Continuous versus intermittent chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer

3582 Background: The current policy concerning the duration of chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC) varies considerably (Clin Oncol 1997;9:248) while no benefit of continuous versus intermittent 5-FU was found in a published randomized study (Lancet 2003;361:457). Serious cumulative toxicity is not usually a problem with long-term 5-FU/FA, but this is not the case with contemporary triple regimens (FOLFIRI, FOLFOX). We, therefore, performed a randomized study of continuous versus intermittent FOLFIRI as first line chemotherapy in MCC. Methods: Patients with MCC and ECOG 0–2 were given 6 biweekly courses of FOLFIRI (Irinotecan 180mg/m2 + De Gramont). Patients with response or stable disease were randomized to continue with another 6 FOLFIRI (group A) or discontinue until relapse when 6 FOLFIRI were readministered (group B). Time to progression (TTP) was calculated from study entrance until 1st progression for group A, and 2nd progression for group B, and overall survival (OS) from study entrance until death. Results: Fifty eight (M=38, F=20) patients entered into the study. Two (3.4%) withdrew before evaluation, 1 (1.7%) died of stroke, 1 (1.7%) was lost to FU and 15 (26%) progressed before or at the completion of 6 FOLFIRI. Thirty nine (67%) patients (M=25, F=14), median age 69 (38–79) responded (21=54%) or had stable disease (18=46%) and were randomized: 19 (49%) to group A and 20 (51%) to group B. Median TTP was 8 months 95% CI: 5.3–10.7) for group A and 9 (95% CI: 7.8–10) for group B (p=NS). 10/19 (52%) in group A received 2nd line chemotherapy vs 7/20 (35%) in group B (p=NS). With a median follow-up of 13 months, 21 patients are alive (12 in group A and 9 in group B). Median OS was 21 months (95% CI: 15 - 26.7) in group A vs 15 (95% CI: 12.6 - 17.3) in group B (p=NS), and 18 months (95% CI: 15.5 - 21) for all 39 patients. Conclusions: In MCC, when response or stability has been achieved after 6 courses ofFOLFIRI there seemstobe little more benefit from continuing chemotherapy than from retreating patients at relapse No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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Metronomic Low Dose Leucovorin- Fluorouracil versus Supportive Treatment for Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Journal of Cancer and Tumor International ◽

10.9734/jcti/2019/v9i130101 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Hend M. Hamdey Rashed Elkalla ◽

Mohamed Saad Elzahy ◽

Shoukri Hassan Elazab

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Metastatic Colorectal Cancer ◽

Stable Disease ◽

Low Dose ◽

Palliative Chemotherapy ◽

P Value ◽

Supportive Treatment ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B

Introduction: There was an improvement in therapeutic regimens for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) in the last few decades. The low dose metronomic palliative chemotherapy in patients with advanced CRC after the failure of standard chemotherapy led to a dramatic increase in efficacy, reduction of mortality rates, and improves survival in the form of control symptoms, and enhances or improves quality of life which is an important issue in that group of patients. Patients and Methods: We include 60 Patients with recurrent or metastatic colorectal cancer after failure of multiple lines of chemotherapy. The patients were randomized in two groups either to receive supportive treatment in group A (30 patients) or low dose weekly leucovorin 20 mg/m² plus 5-flourouracil 425 mg/m² for 3 weeks and 1 week rest in group B (30 patients). Patients in group B received palliative chemotherapy for 4 months at least. Results: After a follow up period of 19 months, the mean time to progression (TTP) is 4.9 months for the group (A) but is higher in group (B) as it is 7.8 months and it shows a statistically significant difference (P value <0.001). Also, the mean overall survival(OS) is 15.3 months for group (A) and 18.8 months for group (B) and this is statistically significant (P value <0.002). No grade 3 or 4 toxicity was detected. After 4 months of the study, 29 patients (96.6%) still have the stable disease compared to 18 patients (60%) of group (A). After 8 months, only 12 patients (40%) of group (B) show stable disease while all patients of group (A) have disease progression. Conclusion: We conclude that metronomic weekly leucovorin-5 FU could provide a good tolerable way to go on with chemotherapy treatment while at the same time not have major threatening side effects.

