely and that a curative (R0) resection was possible in more than 50%. Two- and 5-year survival rates are comparable to results seen when surgery is done for first-time recurrences.

The Feasibility and Safety of Surgery in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Retrospective Study

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are revolutionizing care for cancer patients. The list of malignancies for which the Food and Drug Administration is granting approval is rapidly increasing. Furthermore, there is a concomitant increase in clinical trials incorporating ICI. However, the safety of ICI in patients undergoing surgery remains unclear. Herein, we assessed the safety of ICI in the perioperative setting at a single center. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent planned surgery while receiving ICI in the perioperative setting from 2012 to 2016. We collected 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality utilizing the Clavien–Dindo classification system. We identified 17 patients who received perioperative ICI in 22 operations. Patients were diagnosed with melanoma (n = 14), renal cell carcinoma (n = 2), and urothelial carcinoma (n = 1). Therapies included pembrolizumab (n = 10), ipilimumab (n = 5), atezolizumab (n = 5), and ipilimumab/nivolumab (n = 2). Procedures included cutaneous/subcutaneous resection (n = 6), lymph node resection (n = 5), small bowel resection (n = 5), abdominal wall resection (n = 3), other abdominal surgery (n = 3), orthopedic surgery (n = 1), hepatic resection (n = 1), and neurosurgery (n = 2). There were no Grade III–IV Clavien–Dindo complications. There was one death secondary to ventricular fibrillation in the setting of coronary artery disease. ICI appear safe in the perioperative setting, involving multiple different types of surgery, and likely do not need to be stopped in the perioperative setting. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Racial disparity in utilization of therapeutic modalities among multiple myeloma patients: A SEER-medicare analysis

Outcomes have improved considerably in multiple myeloma (MM), but disparities among racial‐ethnic groups exist. Differences in utilization of novel therapeutics are likely contributing factors. We explored such differences from the SEER‐Medicare database. A utilization analysis of lenalidomide, thalidomide, bortezomib, and stem cell transplant (SCT) was performed for patients diagnosed with MM between 2007 and 2009, including use over time, use by race, time‐dependent trends for each racial subgroup, and survival analysis. A total of 5338 MM patients were included with median 2.4‐year follow‐up. Within the first year of MM diagnosis, utilization of lenalidomide, bortezomib, SCT, and more than one novel agent increased over time while utilization of thalidomide decreased. There was significantly lower utilization of lenalidomide among African‐Americans (P < 0.01), higher thalidomide use among Hispanics and Asians (P < 0.01), and lower bortezomib use among Asians (P < 0.01). Hispanics had the highest median number of days to first dose of bortezomib (P = 0.02) and the lowest utilization of SCT (P < 0.01). Hispanics and Asians were the only groups without notable increases in lenalidomide and bortezomib use, respectively. SCT utilization increased over time for all except African‐Americans. SCT use within the first year after diagnosis was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.52; 95% CI: 0.4–0.68), while bortezomib use was associated with inferior survival (HR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02–1.28). We noted considerable variability in MM therapeutics utilization with seeming inequity for racial‐ethnic minorities. These trends should be considered to eliminate drug access and utilization disparities and achieve equitable benefit of therapeutic advances across all races.

Clostridium difficile infection after restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) of the ileal pouch following restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) is becoming increasingly recognized. We aimed to understand better (i) the associated risk factors, (ii) treatment practices and (iii) the pouch diversion and failure rate in patients who developed CDI of the pouch after RPC for ulcerative colitis (UC).

Intravenous immunoglobulin use in managing severe, perioperative peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum following subtotal colectomy with end ileostomy for medically refractory chronic ulcerative colitis.

Peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum (PPG) is a rare subtype of pyoderma gangrenosum that is characterized by painful, necrotic ulcerations occurring in the area surrounding an abdominal stoma. PPG is typically seen in younger patients with active inflammatory bowel disease. The etiology and pathogenesis is largely unknown and risk factors are not well defined. Therapy typically involves a combination of aggressive local wound care and systemic medications. Diagnosis and management of PPG can be difficult and data on treatment are limited. We present a case of severe postoperative peristomal recalcitrant to conventional therapy successfully treated with intravenous immune globulin.

