Research

12 pages, 5174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Artemis as Predictive Biomarker of Responsiveness to Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

by Hai Liu, Runying Huang, Jingjing Shan, Xuyun Xie, Chongwei Wang, Peng Hu and Xiaonan Sun

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 535-546; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010037 - 18 Jan 2024

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify Artemis as a predictive biomarker for guiding preoperative chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer. The resection specimens were collected from 50 patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Artemis expression in biopsy tissues was [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to identify Artemis as a predictive biomarker for guiding preoperative chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer. The resection specimens were collected from 50 patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Artemis expression in biopsy tissues was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining according to the percentage of positively stained cells combined with staining intensity. Among the 50 patients, 36 (72%) had a weakly positive Artemis protein expression, 10 (20%) had a moderately positive expression, and 4 (8%) showed a strongly positive expression. The criteria of magnetic resonance imaging tumor regression grade (mrTRG) and pathological rectal cancer regression grade (RCRG) were used to assess the tumor response to chemoradiotherapy. Correlation analysis shows that there is a significant negative correlation between high Artemis immunoscore and treatment response (r = −0.532, p < 0.001). The results imply that high Artemis expression was associated with poor treatment response. Our study suggested a potential role of Artemis as a predictive biomarker of the tumor response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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14 pages, 2887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Treatment Settings and Outcomes with Regorafenib and Trifluridine/Tipiracil at Third-Line Treatment and beyond in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Real-World Multicenter Retrospective Study

by Carlo Signorelli, Maria Alessandra Calegari, Michele Basso, Annunziato Anghelone, Jessica Lucchetti, Alessandro Minelli, Lorenzo Angotti, Ina Valeria Zurlo, Marta Schirripa, Mario Giovanni Chilelli, Cristina Morelli, Emanuela Dell’Aquila, Antonella Cosimati, Donatello Gemma, Marta Ribelli, Alessandra Emiliani, Domenico Cristiano Corsi, Giulia Arrivi, Federica Mazzuca, Federica Zoratto, Maria Grazia Morandi, Fiorenza Santamaria, Rosa Saltarelli and Enzo Maria Ruggeri Show full author list Hide full author list

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(6), 5456-5469; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30060413 - 04 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2161

Abstract

Background: Patients with refractory mCRC rarely undergo third-line or subsequent treatment. This strategy could negatively impact their survival. In this setting, regorafenib (R) and trifluridine/tipiracil (T) are two key new treatment options with statistically significant improvements in overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), [...] Read more.

Background: Patients with refractory mCRC rarely undergo third-line or subsequent treatment. This strategy could negatively impact their survival. In this setting, regorafenib (R) and trifluridine/tipiracil (T) are two key new treatment options with statistically significant improvements in overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease control with different tolerance profiles. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of these agents in real-world practice. Materials and Methods: In 2012–2022, 866 patients diagnosed with mCRC who received sequential R and T (T/R, n = 146; R/T, n = 116]) or T (n = 325]) or R (n = 279) only were retrospectively recruited from 13 Italian cancer institutes. Results: The median OS is significantly longer in the R/T group (15.9 months) than in the T/R group (13.9 months) (p = 0.0194). The R/T sequence had a statistically significant advantage in the mPFS, which was 8.8 months with T/R vs. 11.2 months with R/T (p = 0.0005). We did not find significant differences in outcomes between groups receiving T or R only. A total of 582 grade 3/4 toxicities were recorded. The frequency of grade 3/4 hand-foot skin reactions was higher in the R/T sequence compared to the reverse sequence (37.3% vs. 7.4%) (p = 0.01), while grade 3/4 neutropenia was slightly lower in the R/T group than in the T/R group (66.2% vs. 78.2%) (p = 0.13). Toxicities in the non-sequential groups were similar and in line with previous studies. Conclusions: The R/T sequence resulted in a significantly longer OS and PFS and improved disease control compared with the reverse sequence. R and T given not sequentially have similar impacts on survival. More data are needed to define the best sequence and to explore the efficacy of sequential (T/R or R/T) treatment combined with molecular-targeted drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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14 pages, 3151 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Hp and New Gastric Cancer Screening Scoring System for Screening and Prevention of Gastric Cancer

by Peiyu Zheng and Jinchun Liu

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(1), 1132-1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30010086 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1986

Abstract

Gastric cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers. Early diagnosis can improve the 5-year survival rate. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and a new gastric cancer screening scoring system (NGCS) in areas with a high [...] Read more.