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Laparoscopic Incisional and Ventral Hernia Repair with Absorbable Tacks in a Long Term Follow-up: A Retrospective Control Study

Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials ◽

10.2174/1574887114666190201111332 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 141-146

Author(s):

Simone Zanella ◽

Enrico Lauro ◽

Francesco Franceschi ◽

Francesco Buccelletti ◽

Annalisa Potenza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hernia Repair ◽

Ventral Hernia ◽

Ventral Hernia Repair ◽

The Elderly ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Absorbable Tacks

Background: Laparoscopic Incisional and Ventral Hernia Repair (LIVHR) is a safe and worldwide accepted procedure performed using absorbable tacks. The aim of the study was to evaluate recurrence rate in a long term follow-up and whether the results of laparoscopic IVH repair in the elderly (≥65 years old) are different with respect to results obtained in younger patients. Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine consecutive patients (74 women and 55 men, median age 67 years, range = 30-87 years) with ventral (N = 42, 32.5%) or post incisional (N = 87, 67.5%) hernia were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age: group A (N = 55, 42.6%) aged <65 years and group B (N = 74, 57.4%) aged ≥65 years. Results: The mean operative time was not significantly different between groups (66.7 ± 37 vs. 74 ± 48.4 min, p = 0.4). To the end of 2016, seven recurrences had occurred (group A = 3, group B = 4, p = 1). Complications occurred in 8 (16%) patients in group A and 21 (28.3%) patients in group B. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results confirm that the use of absorbable tacks does not increase recurrence frequency and laparoscopic incisional and ventral repair is a safety procedure also in elderly patients.

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439 Conservative Versus Surgical Management of Complicated Diverticulitis - A Retrospective Study of Long-Term Outcomes

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab134.280 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

E Durity ◽

G Elliott ◽

T Gana

Keyword(s):

Complicated Diverticulitis ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Stoma Reversal ◽

Group A ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Group B

Abstract Introduction Management of complicated diverticulitis has shifted towards a conservative approach over time. This study evaluates the feasibility and long-term outcomes of conservative management. Method We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of patients managed with perforated colonic diverticulitis from 2013-2017. Results Seventy-three (73) patients were included with a male to female ratio of 1:2. Thirty-one (31) underwent Hartmann’s procedure (Group A) and 42 patients were managed with antibiotics +/- radiological drainage (Group B). Mean follow-up was 64.9 months (range 3-7 years). CT Grade 3 and 4 disease was observed in 64.5% and 40.4% of Group A and Group B patients, respectively. During follow-up, 9 (21.4%) Group B patients required Hartmann’s. Group A had longer median length of stay compared to Group B (25.1 vs 9.2 days). Post-operative complications occurred in 80.6% with 40% being Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher in group A. Stoma reversal was performed in 8 patients (25.8%). Conclusions In carefully selected cases, complicated diverticulitis including CT grade 3 and 4 disease, can be managed conservatively with acceptable recurrence rates (16.7% at 30 days, 4.8% at 90 days, 19.0% at 5 years). Surgical intervention on the other hand, carries high post-operative complication rates and low stoma reversal rates.

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Anterior approach levator plication for congenital ptosis, absorpable versus non absorpable sutures

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/11206721211005320 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112067212110053

Author(s):

Moustafa Salamah ◽

Ashraf Mahrous Eid ◽

Hani Albialy ◽

Sherif Sharaf EL Deen

Keyword(s):

Randomized Study ◽

Early Postoperative Period ◽

Polyglactin 910 ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Congenital Ptosis ◽