Efficacy and Outcomes of Intrathecal Analgesia as Part of an Enhanced Recovery Pathway in Colon and Rectal Surgical Patients

Purpose Multimodal analgesia is an essential component of an enhanced recovery pathway (ERP). An ERP that includes the use of single-injection intrathecal analgesia (IA) has been shown to decrease morbidity and cost and shorten length of stay (LOS). Limited data exist on safety, feasibility, and the optimal IA regimen. Our objective was to characterize the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of IA within an ERP in a cohort of colorectal surgical patients. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all consecutive patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent open or minimally invasive colorectal surgery from October 2012 to December 2013. All patients were enrolled in an institutional ERP that included the use of single-injection IA. Demographics, anesthetic management, efficacy (pain scores and opiate consumption), postoperative ileus (POI), adverse effects, and LOS are reported. Results 601 patients were identified. The majority received opioid-only IA (91%) rather than a multimodal regimen. Median LOS was 3 days. Overall rate of ileus was 16%. Median pain scores at 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 hours were 3, 2, 3, 4, and 3, respectively. There was no difference in postoperative pain scores, LOS, or POI based on intrathecal medication or dose received. Overall, development of respiratory depression (0.2%) or pruritus (1.2%) was rare. One patient required blood patch for postdural headache. Conclusion Intrathecal analgesia is safe, feasible, and efficacious in the setting of ERP for colorectal surgery. All regimens and doses achieved a short LOS, low pain scores, and a low incidence of POI. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrails.gov NCT03411109.

Palliative Care Use Among Patients With Solid Cancer Tumors: A National Cancer Data Base Study

Background: Palliative care has been increasingly recognized as an important part of cancer care but remains underutilized in patients with solid cancers. There is a current gap in knowledge regarding why palliative care is underutilized nationwide. Objective: To identify the factors associated with palliative care use among deceased patients with solid cancer tumors. Methods: Using the 2016 National Cancer Data Base, we identified deceased patients (2004-2013) with breast, colon, lung, melanoma, and prostate cancer. Data were described as percentages. Associations between palliative care use and patient, facility, and geographic characteristics were evaluated through multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 1 840 111 patients were analyzed; 9.6% received palliative care. Palliative care use was higher in the following patient groups: survival >24 months (17% vs 2%), male (54% vs 46%), higher Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score (16% vs 8%), treatment at designated cancer programs (74% vs 71%), lung cancer (76% vs 28%), higher grade cancer (53% vs 24%), and stage IV cancer (59% vs 13%). Patients who lived in communities with a greater percentage of high school degrees had higher odds of receiving palliative care; Central and Pacific regions of the United States had lower odds of palliative care use than the East Coast. Patients with colon, melanoma, or prostate cancer had lower odds of palliative care than patients with breast cancer, whereas those with lung cancer had higher odds. Conclusions: Palliative care use in solid cancer tumors is variable, with a preference for patients with lung cancer, younger age, known insurance status, and higher educational level.

Trends and outcomes of sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer: a national cancer database study

PurposePrevious studies have shown that sphincter-preserving surgery is associated with better quality of life in postsurgical rectal cancer patients. However, the factors predicting the likelihood of undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery have not been well-described. The aim of this study was to report the factors that determined the likelihood of undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery.MethodsCharacteristics of 24,018 rectal cancer patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery and abdominoperineal resection diagnosed from 2008 to 2012 from the National Cancer Database were investigated retrospectively for rate, pattern, and differences in mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios for assessing mortality. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regressions models for outcome sphincter-preserving surgery.ResultsEighteen thousand four hundred fifty-two (77%) patients had sphincter-preserving surgery. Majority of sphincter-preserving surgery patients were aged < 70 (74%), had private insurance (52%), and got treatment at a comprehensive community cancer program (54%). Multivariable analysis showed that patients with age ≥ 70 (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80–0.95), male gender (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.96), having Medicare (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.76–0.90), Medicaid (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.63–0.81), and poorly differentiated grade (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.71–0.85) were less likely to undergo sphincter-preserving surgery. Multivariable analysis showed that patients having abdominoperineal resection have higher likelihood of mortality than sphincter-preserving surgery (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.16–1.36).ConclusionsWe were able to identify several patient and tumor-related factors impacting the likelihood of undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery. Patients undergoing non-sphincter sparing surgery had a higher mortality that sphincter preservation.