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Biliary tract cancers exhibit significant genomic heterogeneity and co-alterations

In biliary tract cancers (BTCs), genomic analysis revealed distinct variations in mutations across cancer subtypes based on anatomic and geographic factors. Notably, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma samples showed prevalent alterations in IDH1 and FGFR2, while gallbladder cancers frequently displayed TP53, ERBB2, and SMAD4 mutations. Co-mutations were ubiquitous, with significant correlations between certain co-alterations and poorer overall survival. This study underscores the complex molecular landscape of BTCs, highlighting the importance of targeted treatment strategies.

Journal Article by Tsilimigras DI, Stecko H, Moris D and Pawlik TM in J Surg Oncol

© 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Surgical Oncology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

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Preoperative sarcopenia significantly worsens gastric cancer surgery outcomes

An updated meta-analysis involving 11,981 gastric cancer patients revealed that preoperative sarcopenia is linked to substantial postoperative complications, including increased rates of mortality, readmission, and severe complications. Sarcopenic patients exhibited notably higher incidences of pulmonary issues, bowel obstructions, and pancreatic fistulas, leading to significantly poorer overall and disease-free survival rates. These results underscore the critical need for routine sarcopenia screenings to improve risk assessment and inform treatment strategies for gastric cancer patients.

Review by Liu C, Li Y, Xu Y and Hou H in Eur J Surg Oncol

Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.

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Global surgery initiatives must balance health access and environmental impact.

Addressing climate change, researchers highlight its disproportionate effects on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where health outcomes decline due to environmental factors. They emphasize that while expanding surgical care improves access, it risks exacerbating environmental degradation, raising challenges for vulnerable populations already facing health inequity. Advocating for sustainable infrastructure and targeting upstream health causes, the study signals the necessity for global surgery to align with climate goals, ensuring both planetary health and equity in healthcare access.

Review by Chen S, Zolo Y (…) Maswime S et 2 al. in BMC Surg

© 2024. The Author(s).

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Preoperative hemoglobin to albumin ratio predicts colorectal cancer outcomes

A study involving 4,018 colorectal cancer patients revealed that the hemoglobin to albumin ratio (HAR) serves as a significant prognostic factor. Patients with a high HAR demonstrated better overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) compared to those with a low HAR, particularly in stage III CRC. HAR was identified as an independent risk factor, influencing overall complications and survival rates. These findings highlight the importance of preoperative assessments of hemoglobin and albumin levels in surgical decision-making.

Journal Article by Lv Q, Rao SQ and Xiang Z in Updates Surg

© 2025. Italian Society of Surgery (SIC).

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Durvalumab plus bevacizumab improves progression-free survival in liver cancer

In a phase 3 study involving 616 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, the combination of durvalumab and bevacizumab, alongside transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), significantly improved median progression-free survival to 15 months compared to 8.2 months with placebo. The hazard ratio for progression-free survival was 0.77, indicating a notable benefit, while safety assessments revealed manageable adverse events. This combination therapy shows promise in establishing a new standard of care for patients eligible for TACE.

Journal Article by Sangro B, Kudo M (…) Lencioni R et 27 al. in Lancet

Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

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Minimally invasive surgery reduces complications in gastric cancer treatment

Among 4,429 patients undergoing gastric adenocarcinoma resection (2016-2022), minimally invasive surgery (MIS) was linked to lower complication rates compared to open gastrectomy, with fewer major complications (13.1% vs. 18.5%) and reduced perioperative mortality (0.57% vs. 1.53%). Despite these benefits, MIS utilization remained stagnant, indicating a persistent preference for open surgery. Disparities in treatment access persist, with non-white patients less likely to receive MIS.

Journal Article by Bates KR, Jones W (…) Bentrem DJ et 3 al. in J Surg Oncol

© 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Surgical Oncology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

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Nomogram predicts early cancer-related death after liver resection

A nomogram was developed to predict early cancer-related death (ecrd) due to recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with BCLC stage B/C. Analysis of 672 patients revealed that the alpha-fetoprotein-tumor burden score, BCLC stage, and AST to ALT ratio were significantly associated with ecrd. The model demonstrated strong predictive efficacy in both training (AUC: 0.754) and validation cohorts (AUC: 0.741), outperforming traditional scoring methods, thus aiding surgical decision-making.

Multicenter Study by Qiu ZC, Cai HZ (…) Wen TF et 6 al. in BMC Gastroenterol

© 2025. The Author(s).

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Laparoscopic sutures significantly reduce anastomotic leakage in surgery.

A meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 3,147 patients revealed that laparoscopic intracorporeal reinforcing sutures markedly decreased the rate of anastomotic leakage (AL) following rectal cancer surgery. Patients who received these sutures experienced a significant reduction in AL incidence, with an odds ratio of 0.33, suggesting enhanced postoperative recovery. Despite promising findings, the authors emphasize the necessity for larger randomized controlled trials to further validate these results and refine surgical approaches for rectal cancer treatment.

Systematic Review by Wang FB, Song MM (…) Zhang PF et 3 al. in Saudi Med J

Copyright: © Saudi Medical Journal.

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New Techniques Enhance Endoscopic Treatment for Gastric Tumors

Recent advancements in peroral flexible endoscopy improve approaches to managing gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) with malignant potential. Resection techniques depend on tumor size, with options like endoscopic mucosal resection for superficial lesions and endoscopic enucleation for small tumors. When full-thickness resection is complex, laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery provides a viable alternative. High caution is advised for tumors larger than 5 cm. These innovations may significantly enhance patient quality of life through better treatment options.

Review by Goto O, Higuchi K, Koizumi E and Iwakiri K in Gut Liver

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Endoscopic characterization outperforms biopsies in treatment planning

Effective endoscopic characterization for colorectal lesions >2 cm leads to better treatment outcomes compared to non-targeted and targeted biopsies. In a study of 84 patients, endoscopic methods proposed adequate treatment in 52.3 to 70.5% of cases, while biopsies resulted in 72.7% and 69.3% respectively. However, biopsy strategies risk under-treatment in nearly a third of cases, while endoscopic characterization maintains a low 5% under-treatment risk. More focused criteria are needed for optimal lesion characterization.

Journal Article by Lafeuille P, Daire E (…) Pioche M et 8 al. in Surg Endosc

© 2025. The Author(s).

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