Gastric cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers. Early diagnosis can improve the 5-year survival rate. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and a new gastric cancer screening scoring system (NGCS) in areas with a high incidence of gastric cancer. A decision-analytic Markov model was constructed based on the theory and method of cost-effectiveness analysis, which included three decisions: no screening, Hp screening, and NGCS screening. The uncertainty of each parameter in the model was determined using a one-way sensitivity analysis and probability sensitivity analysis. The results of the cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that the application of the NGCS had the highest cost-effectiveness, while the one-way sensitivity analysis revealed that the probability of intestinal metaplasia progression to dysplasia had the most significant effect on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. The probability sensitivity analysis concluded that the result of the NGCS having the highest cost-effectiveness was stable. Although the application of the NGCS will require upfront screening costs, it can significantly improve the detection rate of early gastric cancer and save the consequent long-term healthcare costs. It is practicable and can be popularized in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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10 pages, 1855 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Different Durations of Adjuvant Capecitabine Monotherapy on the Outcome of High-Risk Stage II and Stage III Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study Based on a CRC Database

by Qiao Yu, Zhigui Li, Yuqing Liu, Yichen Luo, Jingya Fan, Peijun Xie, Xiaoman Cao, Xingyu Chen and Xiaodong Wang

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(1), 949-958; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30010072 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1945

Abstract

(1) Background: The duration of adjuvant chemotherapy recommended by the NCCN guidelines is 6 months. However, patients are not compliant with intravenous chemotherapy for many reasons; therefore, one approach is to obtain a survival benefit by prolonging the duration of capecitabine monotherapy. (2) [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The duration of adjuvant chemotherapy recommended by the NCCN guidelines is 6 months. However, patients are not compliant with intravenous chemotherapy for many reasons; therefore, one approach is to obtain a survival benefit by prolonging the duration of capecitabine monotherapy. (2) Methods: A total of 355 qualified colorectal cancer (CRC) patients from January 2010 to December 2020 at West China Hospital of Sichuan University were selected to receive capecitabine monotherapy for 6–9 months and >12 months. The main endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). (3) Results: Among stage III patients, in the >12 months (12M) and 6–9 months (6M) groups, the 5-year DFS rates were 80.7%% and 66.8%, respectively, and the 5-year OS rates were 94.7%% and 88.8%, respectively. Among high-risk stage II patients, in the >12 months (12M) and 6–9 months (6M) groups, the 5-year DFS rates were 81.5% and 78.6%, respectively, and the 5-year OS rates were 93.1% and 84.2%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Twelve months of chemotherapy demonstrated superior OS and DFS to that of six months in the stage III group but showed no difference in the high-risk stage II group. The better OS and DFS observed in the 12-month treatment period could be of value in selected cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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11 pages, 867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neoadjuvant Chemo-Radiation Using IGRT in Patients with Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer

by Jing Shen, Xin Lian, Qiu Guan, Lei He, Fuquan Zhang and Jie Shen

Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(10), 7450-7460; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29100586 - 06 Oct 2022

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Abstract

The goal of this study was to see how effective and safe neoadjuvant chemoradiation with image-guided IMRT was in patients with locally advanced resectable gastric cancer. Between January 2013 and June 2019, patients with locally advanced (cT3/cT4 or N+) gastric cancer treated with [...] Read more.

