Challenges and advancing strategies of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer: The puzzle of eCura C1.

In this editorial, we explore the challenges of managing noncurative resections in early gastric cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), starting from the consideration recently made by Zhu et al. Specifically, we evaluate the management of eCura C1 lesions, where decisions regarding further interventions are pivotal yet contentious. Collaboration among endoscopists, surgeons, and pathologists is underscored to refine risk assessment and personalize therapeutic management. Recent advancements in ESD techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration offer opportunities for outcome optimization in managing eCura C1 lesions. Moreover, despite needing further clinical validation, molecular biomarkers have emerged as promising tools for enhancing prognostication. This manuscript highlights the ongoing research attempts to define treatment paradigms effectively and evaluates the potential of emerging options, ultimately aiming to improve patient care and outcomes in this complex clinical scenario.

Clinical outcome of non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer.

Background: Early gastric cancer (EGC) is defined as cancer cells confined to the mucosal or submucosal layer, irrespective of size or presence of lymph node metastasis. The recent EGC endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) guidelines (2021 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) guidelines, 2nd edition) revised the concept from "endoscopic curative/non-curative resection" (NCR) to "endoscopic curability (eCura)". Under this, eCuraA and eCuraB signify curative resections (CRs), while eCuraC (including eCuraC-1 and eCura-C2) indicate NCRs. This study retrospectively analyzes clinical and pathological data from EGC patients who underwent endoscopic resection, assessing the long-term clinical outcomes in a substantial cohort after undergoing NCR. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and pathological data from 443 EGC patients, encompassing 478 lesions, who received endoscopic treatment. The long-term clinical outcomes of patients who underwent NCR were statistically evaluated. Characteristics of the NCR group were compared with those of the surgical group, employing single- and multi-factor logistic regression analyses to identify risk factors that necessitate further surgical intervention. Prognostically, the Kaplan-Meier method and Log-Rank test determined the impact of risk factors on recurrence-free survival post-surgery in NCR patients. Differences were assessed using a method incorporating statistically significant differences in the multi-factor Cox regression analysis, evaluating the hazard ratio (HR) for disease recurrence following NCR. Results: In this study, 443 EGC cases were pathologically diagnosed, comprising a total of 478 lesions. Of these, 127 cases underwent non-curative endoscopic resection, resulting in a NCR rate of 24.4%. Long-term follow-up was achieved for 117 (92.12%) patients. The metastasis/recurrence rate at 6 months stood at 23.1%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified lesion size ≥2.0 and <3 cm [P=0.02, HR =0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.02-0.67], presence of ulceration (P=0.03, HR =5.48, 95% CI: 1.23-24.33), lymphatic invasion (P=0.05, HR =17.51, 95% CI: 1.07-286.23), positive vertical margins (P=0.09, HR =3.77, 95% CI: 0.81-17.53), and flat macroscopic morphology (P=0.048, HR =4.8, 95% CI: 1.01-22.73) as independent risk factors for recurrence-free survival post non-curative endoscopic resection in EGC patients. Conclusions: The recurrence/metastasis rate in patients who underwent NCR is notably higher compared to the control group. Significant prognostic risk factors include tumor size ≥2.0 and <3 cm, positive vertical margins, lymphatic invasion, and flat type (one of pathological gross classification). Patients in the eCuraC-2 category of NCR should consider further surgical intervention. The necessity for additional surgical intervention in these patients warrants further investigation.

Long-term outcomes after non-curative endoscopic resection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma followed by additional chemoradiotherapy.

