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21 pages, 3295 KiB

Open AccessReview

Contemporary Approaches to the Surgical Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

by Akash Kartik, Valerie L. Armstrong, Chee-Chee Stucky, Nabil Wasif and Zhi Ven Fong

Cancers 2024, 16(8), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16081501 - 14 Apr 2024

Viewed by 467

Abstract

The incidence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) is on the rise primarily due to the increasing use of cross-sectional imaging. Most of these incidentally detected lesions are non-functional PNETs with a small proportion of lesions being hormone-secreting, functional neoplasms. With recent advances in [...] Read more.

The incidence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) is on the rise primarily due to the increasing use of cross-sectional imaging. Most of these incidentally detected lesions are non-functional PNETs with a small proportion of lesions being hormone-secreting, functional neoplasms. With recent advances in surgical approaches and systemic therapies, the management of PNETs have undergone a paradigm shift towards a more individualized approach. In this manuscript, we review the histologic classification and diagnostic approaches to both functional and non-functional PNETs. Additionally, we detail multidisciplinary approaches and surgical considerations tailored to the tumor’s biology, location, and functionality based on recent evidence. We also discuss the complexities of metastatic disease, exploring liver-directed therapies and the evolving landscape of minimally invasive surgical techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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34 pages, 1115 KiB

Open AccessReview

Contemporary Surgical Management of Colorectal Liver Metastases

by Pratik Chandra and Greg D. Sacks

Cancers 2024, 16(5), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16050941 - 26 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1025

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer-related death. Approximately 20–30% of patients will develop hepatic metastasis in the form of synchronous or metachronous disease. The treatment of colorectal liver metastasis [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer-related death. Approximately 20–30% of patients will develop hepatic metastasis in the form of synchronous or metachronous disease. The treatment of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) has evolved into a multidisciplinary approach, with chemotherapy and a variety of locoregional treatments, such as ablation and portal vein embolization, playing a crucial role. However, resection remains a core tenet of management, serving as the gold standard for a curative-intent therapy. As such, the input of a dedicated hepatobiliary surgeon is paramount for appropriate patient selection and choice of surgical approach, as significant advances in the field have made management decisions extremely nuanced and complex. We herein aim to review the contemporary surgical management of colorectal liver metastasis with respect to both perioperative and operative considerations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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11 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessReview

Management of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Narrative Review

by Carolyn Tsung, Patrick L. Quinn and Aslam Ejaz

Cancers 2024, 16(4), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16040739 - 10 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1161

Abstract

The management of resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains a challenge due to the high risk of recurrence. Numerous clinical trials have identified effective systemic therapies for advanced biliary tract cancer; however, fewer trials have evaluated systemic therapies in the perioperative period. The objective of [...] Read more.

The management of resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains a challenge due to the high risk of recurrence. Numerous clinical trials have identified effective systemic therapies for advanced biliary tract cancer; however, fewer trials have evaluated systemic therapies in the perioperative period. The objective of this review is to summarize the current recommendations regarding the diagnosis, surgical resection, and systemic therapy for anatomically resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Our review demonstrates that surgical resection with microscopic negative margins and lymphadenectomy remains the cornerstone of treatment. High-level evidence regarding specific systemic therapies for use in resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains sparse, as most of the evidence is extrapolated from trials involving heterogeneous tumor populations. Targeted therapies are an evolving practice for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with most evidence coming from phase II trials. Future research is required to evaluate the use of neoadjuvant therapy for patients with resectable and borderline resectable disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

17 pages, 1487 KiB

Open AccessReview

Anatomical and Biological Considerations to Determine Resectability in Pancreatic Cancer

by Ingmar F. Rompen, Joseph R. Habib, Christopher L. Wolfgang and Ammar A. Javed

Cancers 2024, 16(3), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030489 - 23 Jan 2024