The goal of this study was to see how effective and safe neoadjuvant chemoradiation with image-guided IMRT was in patients with locally advanced resectable gastric cancer. Between January 2013 and June 2019, patients with locally advanced (cT3/cT4 or N+) gastric cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy at PUMCH (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) were retrospectively studied. Using concurrent chemotherapy (Capecitabine alone or XELOX*2 cycles), radiotherapy (IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) 45 Gy, 25#, 5 weeks) was delivered with IGRT (image-guided radiotherapy) before the start of each weeks therapy to ensure accuracy and repeatability. A total of 95 patients were enrolled in the study, 93 (97.9%) stage cT3/T4 and 85 (89.5%) stage N+. Of these, 85 patients (89.5%) had a tumor located in the upper 1/3 of the stomach, and 93/95 patients (97.9%) completed neoadjuvant chemoradiation, with 80 patients (84.2%) undergoing stomach resection (58 D2 and 22 D1 gastrostomies). Pathology downstaging was found in 68 patients (85.0%), with 66 patients (82.5%) receiving T downstaging and 56 patients (70.0%) receiving N downstaging. There were 11 individuals (13.8%) who had a pathological complete response (PCR). The average period of follow-up was 44.7 months (19–96 months). The 5-year OS (overall survival), LRFS (local recurrence-free survival), and DMFS (distant metastasis free survival) rates of patients were 47.0% (95% CI: 38.6–55.4), 86.55% (95% CI: 79.1–93.99) and 60.71% (95% CI: 51.49–69.93%), respectively. Thirteen (13.7%) patients had grade 3–4 leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, while 9 (9.5%) patients had grade 3–4 anemia, and 5 (5.3%) patients had grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia. PCR was found to be a significant predictive factor for OS in multivariate analysis (HR = 11.211, 95% CI: 1.500–83.813, p = 0.024). The method of using IGRT image-guided IMRT (45 Gy, 25 fractions, 5 weeks) combined with concurrent chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced resectable gastric cancer was equally effective when compared to the clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, with clinical outcomes achieving equal efficacy, with similar PCR rates and high rates of OS, LRFS, and DMFS, as well as good tolerances of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with acceptable side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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12 pages, 435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Factors and Prognostic Impact of Postoperative Complications in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

by Hong Yu, Li Xu, Songcheng Yin, Jianlong Jiang, Chunhong Hong, Yulong He and Changhua Zhang

Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(9), 6496-6507; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29090511 - 10 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1790

Abstract

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is important to improve the prognosis of patients with advanced gastric cancer. However, it may result in postoperative complications (POCs). The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors and prognostic impact of POCs in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. [...] Read more.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is important to improve the prognosis of patients with advanced gastric cancer. However, it may result in postoperative complications (POCs). The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors and prognostic impact of POCs in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical information of patients who underwent curative gastrectomy after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy between 2011 and 2018. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Logistic regression and Fisher’s exact test were used to evaluate risk factors for complications. Results: A total of 176 patients were included in our study. The 3-year OS rates for the complication group (n = 30) and non-complication group (n = 146) were 36.7% and 52.7%, respectively (p = 0.0294). Age, BMI, multivisceral resection and operation time were independent risk factors for POCs in patients. Patients with multivisceral resection were more likely to suffer from grade III-IV complications (p = 0.026). Inflammation complications might occur in patients with high BMI (p = 0.017). Low preoperative albumin seemed to be a risk factor for leakage complications (p = 0.033). Conclusions: Our study revealed that patients with POCs had a poor prognosis and we identified the risk factors for complications so that POCs can be avoided in time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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Review

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11 pages, 807 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ampullary Cancer: Histological Subtypes, Markers, and Clinical Behaviour—State of the Art and Perspectives

by Gennaro Nappo, Niccola Funel, Virginia Laurenti, Elisabetta Stenner, Silvia Carrara, Silvia Bozzarelli, Paola Spaggiari and Alessandro Zerbi

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(7), 6996-7006; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30070507 - 22 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2061

Abstract

There are different cancers in the peri-ampullary region, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), duodenum cancers (DCs), and ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC). Here, significant morphological–molecular characterizations should be necessary for the distinction of primary tumours and classifications of their subtypes of cancers. The sub classification [...] Read more.

