Validation of a quantitative 12-multigene expression assay (Oncotype DX(®) Colon Cancer Assay) in Korean patients with stage II colon cancer: implication of ethnic differences contributing to differences in gene expression.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the Recurrence Score(®) of the quantitative 12-multigene expression assay and to determine risk groups based on the continuous Recurrence Score(®) in Korean patients. METHOD: A total of 95 patients with pathological T3N0 tumors and mismatch repair-proficient tumors were enrolled. The Recurrence Score(®) was used to classify risk groups (low risk, <30; intermediate risk, 30-40; high risk, ≥41). RESULTS: Fifty-four patients (56.8%) were aged over 70 years. There were 49 men (51.6%) and 56 cases of right-sided colon cancer (58.9%). Eight cases (8.4%) had well-differentiated tumors, and 86 cases (90.5%) showed moderate differentiation. Only one case (1.1%) had a poorly differentiated tumor. Three patients (3.2%) had lymphovascular invasion. Sixty-one patients were identified as low risk (64.2%) and 34 patients as intermediate risk (35.8%). There were no high-risk patients. Although not significant, the 3-year recurrence risk increased with the Recurrence Score(®). CONCLUSION: Distribution patterns of risk groups based on the Recurrence Score(®), particularly the absence of a high-risk group, were different from the prior validation studies. These findings suggest that ethnic differences between Koreans and Western patients are potential contributing factors for different gene expressions in the quantitative 12-multigene expression assay.

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision provides acceptable perioperative outcomes but is lengthy--analysis of learning curves for a novice minimally invasive surgeon.

BACKGROUND: Associated with reduced trauma, laparoscopic colon surgery is an alternative to open surgery. Furthermore, complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been shown to provide superior nodal yield and offers the prospect of better oncological outcomes. METHODS: All oncologic laparoscopic right colon resections with CME performed by a single surgeon since the beginning of his surgical practice were retrospectively analyzed for operative duration and perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: The study included 81 patients. The average duration of surgery was 220.0 (range 206-233) minutes. The initial durations of about 250 minutes gradually decreased to less than 200 minutes in an inverse linear relationship (y = -0.58x × 248). The major complication rate was 3.6% ± 4.2% and the average nodal yield was 31.3 ± 4.1. CumulativeSum analysis showed acceptable complication rates and oncological results from the beginning of surgeon's laparoscopic career. CONCLUSION: Developing laparoscopic skills can provide acceptable outcomes in advanced right hemicolectomy for a surgeon who primarily trained in open colorectal surgery. Operative duration is nearly triple that reported for conventional laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. The slow operative duration learning curve without a plateau reflects complex anatomy and the need for careful dissection around critical structures. Should one wish to adopt this strategy either based on some available evidence of superiority or with intention to participate in research, one has to change the view of right hemicolectomy being a rather simple case to being a complex, lengthy laparoscopic surgery.

CONTEXTE: La chirurgie du côlon par laparoscopie, qui réduit les traumatismes, est une solution de rechange à la chirurgie ouverte. De plus, il a été démontré que l'excision mésocolique complète (EMC) optimise le curage ganglionnaire et offre la perspective de meilleurs résultats oncologiques. MÉTHODES: On a examiné rétrospectivement la durée de l'opération et les résultats périopératoires de toutes les résections du côlon droit réalisées par laparoscopie avec EMC pratiquées par un seul chirurgien depuis le début de sa carrière. RÉSULTATS: L'étude a été menée auprès de 81 patients. La durée moyenne de l'intervention chirurgicale était de 220 minutes (intervalle de 206 à 233 minutes). Au début, l'intervention durait environ 250 minutes; avec le temps, sa durée a progressivement diminué de sorte qu'à la fin, elle était de moins de 200 minutes, d'après une relation linéaire négative (y = ­0,58x × 248). Le taux de complications graves s'est établi à 3,6 % ± 4,2 % et le nombre moyen de noeuds lymphatiques excisés a été de 31,3 ± 4,1. En utilisant la méthode d'analyse des sommes cumulées, on a observé un taux de complications et des résultats oncologiques acceptables depuis le début de la carrière du chirurgien en laparoscopie. CONCLUSION: En perfectionnant sa technique laparoscopique, un chirurgien formé principalement en chirurgie colorectale ouverte peut produire des résultats acceptables dans les cas d'hémicolectomie droite avancée. La durée de l'intervention chirurgicale est presque le triple de celle d'une hémicolectomie droite laparoscopique classique. La courbe d'apprentissage lente sans plateau montre bien la complexité des structures anatomiques et la nécessité de faire preuve de prudence lors de la résection autour de structures vitales. Quiconque souhaite adopter cette méthode, soit en raison de données démontrant sa supériorité ou dans le but de participer à une recherche, doit adopter une nouvelle perspective, c'est-à-dire que l'hémicolectomie droite laparoscopique n'est pas une intervention simple, mais une chirurgie complexe qui prend beaucoup de temps.