Endoscopic resection (ER) of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is evaluated pathologically, and additional treatment is recommended for cases resulting in non-curative resection, defined as pMM with lymphovascular invasion (LVI), pSM, or positive vertical margin. This study aimed to assess long-term outcomes and risk factors for recurrence in patients with ESCC treated with non-curative ER followed by additional chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical courses of patients who underwent non-curative ER followed by additional CRT for ESCCs between August 2007 and December 2017. Recurrence rates and risk factors for recurrence were analyzed. Among 97 patients with non-curative ER, 73 underwent additional CRT. With a median follow-up period of 71 months, recurrences were observed in 10 (14%) of 73 patients, with a median interval of 24.5 (1-59 months). The 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival were 89 and 85%, respectively, and the 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 96 and 91%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphatic invasion was an independent risk factor for recurrence in patients with non-curative ESCC receiving additional CRT. Among the 10 patients with recurrence, 4, 3, 2, and 1 underwent surgery, chemotherapy, supportive care, and CRT, respectively. Notably, all four patients who underwent surgery survived, regardless of regional and/or distant lymph node metastasis. Lymphatic invasion is an independent risk factor for the recurrence of non-curative ESCCs. Careful follow-up is required for at least 5 years after ER with additional CRT.

Short-term efficacy of additional laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate short-term efficacy of direct laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy (LAG) versus non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) plus additional LAG for early gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 286 patients were retrospectively assigned into two groups: direct LAG group (n = 255) and additional LAG (ESD plus LAG, n = 31) group. A 1:2 propensity score matching was performed to equalize relevant confounding factors between two groups for analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients were successfully matched, including 62 in the direct LAG group and 31 in the additional LAG group. A significant (P = 0.013) difference existed in the drainage removal time between the additional LAG and direct LAG group (7 d vs. 6 d). Age, sex, tumor location and surgical approach were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with complications, with age ≥ 60 years (P = 0.002) and total gastrectomy (P = 0.011) as significant independent risk factors. A significant (P = 0.023) difference existed in the surgical time between the early and late groups (193.3 ± 37.6 min vs. 165.5 ± 25.1 min). CONCLUSION: Additional LAG (D1 + lymphadenectomy) after ESD may be safe and effective even though non-curative ESD may prolong the drainage removal time and increase the difficulty of surgery.

[Risk factors for residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic noncurable resection of early colorectal cancer].

Objective: Risk factors related to residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic non-curative resection of early colorectal cancer were analyzed to predict the risk of residual cancer or lymph node metastasis, optimize the indications of radical surgical surgery, and avoid excessive additional surgical operations. Methods: Clinical data of 81 patients who received endoscopic treatment for early colorectal cancer in the Department of Endoscopy, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2009 to 2019 and received additional radical surgical surgery after endoscopic resection with pathological indication of non-curative resection were collected to analyze the relationship between various factors and the risk of residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic resection. Results: Of the 81 patients, 17 (21.0%) were positive for residual cancer or lymph node metastasis, while 64 (79.0%) were negative. Among 17 patients with residual cancer or positive lymph node metastasis, 3 patients had only residual cancer (2 patients with positive vertical cutting edge). 11 patients had only lymph node metastasis, and 3 patients had both residual cancer and lymph node metastasis. Lesion location, poorly differentiated cancer, depth of submucosal invasion ≥2 000 µm, venous invasion were associated with residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic (P<0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that poorly differentiated cancer (OR=5.513, 95% CI: 1.423, 21.352, P=0.013) was an independent risk factor for residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic non-curative resection of early colorectal cancer. Conclusions: For early colorectal cancer after endoscopic non-curable resection, residual cancer or lymph node metastasis is associated with poorly differentiated cancer, depth of submucosal invasion ≥2 000 µm, venous invasion and the lesions are located in the descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon and cecum with the postoperative mucosal pathology result. For early colorectal cancer, poorly differentiated cancer is an independent risk factor for residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic non-curative resection, which is suggested that radical surgery should be added after endoscopic treatment.