Viewed by 953

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains associated with poor outcomes with a 5-year survival of 12% across all stages of the disease. These poor outcomes are driven by a delay in diagnosis and an early propensity for systemic dissemination of the disease. Recently, aggressive [...] Read more.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains associated with poor outcomes with a 5-year survival of 12% across all stages of the disease. These poor outcomes are driven by a delay in diagnosis and an early propensity for systemic dissemination of the disease. Recently, aggressive surgical approaches involving complex vascular resections and reconstructions have become more common, thus allowing more locally advanced tumors to be resected. Unfortunately, however, even after the completion of surgery and systemic therapy, approximately 40% of patients experience early recurrence of disease. To determine resectability, many institutions utilize anatomical staging systems based on the presence and extent of vascular involvement of major abdominal vessels around the pancreas. However, these classification systems are based on anatomical considerations only and do not factor in the burden of systemic disease. By integrating the biological criteria, we possibly could avoid futile resections often associated with significant morbidity. Especially patients with anatomically resectable disease who have a heavy burden of radiologically undetected systemic disease most likely do not derive a survival benefit from resection. On the contrary, we could offer complex resections to those who have locally advanced or oligometastatic disease but have favorable systemic biology and are most likely to benefit from resection. This review summarizes the current literature on defining anatomical and biological resectability in patients with pancreatic cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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14 pages, 1314 KiB

Open AccessReview

Deep Learning Applications in Pancreatic Cancer

by Hardik Patel, Theodoros Zanos and D. Brock Hewitt

Cancers 2024, 16(2), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16020436 - 19 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1172

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal gastrointestinal malignancies. Despite advances in cross-sectional imaging, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical techniques, the 5-year overall survival is only 12%. With the advent and rapid adoption of AI across all industries, we present a review [...] Read more.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal gastrointestinal malignancies. Despite advances in cross-sectional imaging, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical techniques, the 5-year overall survival is only 12%. With the advent and rapid adoption of AI across all industries, we present a review of applications of DL in the care of patients diagnosed with PC. A review of different DL techniques with applications across diagnosis, management, and monitoring is presented across the different pathological subtypes of pancreatic cancer. This systematic review highlights AI as an emerging technology in the care of patients with pancreatic cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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18 pages, 593 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Multidisciplinary Approach and Surgical Management of GE Junction Adenocarcinoma

by Meher Oberoi, Md. Sibat Noor and Eihab Abdelfatah

Cancers 2024, 16(2), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16020288 - 09 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1407

Abstract

Gastroesophageal (GE) junction adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy of growing incidence and is associated with public health issues such as obesity and GERD. Management has evolved over the last two decades to incorporate a multidisciplinary approach, including endoscopic intervention, neoadjuvant chemotherapy/chemoradiation, and minimally [...] Read more.

Gastroesophageal (GE) junction adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy of growing incidence and is associated with public health issues such as obesity and GERD. Management has evolved over the last two decades to incorporate a multidisciplinary approach, including endoscopic intervention, neoadjuvant chemotherapy/chemoradiation, and minimally invasive or more limited surgical approaches. Surgical approaches include esophagectomy, total gastrectomy, and, more recently, proximal gastrectomy. This review analyzes the evidence for and applicability of these varied approaches in management, as well as areas of continued controversy and investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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14 pages, 1061 KiB

Open AccessReview

Circulating Tumor DNA and Management of Colorectal Cancer

by Matthew Krell, Brent Llera and Zachary J. Brown

Cancers 2024, 16(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16010021 - 19 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1101

Abstract

Although the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has decreased as a result of increased screening and awareness, it still remains a major cause of cancer-related death. Additionally, early detection of CRC recurrence by conventional means such as CT, endoscopy, and CEA has not [...] Read more.