Optimal timing of surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: The optimal time between neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and surgery for rectal cancer has been debated. This study evaluated the influence of this interval on oncological outcomes. METHODS: We compared postoperative complications, pathological downstaging, disease recurrence, and survival in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent surgical resection <8 weeks (group A, n = 105) to those who had surgery ≥8 weeks (group B, n = 48) after neoadjuvant CRT. RESULTS: Of 153 patients, 117 (76.5%) were male and 36 (23.5%) were female. Mean age was 57.8 years (range, 28 to 79 years). There was no difference in the rate of sphincter preserving surgery between the two groups (group A, 82.7% vs. group B, 77.6%; P = 0.509). The longer interval group had decreased postoperative complications, although statistical significance was not reached (group A, 28.8% vs. group B, 14.3%; P = 0.068). A total of 111 (group A, 75 [71.4%] and group B, 36 [75%]) patients were downstaged and 26 (group A, 17 [16.2%] and group B, 9 [18%]) achieved pathological complete response (pCR). There was no significant difference in the pCR rate (P = 0.817). The longer interval group experienced significant improvement in the nodal (N) downstaging rate (group A, 46.7% vs. group B, 66.7%; P = 0.024). The local recurrence (P = 0.279), distant recurrence (P = 0.427), disease-free survival (P = 0.967), and overall survival (P = 0.825) rates were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: It is worth delaying surgical resection for 8 weeks or more after completion of CRT as it is safe and is associated with higher nodal downstaging rates.

Laparoscopic repair of parastomal and incisional hernias with a modified Sugarbaker technique.

A parastomal hernia is the most common surgical complication following stoma formation. As the field of laparoscopic surgery advances, different laparoscopic approaches to repair of parastomal hernias have been developed. Recently, the Sugarbaker technique has been reported to have lower recurrence rates compared to keyhole techniques. As far as we know, the Sugarbaker technique has not yet been performed in Korea. We herein present a case report of perhaps the first laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair with a modified Sugarbaker technique to be successfully carried out in Korea. A 79-year-old woman, who underwent an abdominoperineal resection for an adenocarcinoma of the rectum 9 years ago, presented with a large parastomal and incisional hernias, and was treated with a laparoscopic repair with a modified Sugarbaker technique. Six months after surgery, follow-up with the patient has shown no evidence of recurrence.