Additional endoscopic treatments for patients with positive lateral margins after endoscopic resection of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

There are currently no well-established treatment strategies for early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) for patients with only positive lateral margin (LM+) following endoscopic resection (ER). The present study aimed to find a treatment strategy for patients with early ESCC with non-curative resection (non-CR) and only LM+ following ER. In total, 511 patients with early ESCC treated at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University (Shijiazhuang, China) with ER were retrospectively analyzed, 41 of which (8%) were patients with only LM+ after non-CR. Of these, 28 patients received re-ER and 13 received additional surgical treatment. The clinicopathological characteristics of patients were analyzed and those who underwent additional surgery vs. re-ER were compared. Residual cancer cells were found in 27 patients (27/41, 65.9%) following re-ER or additional surgery. A significant increase in residual cancer cells was observed in patients with poorly differentiated cancer and patients with multiple LM+ (P=0.03 and P=0.015, respectively). Older patients and patients with single LM+ tended to choose re-ER (P=0.023 and P=0.038, respectively). In addition, there were three cases (3/13, 23.1%) of lymph node metastasis in the additional surgery group. However, within the limited follow-up time (mean, 36.1±24.1 months), no recurrence or metastasis was found in the remaining patients. The results showed that re-ER may be a more suitable additional therapy compared with surgery for patients with LM+ following non-CR, at least in the medium-term.

Risk factors for residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic noncurable resection of early colorectal cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: Risk factors related to residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic non-curative resection of early colorectal cancer were analyzed to predict the risk of residual cancer or lymph node metastasis, optimize the indications of radical surgical surgery, and avoid excessive additional surgical operations. Methods: Clinical data of 81 patients who received endoscopic treatment for early colorectal cancer in the Department of Endoscopy, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2009 to 2019 and received additional radical surgical surgery after endoscopic resection with pathological indication of non-curative resection were collected to analyze the relationship between various factors and the risk of residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic resection. Results: Of the 81 patients, 17 (21.0%) were positive for residual cancer or lymph node metastasis, while 64 (79.0%) were negative. Among 17 patients with residual cancer or positive lymph node metastasis, 3 patients had only residual cancer (2 patients with positive vertical cutting edge). 11 patients had only lymph node metastasis, and 3 patients had both residual cancer and lymph node metastasis. Lesion location, poorly differentiated cancer, depth of submucosal invasion ≥2 000 μm, venous invasion were associated with residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic (P<0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that poorly differentiated cancer (OR=5.513, 95% CI: 1.423, 21.352, P=0.013) was an independent risk factor for residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic non-curative resection of early colorectal cancer. Conclusions: For early colorectal cancer after endoscopic non-curable resection, residual cancer or lymph node metastasis is associated with poorly differentiated cancer, depth of submucosal invasion ≥2 000 μm, venous invasion and the lesions are located in the descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon and cecum with the postoperative mucosal pathology result. For early colorectal cancer, poorly differentiated cancer is an independent risk factor for residual cancer or lymph node metastasis after endoscopic non-curative resection, which is suggested that radical surgery should be added after endoscopic treatment.

Machine Learning Improves the Prediction Rate of Non-Curative Resection of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Patients with Early Gastric Cancer.

Non-curative resection (NCR) of early gastric cancer (EGC) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can increase the burden of additional treatment and medical expenses. We aimed to develop a machine-learning (ML)-based NCR prediction model for EGC prior to ESD. We obtained data from 4927 patients with EGC who underwent ESD between January 2006 and February 2020. Ten clinicopathological characteristics were selected using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and were used to develop a ML-based model. Dataset was divided into the training and internal validation sets and verified using an external validation set. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were evaluated. The performance of each model was compared by using the Delong test. A total of 1100 (22.1%) patients were identified as being treated non-curatively with ESD. Seven ML-based NCR prediction models were developed. The performance of NCR prediction was highest in the XGBoost model (AUROC, 0.851; 95% confidence interval, 0.837-0.864). When we compared the prediction performance by the Delong test, XGBoost (p = 0.02) and support vector machine (p = 0.02) models showed a significantly higher performance among the NCR prediction models. We developed an ML model capable of accurately predicting the NCR of EGC before ESD. This ML model can provide useful information for decision-making regarding the appropriate treatment of EGC before ESD.

