This study navigates the ongoing debate over whether neoadjuvant radiation should be combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of resectable gastric cancer. While awaiting results from specific clinical trials, experts discuss the pros and cons. Neoadjuvant radiation may be better tolerated and improve pathologic response, especially for certain tumor locations. However, it hasn’t shown a […]
Category: Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
Sarcopenia Development During Neoadjuvant Therapy Spells Trouble for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Patients
This study explored how sarcopenia, muscle loss often seen in cancer patients, impacts outcomes for esophageal adenocarcinoma patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. Among 71 patients, those who developed sarcopenia before surgery had significantly worse overall survival compared to those who were sarcopenic at diagnosis or experienced no change in muscle status. The cause of death in […]
Defining Quality Performance Indicators for Oesophageal Cancer Surgery
This systematic review explored existing quality performance indicators (QPIs) for the surgical management of oesophageal cancer (OC). Researchers collected data from articles, guidelines, and consensus reports. QPIs were categorized as process, outcome, or structural measures, covering aspects like multidisciplinary involvement, reoperation rates, and the role of surgical metrics. The findings provide a foundation for a […]
Conventional Hot-Snare Resection Preferred Over Hybrid Technique for Papillary Lesions
Researchers investigated a hybrid hot-snare plus cold-snare resection (HR) technique compared to conventional hot-snare resection (CR) for managing laterally spreading papillary adenomas (LSL-P) in the papilla. HR showed higher rates of recurrent or residual adenoma (RRA) compared to CR (58.8% vs. 29.8%), with an odds ratio of 3.6 times higher for recurrence. While both methods […]
Endoscopic Resection Proves Effective for Giant Esophageal Lesions
Researchers examined the feasibility and safety of endoscopic resection (ER) for giant esophageal subepithelial lesions (G-SELs) in a large study. They achieved a remarkable 93.3% en bloc resection rate with a low recurrence rate. Some patients experienced adverse events (9.3% intraoperatively and 17.3% postoperatively). A predictive nomogram model was developed, indicating that age, tumor size, […]
Enhanced Recovery Protocols Improve Short-Term Outcomes in Esophagectomy: Evidence from India
Esophageal cancer surgery carries significant risks, especially in low and middle-income countries. This study investigated the impact of enhanced recovery protocols (ERP) in patients undergoing esophagectomy in India. Despite ERP patients having a higher predicted risk of complications, they experienced significantly lower 30-day morbidity and shorter hospital stays compared to those receiving standard pre-protocol care. […]
Age No Barrier to Oesophagogastric Resection Success
Researchers explored the impact of age on post-operative outcomes for patients undergoing resection for oesophageal and gastric cancer. They analyzed data from a cohort of 466 patients over nearly two decades. Patients over 75 faced slightly higher post-operative complications, primarily cardiac or thromboembolic issues, when undergoing oesophagectomy, but no significant difference in outcomes was observed […]
Endoscopic Resection for Duodenal Tumors: What to Watch For
A study on 141 patients with duodenal submucosal tumors (SMTs) explored the outcomes of endoscopic resection (ER). Results showed that 78.7% achieved complete resection, but 6.4% faced complications. High-risk factors for complications included SMTs near the duodenal papilla and those with a diameter exceeding 15mm. Additionally, submucosal fibrosis, SMTs near the duodenal papilla, and irregular […]
Predicting Postoperative Pneumonia in Esophageal Cancer Patients
Sarcopenia, a condition involving muscle loss, is common in esophageal cancer patients. This study delved into how sarcopenia, particularly during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), affects postoperative complications, especially postoperative pneumonia (PP). By analyzing 113 patients, they found that the criteria of the modified European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) before NAC had high […]
Pretreatment Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value Predicts Neoadjuvant Immunochemotherapy Outcomes for Esophageal Cancer
Researchers assessed the Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV) as an indicator of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) response in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Among 218 patients, PIV was linked to achieving a pathological complete response. High PIV predicted poorer 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival compared to low PIV. PIV independently forecasted outcomes. A novel risk stratification model improved […]