There are different cancers in the peri-ampullary region, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), duodenum cancers (DCs), and ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC). Here, significant morphological–molecular characterizations should be necessary for the distinction of primary tumours and classifications of their subtypes of cancers. The sub classification of AACs might include up to five different variants, according to different points of view, concerning the prevalence of the two more-cellular components found in the ampulla. In particular, regarding the AACs, the most important subtypes are represented by the intestinal (INT) and the pancreato-biliary (PB) ones. The subtyping of AACs is essential for diagnosis, and their identifications have been impacting clinical management responses to treatments and overall survival (os) after surgery. Pb is associated with a worse clinical outcome. Otherwise, the criteria, through which are possible to attribute its subtype classification, are not well established. A triage of immune markers represented by CK7, CK20, and CDX-2 seem to represent the best compromise in order to split the cohort of AAC patients in the INT and PB groups. The test of choice for the sub-classification of AACs is represented by the immuno-histochemical approach, in which its molecular classification acquires its diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic value for both the INT and PB patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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13 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Strategic Insight into the Combination Therapies for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

by Yoshihito Kano, Mitsukuni Suenaga and Hiroyuki Uetake

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(7), 6546-6558; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30070480 - 07 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2468

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The 5-year survival rate after curative resection is almost 80%, however, it is still less than satisfactory for metastatic CRC (mCRC). The combination approach including surgery, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The 5-year survival rate after curative resection is almost 80%, however, it is still less than satisfactory for metastatic CRC (mCRC). The combination approach including surgery, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, and immunotherapy is a promising strategy due to its synergistic anticancer effect. Moreover, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis has been reported to stratify the post-operative risk of recurrence, thus providing clinically valuable information for deciding to conduct adjuvant chemotherapy. Furthermore, multiple new drugs that potentially target undruggable genes, including KRAS, have been developed. In this review, we discuss the current management of patients with mCRC and future perspectives in the light of a combination therapeutic strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 604 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Precision Oncology in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

by Hiba Mechahougui, Montemurro Michael and Alex Friedlaender

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(5), 4648-4662; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30050351 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1965

Abstract

GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) represent 20% of sarcomatous tumors and 1–2% of primary gastrointestinal cancers. They have an excellent prognosis when localized and resectable, though their prognosis is poor in the metastatic setting, with limited options after the second line until recently. Four [...] Read more.

GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) represent 20% of sarcomatous tumors and 1–2% of primary gastrointestinal cancers. They have an excellent prognosis when localized and resectable, though their prognosis is poor in the metastatic setting, with limited options after the second line until recently. Four lines are now standard in KIT-mutated GIST and one in PDGFRA-mutated GIST. An exponential growth of new treatments is expected in this era of molecular diagnostic techniques and systematic sequencing. Currently, the main challenge remains the emergence of resistance linked to secondary mutations caused by selective pressure induced by TKIs. Repeating biopsies to tailor treatments might be a step in the right direction, and liquid biopsies at progression may offer a non-invasive alternative. New molecules with wider KIT inhibition are under investigation and could change the catalog and the sequence of existing treatments. Combination therapies may also be an approach to overcome current resistance mechanisms. Here, we review the current epidemiology and biology of GIST and discuss future management options, with an emphasis on genome-oriented therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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12 pages, 535 KiB

Open AccessReview

Third- and Late Line Treatments of Metastatic Gastric Cancer: Still More to Be Done

by Marzia Mare, Lorenzo Memeo, Cristina Colarossi and Dario Giuffrida

Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(9), 6433-6444; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29090506 - 08 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2548

Abstract

In recent years, advances of anticancer and supportive therapies have determined a gradual improvement in survival rates and patients’ general conditions in metastatic gastric cancer (mGC), allowing them to receive further treatments. The choice of treatment is driven by performance status, age, stage [...] Read more.