Evaluation of eCura scoring system for treatment strategy selection after non-curative endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To evaluate the adjuvant role of the eCura scoring system in selecting appropriate treatment strategies after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of early gastric cancer (EGC) patients.Methods:The clinicopathological data of 110 EGC patients who underwent non-curative ESD at Fujian Provincial Hospital from January 2015 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the eCura score, patients were divided into three lymph node metastasis (LNM) risk groups: low-risk group (79 cases), middle-risk group (22 cases), and high-risk group (9 cases). The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to test the diagnostic efficacy of eCura scoring system in predicting LNM. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influence of risk stratification of eCura scoring system on LNM. Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate cancer survival rate, which was then compared with log-rank test.Results:Thirty-five patients underwent additional standard surgery after ESD, including 22 in the low-risk group, 8 in the middle-risk group, and 5 in the high-risk group. Among them, 5 cases had LNM, including 1 case in the low-risk group and the middle-risk group respectively and 3 cases in the high-risk group. The area under the ROC curve was 0.857 (95% CI: 0.697-0.952, P=0.001), and when the cut-off value of the eCura score was set at 3, the Yuden index reached the maximum value of 0.7, with the corresponding sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 90%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the probability of LNM in the middle-risk group was about 3.00 times (95% CI: 0.17-54.57, P=0.458) as high as that in the low-risk group, and the probability of LNM in the high-risk group was about 31.50 times (95% CI: 2.14-463.14, P=0.012) of that in the low-risk group. The follow-up time was 12 to 58 months, and the median follow-up time was 40 months. There were 10 cases of recurrence, including 4 cases in the low-risk group, 3 cases in the middle-risk group and 3 cases in the high-risk group, of which 2 cases in the low-risk group were from those of additional standard surgery after ESD, and the remaining 8 cases were from those who did not receive additional standard surgery after ESD. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the survival rate of patients with additional surgery in the low-risk group was similar to that of patients without ( P=0.319), and the survival rate of patients with additional surgery in the middle-risk group was also similar to that of patients without ( P=0.296). The survival rate of patients with additional surgery in the high-risk group was significantly higher than that of those without ( P=0.013). Conclusion:The eCura scoring system can assist the selection of treatment strategies after non-curative resection of EGC, and can accurately predict the risk of subsequent LNM and recurrence. Close follow-up may be an acceptable option for patients with low risk of LNM, and additional standard surgical treatment may be more conducive to improving the prognosis in patients with high risk of LNM.

Analysis of therapeutic strategy after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of additional surgery after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer.Methods:Sixty-nine patients with early gastric cancer who underwent ESD and were diagnosed as having non-curative resection by postoperative pathology at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2014 to December 2020 were included in the retrospective observation. Patients were divided into the additional surgery group ( n=12) and the follow-up group ( n=57). The differences in clinical and pathological data of the two groups, the surgical outcomes of the additional surgery group, three-year recurrence-free survival and tumor-specific survival of the two groups, and the independent risk factors affecting three-year recurrence-free survival in the follow-up group were analyzed. Results:Compared with the follow-up group, the rates of submucosal infiltration [66.7% (8/12) VS 21.1% (12/57), χ 2=7.927, P=0.005], vascular invasion [33.3% (4/12) VS 1.8% (1/57), P=0.003] and nerve invasion [16.7% (2/12) VS 0.0% (0/57), P=0.028] in the additional surgery group were significantly higher. In the additional surgery group, the interval between the additional surgery and ESD was 18.5 d (7-55 d), the surgical time was 286.4±85.9 min, and the number of dissected lymph nodes was 25.6±7.4. Four patients (33.3%) had residual tumor. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (33.3%) (all were discharged after conservative treatment), and there was no perioperative death. One patient developed liver metastases 17 months after the surgery, and died 22 months after surgery due to liver metastases. One patient died 22 months after surgery due to non-tumor causes. The three-year recurrence-free survival and three-year tumor-specific survival in additional surgery group were 91.7% (11/12) and 91.7% (11/12), respectively, and those in the follow-up group were 87.7% (50/57) and 100.0% (57/57), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that tumor size ≥2 cm was an independent risk factor for three-year recurrence-free survival in the follow-up group ( P=0.037, HR=15.595, 95% CI: 1.181-205.952). Conclusion:Additional surgery and close follow-up are safe and feasible therapeutic strategies for early gastric cancer patients who underwent non-curative ESD. Clinicians should make reasonable choice based on the pathological results, patients' physical condition and surgery intention. But for patients with primary tumor size ≥2 cm, additional surgery is recommended.