Although the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has decreased as a result of increased screening and awareness, it still remains a major cause of cancer-related death. Additionally, early detection of CRC recurrence by conventional means such as CT, endoscopy, and CEA has not translated into an improvement in survival. Liquid biopsies, such as the detection circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), have been investigated as a biomarker for patients with CRC in terms of prognosis and recurrence, as well as their use to guide therapy. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of ctDNA as well as its utility in providing prognostic information, using it to guide therapy, and monitoring for recurrence in patients with CRC. In addition, we discuss the influence the site of disease may have on the ability to detect ctDNA in patients with metastatic CRC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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12 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ampullary Adenocarcinoma: A Review of the Mutational Landscape and Implications for Treatment

by Vasileios Tsagkalidis, Russell C. Langan and Brett L. Ecker

Cancers 2023, 15(24), 5772; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15245772 - 09 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1142

Abstract

Ampullary carcinomas represent less than 1% of all gastrointestinal malignancies with an incidence of approximately 6 cases per 1 million. Histologic examination and immunohistochemistry have been traditionally used to categorize ampullary tumors into intestinal, pancreatobiliary or mixed subtypes. Intestinal-subtype tumors may exhibit improved [...] Read more.

Ampullary carcinomas represent less than 1% of all gastrointestinal malignancies with an incidence of approximately 6 cases per 1 million. Histologic examination and immunohistochemistry have been traditionally used to categorize ampullary tumors into intestinal, pancreatobiliary or mixed subtypes. Intestinal-subtype tumors may exhibit improved survival versus the pancreatobiliary subtype, although studies on the prognostic value of immunomorphologic classification have been inconsistent. Genomic classifiers hold the promise of greater reliability, while providing potential targets for precision oncology. Multi-institutional collaboration will be necessary to better understand how molecular classification can guide type and sequencing of multimodality therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

21 pages, 11726 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Surveillance, Diagnosis, Evaluation and Management

by Jessica Elderkin, Najeeb Al Hallak, Asfar S. Azmi, Hussein Aoun, Jeffrey Critchfield, Miguel Tobon and Eliza W. Beal

Cancers 2023, 15(21), 5118; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15215118 - 24 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1793

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks fourth in cancer-related deaths worldwide. Semiannual surveillance of the disease for patients with cirrhosis or hepatitis B virus allows for early detection with more favorable outcomes. The current underuse of surveillance programs demonstrates the need for intervention at both [...] Read more.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks fourth in cancer-related deaths worldwide. Semiannual surveillance of the disease for patients with cirrhosis or hepatitis B virus allows for early detection with more favorable outcomes. The current underuse of surveillance programs demonstrates the need for intervention at both the patient and provider level. Mail outreach along with navigation provision has proven to increase surveillance follow-up in patients, while provider-targeted electronic medical record reminders and compliance reports have increased provider awareness of HCC surveillance. Imaging is the primary mode of diagnosis in HCC with The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) being a widely accepted comprehensive system that standardizes the reporting and data collection for HCC. The management of HCC is complex and requires multidisciplinary team evaluation of each patient based on their preference, the state of the disease, and the available medical and surgical interventions. Staging systems are useful in determining the appropriate intervention for HCC. Early-stage HCC is best managed by curative treatment modalities, such as liver resection, transplant, or ablation. For intermediate stages of the disease, transarterial local regional therapies can be applied. Advanced stages of the disease are treated with systemic therapies, for which there have been recent advances with new drug combinations. Previously sorafenib was the mainstay systemic treatment, but the recent introduction of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab proves to have a greater impact on overall survival. Although there is a current lack of improved outcomes in Phase III trials, neoadjuvant therapies are a potential avenue for HCC management in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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21 pages, 1189 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Quality of Surgical Outcome Reporting in Randomised Clinical Trials of Multimodal Rectal Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review

by Joanna Janczak, Kristjan Ukegjini, Stephan Bischofberger, Matthias Turina, Philip C. Müller and Thomas Steffen

Cancers 2024, 16(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16010026 - 20 Dec 2023

Viewed by 855

Abstract

Introduction: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) continue to provide the best evidence for treatment options, but the quality of reporting in RCTs and the completeness rate of reporting of surgical outcomes and complication data vary widely. The aim of this study was to measure [...] Read more.