History Of ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Over Time

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of two different suture types in levator plication for correction of congenital ptosis. Subjects and methods: Prospective comparative interventional randomized study involving 42 eyes of 42 patients aged more than 6 years with congenital ptosis and good levator action. The exclusion criteria were as follows: bilateral ptosis, history of previous surgery, fair or poor levator action, and associated other ocular diseases. Patients were randomized into group A, in which double-armed 5/0 polyester Ethibond were used, and group B, in which double-armed 5/0 Coated Vicryl® (polyglactin 910) suture material we used. Outcomes including eyelid height and stability of eyelid height over time were compared with follow-up data. The MRD was 4.05 ± 0.36 mm and 3.95 ± 0.34 after 1 week for both groups A and B, respectively. At the end of study follow up period (24 weeks), the MRD was 3.60 ± 0.42 mm in group A, and 2.52 ± 0.85 mm in group B. Conclusion: No difference in eyelid height between two groups in early postoperative period, but the postoperative eyelid height was more stable over time in the 5/0 polyester Ethibond group (group A) than in the 5/0 Coated Vicryl® (polyglactin 910) group (group B).

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The Role of Quantic Molecular Resonance (QMR) in the Treatment of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy (ITH): Our Experience With Long-Term Follow-Up in Allergic and Nonallergic Rhinitis Refractory to Medical Therapy. Preliminary Results

Ear Nose & Throat Journal ◽

10.1177/01455613211001599 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 014556132110015

Author(s):

Filippo Ricciardiello ◽

Davide Pisani ◽

Pasquale Viola ◽

Raul Pellini ◽

Giuseppe Russo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nasal Obstruction ◽

Inferior Turbinate ◽

Nonallergic Rhinitis ◽

Turbinate Hypertrophy ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy ◽

Molecular Resonance

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effectiveness of quantic molecular resonance (QMR) in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) in allergic and nonallergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy. Methods: This study enrolled 281 patients, 160 males (56.9%) and 121 females (43.1%), mean age 37.8 ± 4.1 years, range 18 to 71. Fifty-four patients have been lost to follow up and have been therefore excluded from the final analysis. Based on skin prick test results, 69 patients were considered allergic (group A) and 158 nonallergic (group B). All subjects underwent before surgery (T0) and 3 (T1), 12 (T2), 24 (T3), and 36 months (T4) after QMR treatment to: 4-phase rhinomanometric examination, nasal endoscopy evaluation, and visual analogue scale to quantify the subjective feelings about nasal obstruction. Results: Subjective and objective parameters showed statistically significant improvement in both groups. Group B parameters not changed during follow-up, while group A showed significant worsening between T1 and subsequent assessments. T4 outcome indicates a better result in nonallergic patients. Conclusions: In accordance with the literature, our preliminary data validate QMR treatment as a successful therapeutic option for nasal obstruction due to ITH. Nonallergic patients had a very good T4 outcome. Allergic patients showed a worsening trend after 1 year probably due to other causes.

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Long Term Real-World Outcomes of Trifluridine/Tipiracil in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer—A Single UK Centre Experience

Current Oncology ◽

10.3390/curroncol28030208 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 2260-2269

Author(s):

Daniel Tong ◽

Lei Wang ◽

Jeewaka Mendis ◽

Sharadah Essapen

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Metastatic Colorectal Cancer ◽

Real World ◽

Systemic Treatment ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

Median Number ◽

Current Data ◽

Real World Data

In the UK, Trifluridine-tipiracil (Lonsurf) is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer in the third-line setting, after prior exposure to fluoropyrimidine-based regimes. Current data on the real-world use of Lonsurf lack long-term follow-up data. A retrospective evaluation of patients receiving Lonsurf at our Cancer Centre in 2016–2017 was performed, all with a minimum of two-year follow-up. Fifty-six patients were included in the review. The median number of cycles of Lonsurf administered was 3. Median follow-up was 6.0 months, with all patients deceased at the time of analysis. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.2 months, and overall survival (OS) was 5.8 months. The median interval from Lonsurf discontinuation to death was two months, but seven patients received further systemic treatment and median OS gained was 12 months. Lonsurf offered a slightly better PFS but inferior OS to that of the RECOURSE trial, with PFS similar to real-world data previously presented. Interestingly, 12.5% had a PFS > 9 months, and this cohort had primarily left-sided and RAS wild-type disease. A subset received further systemic treatment on Lonsurf discontinuation with good additional OS benefit. Lonsurf may alter the course of disease for a subset of patients, and further treatment on progression can be considered in carefully selected patients.