Analysis of Risk Factors of Non-curative Resection of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Colorectal Cancer and Precancerous Lesions / 胃肠病学

Background: The risk factors affecting the non ⁃ curative resection of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions were still lacking large scale studies in China. Aims: To analyze the efficacy of ESD for patients with early colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions, and explore the risk factors affecting the non⁃curative resection. Methods: A total of 229 patients with early colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions underwent ESD from September 2016 to September 2021 at Beijing Hospital were collected. The clinicopathological characteristics, efficacy of ESD were analyzed. Risk factors affecting the non ⁃ curative resection of ESD were analyzed by univariate analysis and Logistic multivariate regression analysis. Results: A total of 255 lesions were found. The en bloc resection rate was 90.2%, R0 resection rate was 87.8%, and curative resection rate was 83.5%. The total incidence of complications was 2.7%. Univariate analysis showed that detection rate of intraluminal protruding tumor (61.0% vs. 24.4%, P<0.05), rate of severe submucosal fibrosis (24.4% vs. 2.4%, P<0.05) were significantly increased in the non⁃curative resection group than in the curative resection group, and positive rate of lifting sign was significantly decreased (80.5% vs. 95.1%, P<0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that intraluminal protruding tumor (OR=4.087, 95% CI: 1.523⁃10.968, P= 0.005) and severe submucosal fibrosis (OR=9.609, 95% CI: 1.107⁃83.439, P=0.04) were risk factors for ESD non⁃curative resection of early colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions. Conclusions: R0 resection rate and curative resection rate of ESD for early colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions are high, the incidence of surgical complications is low. Intraluminal protruding tumor, severe submucosal fibrosis are the independent risk factors of non⁃curative resection. Strict evaluation should be carried out before operation and reasonable treatment strategies should be formulated accordingly.

Current indications for endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric cancer.

The development of endoscopic treatment technology has further promoted the minimally invasive treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC). Endoscopic treatment has achieved better therapeutic effects in terms of safety and prognosis and is the preferred treatment method for patients who meet the indications for endoscopic treatment. However, the consequent problem is that some patients receiving endoscopic treatment may undergo non-curative resection, and the principle of follow-up management for non-curative resection patients deserves further attention. In addition, there are still debates on how to improve the accuracy of clinical staging, select a reasonable treatment method for patients who meet the expanded indications for endoscopic treatment, manage patients with positive endoscopic surgical margins, conduct research on function-preserving surgery, and manage the treatment of EGC under the current situation in China. Consequently, we aim to review current indications for endoscopic submucosal dissection of EGC in order to better inform treatment options.

Risk Factors and Prediction Model for Non-curative Resection of Early Gastric Cancer With Endoscopic Resection and the Evaluation.