Introduction: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) continue to provide the best evidence for treatment options, but the quality of reporting in RCTs and the completeness rate of reporting of surgical outcomes and complication data vary widely. The aim of this study was to measure the quality of reporting of the surgical outcome and complication data in RCTs of rectal cancer treatment and whether this quality has changed over time. Methods: Eligible articles with the keywords (“rectal cancer” OR “rectal carcinoma”) AND (“radiation” OR “radiotherapy”) that were RCTs and published in the English, German, Polish, or Italian language were identified by reviewing all abstracts published from 1982 through 2022. Two authors independently screened and analysed all studies. The quality of the surgical outcome and complication data was assessed based on fourteen criteria, and the quality of RCTs was evaluated based on a modified Jadad scale. The primary outcome was the quality of reporting in RCTs and the completeness rate of reporting of surgical results and complication data. Results: A total of 340 articles reporting multimodal therapy outcomes for 143,576 rectal cancer patients were analysed. A total of 7 articles (2%) met all 14 reporting criteria, 13 met 13 criteria, 27 met from 11 to 12 criteria, 36 met from 9 to 10 criteria, 76 met from 7 to 8 criteria, and most articles met fewer than 7 criteria (mean 5.5 criteria). Commonly underreported criteria included complication severity (15% of articles), macroscopic integrity of mesorectal excision (17% of articles), length of stay (18% of articles), number of lymph nodes (21% of articles), distance between the tumour and circumferential resection margin (CRM) (26% of articles), surgical radicality according to the site of the primary tumour (R0 vs. R1 + R2) (29% of articles), and CRM status (38% of articles). Conclusion: Inconsistent surgical outcome and complication data reporting in multimodal rectal cancer treatment RCTs is standard. Standardised reporting of clinical and oncological outcomes should be established to facilitate comparing studies and results of related research topics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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20 pages, 468 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Predictors of Complete Pathologic Response in Rectal Cancer during the Total Neoadjuvant Therapy Era: A Systematic Review

by Emily Flom, Kurt S. Schultz, Haddon J. Pantel and Ira L. Leeds

Cancers 2023, 15(24), 5853; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15245853 - 15 Dec 2023

Viewed by 910

Abstract

The modern rectal cancer treatment paradigm offers additional opportunities for organ preservation, most notably via total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) and consideration for a watch-and-wait (WW) surveillance-only approach. A major barrier to widespread implementation of a WW approach to rectal cancer is the potential [...] Read more.

The modern rectal cancer treatment paradigm offers additional opportunities for organ preservation, most notably via total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) and consideration for a watch-and-wait (WW) surveillance-only approach. A major barrier to widespread implementation of a WW approach to rectal cancer is the potential discordance between a clinical complete response (cCR) and a pathologic complete response (pCR). In the pre-TNT era, the identification of predictors of pCR after neoadjuvant therapy had been previously studied. However, the last meta-analysis to assess the summative evidence on this important treatment decision point predates the acceptance and dissemination of TNT strategies. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess preoperative predictors of pCR after TNT to guide the ideal selection criteria for WW in the current era. An exhaustive literature review was performed and the electronic databases Embase, Ovid, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane were comprehensively searched up to 27 June 2023. Search terms and their combinations included “rectal neoplasms”, “total neoadjuvant therapy”, and “pathologic complete response”. Only studies in English were included. Randomized clinical trials or prospective/retrospective cohort studies of patients with clinical stage 2 or 3 rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent at least 8 weeks of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in addition to chemoradiotherapy with pCR as a measured study outcome were included. In this systematic review, nine studies were reviewed for characteristics positively or negatively associated with pCR or tumor response after TNT. The results were qualitatively grouped into four categories: (1) biochemical factors; (2) clinical factors; (3) patient demographics; and (4) treatment sequence for TNT. The heterogeneity of studies precluded meta-analysis. The level of evidence was low to very low. There is minimal data to support any clinicopathologic factors that either have a negative or positive relationship to pCR and tumor response after TNT. Additional data from long-term trials using TNT is critical to better inform those considering WW approaches following a cCR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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