Effects of a 12-week home-based exercise program on the level of physical activity, insulin, and cytokines in colorectal cancer survivors: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study are to examine (1) the feasibility and efficacy of two different home-based exercise protocols on the level of physical activity (PA), and (2) the effect of increased PA via home-based exercise program on biomarkers of colorectal cancer. METHODS: Seventeen patients (age 55.18 ± 13.3 years) with stage II-III colorectal cancer completed the 12-week home-based exercise program. Subjects were randomized into either casually intervened home-based exercise group (CIHE) or intensely intervened home-based exercise group (IIHE). The primary outcome was the level of PA. Furthermore, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, insulin-like growth factor axis, and adipocytokines were measured. RESULTS: Both CIHE and IIHE program significantly increased the level of PA at 12 weeks compared to its level at baseline (CIHE, 10.00 ± 8.49 vs. 46.07 ± 45.59; IIHE, 12.08 ± 11.04 vs. 35.42 ± 27.42 MET hours per week). Since there was no difference in PA change between groups (p = 0.511), the data was combined in analyzing the effects of increased PA on biomarkers. Increase in PA significantly reduced insulin (6.66 ± 4.58 vs. 4.86 ± 3.48 µU/ml, p = 0.006), HOMA-IR (1.66 ± 1.23 vs. 1.25 ± 1.04, p = 0.017), and tumor necrosis alpha-α (TNF-α 4.85 ± 7.88 vs. 2.95 ± 5.38 pg/ml, p = 0.004), and significantly increased IGF-1 (135.39 ± 60.15 vs. 159.53 ng/ml, p = 0.007), IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 (2.67 ± 1.48 vs. 3.48 ± 1.00 ng/ml, p = 0.013), and adiponectin (6.73 ± 3.07 vs. 7.54 ± 3.96 µg/ml, p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: CIHE program was as effective as IIHE program in increasing the level of PA, and the increase in PA resulted in significant change in HOMA-IR, IGF-1 axis, TNF-α, and adiponectin levels in stage II-III colorectal cancer survivors.

Robotic versus laparoscopic coloanal anastomosis with or without intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer.

Robotic surgery is increasingly used in the field of rectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic ultralow anterior resection (uLAR) and coloanal anastomosis (CAA). Between January 2007 and December 2010, a retrospective chart review was performed for all patients with low rectal cancer who underwent curative uLAR and CAA with or without intersphincteric resection using either a robotic or a laparoscopic approach. The study excluded patients with tumors invading the levator ani or external sphincter, patients with T4 cancers invading the prostate or vagina, and patients for whom an open approach was used. Patients' short- and long-term outcomes were evaluated. This study enrolled 84 consecutive patients (47 in the robotic group and 37 in the laparoscopic group). The patient characteristics and operative data did not differ significantly between the groups except for the rate of conversion to open surgery (robot, 2.1 % vs laparoscopy, 16.2 %; p = 0.02). The postoperative outcomes also were similar in the two groups, but the hospital stay was shorter in the robotic group than in the laparoscopic group (robot, 9 days vs laparoscopy, 11 days; p = 0.011). No postoperative mortality occurred. The median follow-up period was 31.5 months. No difference was shown in local recurrence, 3-year overall survival, or disease-free survival between the two groups. Robotic uLAR and CAA with or without ISR is a safe and feasible surgical approach with a lower conversion rate, a shorter hospital stay, and similar oncologic outcomes compared with a laparoscopic approach. Further prospective and case-control cohort studies with longer follow-up periods are required.

Safety and feasibility of a laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection in elderly patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess the effects of age on the short-term outcomes of a laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer in elderly (≥75 years old), as compared with younger (<75 years old), patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer between January 2007 and December 2009 was performed. There were two groups: age <75 years old (group A) and age ≥75 years old (group B). The perioperative outcomes between group A and group B were compared. RESULTS: The study included 824 patients in group A and 92 patients in group B. The body mass index (BMI) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score were significantly different between group B and group A (BMI: 22.5 vs. 23.5, P = 0.002; ASA score: 1.88 vs. 1.48, P = 0.001). Mean operating times were similar between the groups (325.4 minutes vs. 351.6 minutes, P = 0.07). We observed a higher overall complication rate in group B than in group A (12.0% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.047), but the number of severe complications of Accordion Severity Classification ≥3 (those that required an invasive procedure) was not significantly different between the two groups (6.5% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.142). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay (13.0 days vs. 12.0 days, P = 0.053). CONCLUSION: Although the elderly patients had a significantly higher overall postoperative complication rate, no significant difference was seen in either the number of severe complications of Accordion Severity Classification ≥3 or in the length of hospital stay. A laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection in elderly patients, especially those aged 75 years or older, is safe and feasible.