Background and Study Aim: EGC, also known as Early Gastric Cancer is known to lack the lymph node metastasis and confined along the mucosa, which is treated through an endoscopic resection procedure that includes ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal dissection) and EMR (Endoscopic Mucosal Resection). However, some cases underwent residual disease, recurrence, or additional gastrectomy because of non-curative resection. The following research aims to delineate the threat factors causing the non-curative resection as well as develop a predictive model. Patient and Methods: Effort was taken to collect all the records about the health history of pathologically diagnosed EGC who experienced endoscopic treatment in the Department of Endoscopy, the Capital Medical University, and Beijing Friendship Hospital from January 2012 to January 2020. Patients were grouped into two categories primarily; a curative resection group and finally a non-curative resection group based on the outcomes of the postoperative pathological and immunohistochemical examination results. The statistical methods used included single factor analysis, a multivariate logistic regression analysis and a chi-square test. A nomogram for the prediction of non-curative resection was constructed, which included information on age, gender, resection method, postoperative pathology, tumor size, ulcer, treatment, and infiltration depth. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and calibration were performed to present the predictive accuracy of the nomogram. Results: Of 443 patients with 478 lesions who had undergone ESD or EMR for EGCs, 127 were identified as being treated non-curative resection. Older patients (>60 years), a large tumor size (>30 mm), submucosal lesion, piecemeal resection, EMR for treatment and undifferentiated tumor histology were associated with non-curative resection group. Our risk nomogram showed good discriminated performance in internal validation (bootstrap-corrected area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve, 0.881; P < 0.001). Conclusions: A validated prediction model was developed to identify people who were subject to undergoing a non-curative resection for ESD. The predictive model that we formulated is essential in providing reliable information to guide the decision-making process on the treatment for EGC before undertaking an endoscopic resection.

Predictive value of endoscopic features of early gastric cancer for non-curative outcome of endoscopic resection / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To explore the endoscopic features of early gastric cancer (EGC) related to non-curative endoscopic resection, and to construct an assessment model to quantify the risk of non-curative resection.Methods:From August 2006 to October 2019, 378 lesions that underwent endoscopic resection and were diagnosed pathological as EGC in the Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital were included in this case-control study.Seventy-eight (20.6%) non-curative resection lesions were included in the observation group, and 234 lesions which selected from 300 lesions of curative resection were included in the control group according to the difference of operation year ±1 with the observation group, and the ratio of 1∶3 of the observation group to the control group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to explore the risk factors for non-curative resection. The independent risk factor with the minimum β coefficient was assigned 1 point, and the remaining factors were scored according to the ratio of their β coefficient to the minimum. A predictive model was established to analyze the 378 lesions.The non-curative resection rates of lesions of different scores were calculated. Results:Univariate analysis showed that the lesion diameter, the location, redness, ulcer or ulcer scar, fold interruption, fold entanglement, and invasion depth observed with endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) were associated with non-curative resection of EGC lesions ( P<0.05), and contact or spontaneous bleeding may be associated with non-curative resection ( P=0.068). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that submucosal involvement (VS confined to the mucosa: β=0.901, P=0.011, OR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.23-4.92), lesion diameter of 3-<5 cm (VS <3 cm: β=0.723, P=0.038, OR=2.06, 95% CI: 1.04-4.09), lesion diameter of ≥5 cm (VS <3 cm: β=2.078, P=0.003, OR=7.99, 95% CI: 2.02-31.66), location in the upper 1/3 of the stomach (VS lower 1/3: β=1.540, P<0.001, OR=4.66, 95% CI: 2.30-9.45), and fold interruption ( β=2.287, P=0.008, OR=1.93, 95% CI: 0.95-3.93) were independent risk factors for non-curative resection of EGC lesions. The factor of lesion diameter of 3-<5 cm and submucosal involvement were assigned 1 point respectively, location in the upper 1/3 of the stomach was assigned 2 points, diameter of ≥5 cm and fold interruption were assigned 3 points respectively, and other factors were assigned 0 point. Then the analysis of 378 lesions showed that the probability of non-curative resection at ≥2 points was 41.9% (37/93), 4 times as much as that at 0 [11.5% (25/217)]. Conclusion:EGC lesions with diameter ≥3 cm, located in the upper 1/3 of the stomach, interrupted folds or submucosal involvement are highly related to non-curative resection. The predictive model based on these factors achieves satisfactory efficacy, but it still needs further validation in larger cohorts.