In recent years, advances of anticancer and supportive therapies have determined a gradual improvement in survival rates and patients’ general conditions in metastatic gastric cancer (mGC), allowing them to receive further treatments. The choice of treatment is driven by performance status, age, stage of disease, number of metastatic sites and time from the first to third line of treatment. Targets such as microsatellite instability, PD-L1 expression, and HER2 overexpression or amplification may be addressed to personalise treatment and prolong survival. Despite a growing number of third line options that have provided clinicians with greater opportunities to customise treatments, up to date few agents have been demonstrated as effective after two standard lines for mGC; for these reasons, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy were all widely investigated in both phase II and phase III studies. Overall, TAS-102, apatinib, regorafenib, nilotinib, trastuzumab, and pembrolizumab were demonstrated to be valid options in the third line scenario for mGC patient refractory to at least two lines of therapy. A multimodal approach based on chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted agents, a personalised nutritional programme as well as the research of new predictive biomarkers may pave the way to new strategies to identify the best treatment for each patient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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Other

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12 pages, 678 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Meta-Analysis to Assess the Efficacy of HER2-Targeted Treatment Regimens in HER2-Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC)

by Akshit Chitkara, Muhammad Bakhtiar, Ibrahim Halil Sahin, Dennis Hsu, Janie Zhang, FNU Anamika, Mahnoor Mahnoor, Rabeea Ahmed, Sepideh Gholami and Anwaar Saeed

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(9), 8266-8277; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30090600 - 07 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2063

Abstract

Recent trials provide evidence that HER2 is a potential new target for patients with colorectal cancer. While HER2-positive tumors do not show a very encouraging response to anti-HER2-positive agents like trastuzumab alone, promising results have been observed when combined with other synergistically acting [...] Read more.

Recent trials provide evidence that HER2 is a potential new target for patients with colorectal cancer. While HER2-positive tumors do not show a very encouraging response to anti-HER2-positive agents like trastuzumab alone, promising results have been observed when combined with other synergistically acting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Our meta-analysis was conducted following the Cochrane Handbook and written following the PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42022338935. After a comprehensive search for relevant articles, 14 CTs were identified and uploaded to Rayyan, and six trials were ultimately selected for inclusion. The meta-analysis revealed that a median of three prior lines of therapy was used before enrolling in the six trials comprising 238 patients with HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The pooled objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 31.33% (95% confidence interval [CI] 24.27–38.39) and 74.37% (95% CI 64.57–84.17), respectively. The pooled weighted progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.2 months. The pooled ORR and DCR meta-analysis indicate a significant response to HER2-targeted therapy in this patient in HER2-positive mCRC. Additionally, a pooled PFS of 6.2 months suggests that HER2-targeted treatment regimens are associated with a meaningful improvement in survival outcomes in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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8 pages, 1625 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Vascular Normalization Caused by Short-Term Lenvatinib Could Enhance Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

by Tetsuya Tachiiri, Hideyuki Nishiofuku, Shinsaku Maeda, Takeshi Sato, Shohei Toyoda, Takeshi Matsumoto, Yuto Chanoki, Kiyoyuki Minamiguchi, Ryosuke Taiji, Hideki Kunichika, Satoshi Yamauchi, Takahiro Ito, Nagaaki Marugami and Toshihiro Tanaka

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(5), 4779-4786; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30050360 - 05 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2124

Abstract

We describe the clinical effects of short-term lenvatinib administration prior to conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) on tumor vasculature. Two patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma underwent high-resolution digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and perfusion four-dimensional computed tomography during hepatic arteriography (4D-CTHA) before and after administration [...] Read more.

We describe the clinical effects of short-term lenvatinib administration prior to conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) on tumor vasculature. Two patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma underwent high-resolution digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and perfusion four-dimensional computed tomography during hepatic arteriography (4D-CTHA) before and after administration of lenvatinib treatment. The doses and periods of lenvatinib administration were, respectively, 12 mg/day for 7 days and 8 mg/day for 4 days. In both cases, high-resolution DSA revealed a decrease in dilatation and tortuosity of the tumor vessels. Furthermore, the tumor staining became more refined, and newly formed tiny tumor vessels were observed. Perfusion 4D-CTHA revealed a decrease in arterial blood flow to the tumor by 28.6% (from 487.9 to 139.5 mL/min/100 mg) and 42.5% (from 288.2 to 122.6 mL/min/100 mg) in the two cases, respectively. The cTACE procedure resulted in good lipiodol accumulation and complete response. Patients have remained recurrence-free for 12 and 11 months after the cTACE procedure, respectively. The administration of short-term lenvatinib in these two cases resulted in the normalization of tumor vessels, which likely led to improved lipiodol accumulation and a favorable antitumor effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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13 pages, 1794 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Role of Preoperative Chemotherapy in the Management of Synchronous Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Meta-Analysis