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Management of fresh odontoid fractures using posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion: a long-term clinical follow-up study

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2021.9.spine21822 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Keyword(s):

Scale Score ◽

Neck Disability Index ◽

Implant Removal ◽

Odontoid Fractures ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Flexion Extension ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

OBJECTIVE Posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion makes it possible to restore atlantoaxial motion after removing the implant, and it has been used as an alternative technique for odontoid fractures; however, the long-term efficacy of this technique remains uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to explore the long-term follow-up outcomes of patients with odontoid fractures who underwent posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion. METHODS A retrospective study was performed on 62 patients with type II/III fresh odontoid fractures who underwent posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion and were followed up for more than 5 years. The patients were divided into group A (23 patients with implant removal) and group B (39 patients without implant removal) based on whether they underwent a second surgery to remove the implant. The clinical outcomes were recorded and compared between the two groups. In group A, the range of motion (ROM) of C1–2 was calculated, and correlation analysis was performed to explore the factors that influence the ROM of C1–2. RESULTS A solid fracture fusion was found in all patients. At the final follow-up, no significant difference was found in visual analog scale score or American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale score between the two groups (p > 0.05), but patients in group A had a lower Neck Disability Index score and milder neck stiffness than did patients in group B (p < 0.05). In group A, 87.0% (20/23) of the patients had atlantoodontoid joint osteoarthritis at the final follow-up. In group A, the C1–2 ROM in rotation was 6.1° ± 4.5° at the final follow-up, whereas the C1–2 ROM in flexion-extension was 1.8° ± 1.2°. A negative correlation was found between the C1–2 ROM in rotation and the severity of tissue injury in the atlantoaxial region (r = –0.403, p = 0.024) and the degeneration of the atlantoodontoid joint (r = –0.586, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion can be used effectively for the management of fresh odontoid fractures. The removal of the implant can further improve the clinical efficacy, but satisfactory atlantoaxial motion cannot be maintained for a long time after implant removal. A surgeon should reconsider the contribution of posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion and secondary implant removal in preserving atlantoaxial mobility for patients with fresh odontoid fractures.

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Low-voltage-area ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Extended follow-up results of the VOLCANO trial

10.22541/au.161661216.67499040/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Masaharu Masuda ◽

Mitsutoshi Asai ◽

Osamu Iida ◽

Shin Okamoto ◽

Takayuki Ishihara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Low Voltage ◽

Recurrence Rates ◽

Group A ◽

C 32 ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Introduction: The randomized controlled VOLCANO trial demonstrated comparable 1-year rhythm outcomes between patients with and without ablation targeting low-voltage areas (LVAs) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation among paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with LVAs. To compare long-term AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence rates and types of recurrent-atrial-tachyarrhythmia between treatment cohorts during a > 2-year follow-up period. Methods: An extended-follow-up study of 402 patients enrolled in the VOLCANO trial with paroxysmal AF, divided into 4 groups based on the results of voltage mapping: Group A, no LVA (n=336); group B, LVA ablation (n=30); group C, LVA presence without ablation (n=32); and group D, incomplete voltage map (n=4). Results: At 25 (23, 31) months after the initial ablation, AF/AT recurrence rates were 19% in group A, 57% in group B, 59% in group C, and 100% in group D. Recurrence rates were higher in patients with LVAs than those without (group A vs. B+C, p<0.0001), and were comparable between those with and without LVA ablation (group B vs. C, p=0.83). Among patients who underwent repeat ablation, ATs were more frequently observed in patients with LVAs (Group B+C, 50% vs. A, 14%, p<0.0001). In addition, LVA ablation increased the incidence of AT development (group B, 71% vs. C, 32%, p<0.0001), especially biatrial tachycardia (20% vs. 0%, p=0.01). Conclusion: Patients with LVAs demonstrated poor long-term rhythm outcomes irrespective of LVA ablation. ATs were frequently observed in patients with LVAs, and LVA ablation might exacerbate iatrogenic ATs.