Patient outcomes after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for early colorectal cancer: a single-center, retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The treatment patterns and outcomes for patients after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remain controversial, particularly among those requiring preservation of the anal sphincter or advanced age. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the treatment patterns and outcomes in patients after non-curative ESD for early colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: This was a retrospective review in Chinese patients who received non-curative ESD for early CRC, and who were treated in the Cancer Hospital at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2010 to 2019. Demographic parameters, clinicopathologic features, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 180 patients who received non-curative ESD, 85 received additional surgery; the remaining 95 patients were kept under surveillance only. Patients in the surveillance-only group tended to be older than those in the additional surgery group. Furthermore, tumors in the surveillance-only group were located in the rectum significantly more often, were better differentiated with a shallower depth of invasion and less perineuronal invasion than in the additional surgery group; there were fewer high-risk factors for residual cancer or lymph node (LN) metastasis in the surveillance-only group compared with the additional surgery group. There was no significant difference in 5-year overall survival (OS) (92.6% versus 92.7%, P=0.355), 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) (94.7% versus 91.9%, P=0.340), 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) (93.8% versus 92.7%, P=0.791), or total recurrence rates (4.7% versus 9.5%, P=0.217) between the additional surgery and surveillance-only groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ESD results in favorable outcomes for patients with early CRC. Surveillance in patients who receive non-curative ESD may be an alternative option for those with advanced age and fewer high-risk factors for residual cancer or LN metastasis.

Risk factors of lymph node metastasis after non-curative endoscopic resection of undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate risk factors for lymph node (LN) or distant metastasis after non-curative endoscopic resection (ER) of undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer (EGC). METHODS: Of 1124 patients who underwent ER for undifferentiated-type gastric cancer at 18 tertiary hospitals across six geographic areas in Korea between 2005 and 2014, 634 with non-curative ER beyond the expanded criteria were retrospectively enrolled. According to the treatment after ER, patients were divided into additional surgery (n = 270) and follow-up (n = 364) groups. The median follow-up duration was 59 months for recurrence and 84 months for mortality. RESULTS: LN metastasis was found in 6.7% (18/270) of patients at surgery. Ulcer [odds ratio (OR) 3.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-12.13; p = 0.022] and submucosal invasion (OR 10.35; 95% CI 1.35-79.48; p = 0.025) were independent risk factors. In the follow-up group, seven patients (1.9%) developed LN or distant recurrence. Ulcer [hazard ratio (HR) 7.60; 95% CI 1.39-35.74; p = 0.018], LVI (HR 6.80; 95% CI 1.07-42.99; p = 0.042), and positive vertical margin (HR 6.71; 95% CI 1.28-35.19; p = 0.024) were independent risk factors. In the overall cohort, LN metastasis rates were 9.6% in patients with two or more risk factors and 1.2% in those with no or one risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: LVI, ulcer, submucosal invasion, and positive vertical margin are independently associated with LN or distant metastasis after non-curative ER of undifferentiated-type EGC. Surgical resection is strongly recommended for patients with two or more risk factors.

Advances in Study on Risk Factors of Non-curative Resection in Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Colorectal Neoplasms / 胃肠病学

Colorectal cancer is one of the common malignancies of the digestive tract, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been widely used in the treatment of early colorectal neoplasms. The risk factors of non-curative resection in ESD for early colorectal neoplasms have been confirmed in many studies. This article reviewed the advances in study on risk factors of non-curative resection in ESD for early colorectal neoplasms.

[Long-term outcome after endoscopic resection for early colorectal carcinoma].