Impact of diabetes on oncologic outcome of colorectal cancer patients: colon vs. rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the impact of diabetes on outcomes in colorectal cancer patients and to examine whether this association varies by the location of tumor (colon vs. rectum). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study includes 4,131 stage I-III colorectal cancer patients, treated between 1995 and 2007 (12.5% diabetic, 53% colon, 47% rectal) in South Korea. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine the prognostic influence of DM on survival endpoints. RESULTS: Colorectal cancer patients with DM had significantly worse disease-free survival (DFS) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-1.37] compared with patients without DM. When considering colon and rectal cancer independently, DM was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.11-1.92), DFS (HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.15-1.84) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 0.98-1.76) in colon cancer patients. No association for OS, DFS or RFS was observed in rectal cancer patients. There was significant interaction of location of tumor (colon vs. rectal cancer) with DM on OS (P = 0.009) and DFS (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that DM negatively impacts survival outcomes of patients with colon cancer but not rectal cancer.

The effects of inpatient exercise therapy on the length of hospital stay in stages I-III colon cancer patients: randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effects of a postsurgical, inpatient exercise program on postoperative recovery in operable colon cancer patients METHODS: We conducted the randomized controlled trial with two arms: postoperative exercise vs. usual care. Patients with stages I-III colon cancer who underwent colectomy between January and December 2011 from the Colorectal Cancer Clinic, were recruited for the study. Subjects in the intervention group participated in the postoperative inpatient exercise program consisted of twice daily exercise, including stretching, core, balance, and low-intensity resistance exercises. The usual care group was not prescribed a structured exercise program. The primary endpoint was the length of hospital stay. Secondary endpoints were time to flatus, time to first liquid diet, anthropometric measurements, and physical function measurements. RESULTS: A total of 31 (86.1 %) patients completed the trial, with adherence to exercise interventions at 84.5 %. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.82 ± 1.07 days in the exercise group compared with 9.86 ± 2.66 days in usual care (mean difference, 2.03 days; 95 % confidence interval (CI), -3.47 to -0.60 days; p = 0.005) in per-protocol analysis. The mean time to flatus was 52.18 ± 21.55 h in the exercise group compared with 71.86 ± 29.2 h in the usual care group (mean difference, 19.69 h; 95 % CI, -38.33 to -1.04 h; p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Low-to-moderate-intensity postsurgical exercise reduces length of hospital stay and improves bowel motility after colectomy procedure in patients with stages I-III colon cancer.

Patterns of physical activity participation across the cancer trajectory in colorectal cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to explore the participation in physical activity (PA) by colorectal cancer survivors across cancer trajectories and based on selected demographic and medical variables. METHODS: A total of 431 participants were surveyed individually at the Shinchon Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea, to determine their PA levels before diagnosis, during treatment and after completion of cancer treatment. RESULTS: Percentage of survivors meeting American College of Sports Medicine guideline significantly reduced from 27% before diagnosis to 10% during treatment due to reduced strenuous intensity PA (28.8 ± 106.2 vs. 11.8 ± 95.9 min, p = 0.042), while total PA and mild intensity PA did not change. Total (187.2 ± 257.7 vs. 282.6 ± 282.0 min, p < 0.001) and mild (99.1 ± 191.5 vs. 175.1 ± 231.2 min, p < 0.001) intensity PA significantly increased after the completion of treatments compared with their PA level before diagnosis. Further analyses showed that age (more vs. equal or less than 60 years) and chemotherapy (chemotherapy vs. no chemotherapy) significantly influenced the level of physical activity (p = 0.004). Survivors who were older or received chemotherapy increased their total PA and mild intensity PA after the completion of treatment more than those who did not receive chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The level and the pattern of physical activity by colorectal cancer survivors differed across cancer trajectories, which were significantly influenced by age and adjuvant chemotherapy.