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Efficacy of Endoscopic Posterior Nasal Neurectomy in Treating Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis

ORL ◽

10.1159/000519724 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Manman Chen ◽

Ming Xu ◽

Xuefeng Lei ◽

Bin Zhang

Keyword(s):

Chronic Rhinosinusitis ◽

Surgical Recurrence ◽

Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis ◽

Group A ◽

Sinonasal Outcome Test ◽

Random Number Table ◽

Group B

Objectives: Recent guidelines have revealed that eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) exhibits a strong tendency for recurrence after surgery and impairs quality of life. Neuropeptides play an important neuroimmunological role. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) for the treatment of ECRS by inhibiting type 2 cytokine expression. Methods: Forty-six patients were divided into group A and group B according to a random number table. Group A underwent conventional functional endoscopic sinusitis surgery (FESS) combined with PNN, and group B underwent conventional FESS alone. The subjective and objective symptoms included a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS), 22-item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score, nasal speculum Lund-Kennedy score, and paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) Lund-Mackay score at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. Results: Postoperative VAS (10.33 ± 2.18 vs. 8.38 ± 2.11, p < 0.01) and Lund-Kennedy score (1.95 ± 1.32 vs. 3.14 ± 1.35, p < 0.01) were significantly improved. The rhinorrhea score (1.76 ± 0.83 vs. 2.90 ± 1.14, p < 0.001) in the VAS and the discharge (0.43 ± 0.51, vs. 0.95 ± 0.67, p < 0.01) and edema (0.57 ± 0.60 vs. 0.95 ± 0.59, p < 0.05) scores in the Lund-Kennedy score were observed to have improved significantly in group A compared with those in group B. Conclusions: FESS combined with PNN suppresses edema symptoms, which might significantly decrease the surgical recurrence rate of ECRS in the long term.

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Caiman Versus LigaSure Hemorrhoidectomy: Postoperative Pain, Early Complications, Long-Term Follow-up, and Costs

Surgical Innovation ◽

10.1177/1553350620908388 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 272-278

Author(s):

Chiara Eberspacher ◽

Pietro Mascagni ◽

Domenico Di Nardo ◽

Daniele Pironi ◽

Stefano Pontone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Pain ◽

Operative Time ◽

Healing Time ◽

Visual Analog Score ◽

Historical Cohort ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Purpose. Recently, the use of radiofrequency for hemorrhoidectomy has minimized incidence of postoperative complications. Effectiveness of LigaSure is demonstrated, but it is quite expensive. This study aims to compare LigaSure with Caiman, a cheaper instrument that uses radiofrequency for hemorrhoidectomy. Methods. A total of 35 patients were enrolled in this study between January 2015 and December 2017: 35 (Group A: Caiman) patients were matched with 35 control patients (Group B) from our historical cohort, treated with LigaSure. They were checked at 1 week after operation, at 4 weeks, and then after 2, 6, and 12 months. We considered different factors: intraoperative (operative time, number of piles removed, necessity of stiches or ligation), immediate postoperative (pain, bleeding within 4 weeks, incontinence, soiling within 4 weeks, healing time of anal wounds, return to working activities), and with a long-term follow-up. Results. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in analyzed intraoperative data: operative time (Group A 35 minutes vs Group B 33 minutes; P = .198) and stitches used. Postoperative data were comparable too, in particular pain (Group A 1 day Visual Analog Score = 6.25 vs Group B = 5.4, P = .178; Group A 1 week Visual Analog Score = 2.7 vs Group B = 1.14, P = .22) and bleeding (Group A = 2 vs Group B = 4; P = .2). Conclusions. According our initial experience, Caiman can be a safe and cheaper alternative to LigaSure for hemorrhoidectomy.

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