Objective: To analysis the clinical and follow-up data of the early colorectal carcinoma (ECC) after endoscopic resection, and explore the long-term outcome of patients who underwent the endoscopic resection. Methods: During June 2008 to June 2016, data of endoscopic resection for 550 cases of ECC were collected, including general information and follow-up data. The influence factors of disease-free survival rate of ECC after endoscopic resection were analyzed and the risk factors on long-term outcomes such as submucosa invasion depth, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, vascular invasion and positive vertical margin were investigated. Results: The mean follow-up time of 550 patients treated with endoscopy was (60.7±36.8) months. Among them, 433 cases were high-level intra-mucosal neoplasia, 117 cases were submucosa invasion carcinoma (the invasion depth <1 000 µm were 33 cases, ≥1 000 µm were 84 cases), 461 cases were curative resection, while 89 cases were non-curative resection. During the follow-up, 6 patients occurred recurrence or metastasis, including 2 patients with local recurrence (1 patient accompanied by lymph node metastasis) and 4 patients with lymph node metastasis (2 patients accompanied by distant metastasis). The overall 5-years disease-free survival rate was 98.8%, the 5-years disease-free survival rate was 100.0% for patients with curative resection and 93.3% for patients with non-curative resection. A total of 89 cases underwent non-curative resection were accompanied with invasion depth ≥1 000 µm, vascular invasion, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and positive vertical margin. Among them, 62 cases were accompanied with 1 risk factor, 23 cases with 2 risk factors and 4 cases with 3 risk factors. The risks of lymph nodes and distant metastasis raised with the increase of risk factors. Conclusions: The incidence of lymph node metastasis in ECC is extremely low. Endoscopic treatment can achieve a good long-term outcome. Close follow-up should be conducted after endoscopic treatment, and additional treatment should be selected reasonably for the early colorectal carcinoma after endoscopic non-curative resection to improve the therapeutic efficacy of endoscopic resection.

Predictive Factors and Long-Term Outcomes of Early Gastric Carcinomas in Patients with Non-Curative Resection by Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection.

PURPOSE: Non-curative resection (NCR) remains problematic in some cases of early gastric carcinomas (EGCs) treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The aim of this study was to identify predictors of NCR, especially of eCura C1 and eCura C2 resections, before ESD and study long-term outcomes of EGC patients with NCR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted over an 8-year period for EGCs undergoing ESD. Clinicopathologic and endoscopic characteristics and patients' survival were analyzed. Risk factors for NCR and eCura C1 and C2 resections were assessed by logistic analyses. Survival of patients was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method with a Log rank test. RESULTS: A total of 463 patients with 472 lesions were qualified. By univariate and multivariate analyses, the predictors for NCR and eCura C2 resections were tumor size >20 mm, tumors located in cardia-fundus, uneven surface, margin elevation, and mixed and undifferentiated types, and those for eCura C1 resection were tumors located in cardia-fundus, negative lifting sign, and mixed and undifferentiated types. The 5-year cancer-specific and cancer-free survival rates were 100.0% and 94.2%, and 95.3% and 83.4% in the curative resection (CR) and NCR groups, respectively. The 5-year cancer-specific and cancer-free survival rates were significantly greater in the CR group than that in the NCR group (P <0.0001). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, we identified various endoscopic and pathologic features of EGCs to predict NCR, especially eCura C1 and eCura C2 resections before ESD. These clinically valuable factors would be very informative to endoscopists and surgeons who perform ESD to resect EGCs.

The Role of Primary Tumor Resection in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Asymptomatic, Synchronous, Unresectable Metastasis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

We aimed to assess the survival benefits of primary tumor resection (PTR) followed by chemotherapy in patients with asymptomatic stage IV colorectal cancer with asymptomatic, synchronous, unresectable metastases compared to those of upfront chemotherapy alone. This was an open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial (ClnicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01978249). From May 2013 to April 2016, 48 patients (PTR, n = 26; upfront chemotherapy, n = 22) diagnosed with asymptomatic colorectal cancer with unresectable metastases in 12 tertiary hospitals were randomized (1:1). The primary endpoint was two-year overall survival. The secondary endpoints were primary tumor-related complications, PTR-related complications, and rate of conversion to resectable status. The two-year cancer-specific survival was significantly higher in the PTR group than in the upfront chemotherapy group (72.3% vs. 47.1%; p = 0.049). However, the two-year overall survival rate was not significantly different between the PTR and upfront chemotherapy groups (69.5% vs. 44.8%, p = 0.058). The primary tumor-related complication rate was 22.7%. The PTR-related complication rate was 19.2%, with a major complication rate of 3.8%. The rates of conversion to resectable status were 15.3% and 18.2% in the PTR and upfront chemotherapy groups. While PTR followed by chemotherapy resulted in better two-year cancer-specific survival than upfront chemotherapy, the improvement in the two-year overall survival was not significant.