by Kostas Tepelenis, Georgios Pappas-Gogos, Panagiotis Ntellas, Konstantinos Tsimogiannis, Katerina Dadouli, Davide Mauri and Georgios K. Glantzounis

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(5), 4499-4511; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30050340 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1658

Abstract

Background: The indications of preoperative chemotherapy, for initially resectable synchronous colorectal liver metastases, remain controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of preoperative chemotherapy in such patients. Methods: Six retrospective studies were included in the meta-analysis with 1036 patients. Some [...] Read more.

Background: The indications of preoperative chemotherapy, for initially resectable synchronous colorectal liver metastases, remain controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of preoperative chemotherapy in such patients. Methods: Six retrospective studies were included in the meta-analysis with 1036 patients. Some 554 patients were allocated to the preoperative group, and 482 others were allocated to the surgery group. Results: Major hepatectomy was more common in the preoperative group than in the surgery group (43.1% vs. 28.8%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the percentage of patients with more than three liver metastases was higher in the preoperative group compared to the surgery group (12.6% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.002). Preoperative chemotherapy showed no statistically significant impact on overall survival. Combined disease free/relapse survival analysis of patients with high disease burden (liver metastases > 3, maximum diameter > 5 cm, clinical risk score ≥ 3) demonstrated that there is a 12% lower risk of recurrence in favor of preoperative chemotherapy. Combined analysis showed a statistically significant (77% higher probability) of postoperative morbidity in patients who received preoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Preoperative chemotherapy should be suggested in patients with high disease burden. The number of cycles of preoperative chemotherapy should be low (3–4) to avoid increased postoperative morbidity. However more prospective studies are needed to clarify the exact role of preoperative chemotherapy in patients with synchronous resectable colorectal liver metastases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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18 pages, 3052 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Taxanes Plus Platinum and Fluorouracil Plus Platinum in the First-Line Treatment of Esophageal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Yue Zhao, Rui Song, Yuanyuan Jia, Xiaoyun Zhang, Shasha Zhang, Chensi Wu, Ruixing Zhang and Zhanjun Guo

Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(9), 6610-6627; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29090519 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1988

Abstract

Fluoropyrimidine plus platinum (FP) and taxanes plus platinum (TP) are standard treatments for esophageal cancer (EC). This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to explore the difference in the therapeutic effect and toxicity of FP and TP regimens in EC patients. PubMed, Embase, and [...] Read more.

Fluoropyrimidine plus platinum (FP) and taxanes plus platinum (TP) are standard treatments for esophageal cancer (EC). This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to explore the difference in the therapeutic effect and toxicity of FP and TP regimens in EC patients. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were fully searched and analyzed to find relevant articles on EC patients treated with FP and TP regimens up to 22 March 2022. Thirty-one studies, with a total of 3432 participants, were included in this review. The primary outcomes showed that the prognosis and therapeutic efficacy of TP groups were better than those of FP groups for the EC patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy treatment (3-year OS: RR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08–1.44, p = 0.003; 3-year PFS: RR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.17–1.75, p = 0.0006; ORR: RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06–1.29, p = 0.001). However, TP therapy was significantly correlated with a higher incidence of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia (p < 0.05). In the preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group, these two groups had a similar survival time (p > 0.05). The FP regimen corresponded to a higher incidence of thrombocytopenia, while the TP regimen was associated with an increased incidence of febrile leukopenia (p < 0.05). Therefore, TP regimens could generate both superior clinical response and survival benefits when compared with FP regimens in EC patients undergoing definitive chemoradiotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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