Surgical and Functional Outcomes on Omitting Cortical Renorrhaphy During Robot-Assisted Versus Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: A Match-Paired Analysis

Objectives To assess surgical and functional outcomes in comparison of cortical renorrhaphy omitting, robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (CRO-RAPN), and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (CRO-LPN). Methods Between July 2012 and June 2020, patients with localized clinical T1-2 renal masses who underwent CRO-RAPN or CRO-LPN were reviewed. The outcomes of the CRO-RAPN and CRO-LPN groups were compared using propensity score matching. Trifecta was defined as negative surgical margin, less than 25 minutes of warm ischemic time, and no complications of Clavien-Dindo grade III or more until three months postoperatively. Preservation rate of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated at six months postoperatively. Results A total of 291 patients, including 210 patients who underwent CRO-RAPN and 81 patients who underwent CRO-LPN, were included, and matched pairs of 150 patients were analyzed. The CRO-RAPN group was associated with a significantly shorter warm ischemic time (13 min vs 20 min, P < 0.001), shorter total operation time (162 min vs 212 min, P < 0.001), less estimated blood loss (40 mL vs 119 mL, P = 0.002), lower incidence of overall complications (3% vs 16%, P = 0.001), higher preservation rate of eGFR at six months postoperatively (93% vs 89%, P = 0.003), and higher trifecta achievement rate (84% vs 64%, P = 0.004) than the CRO-LPN group. Conclusions CRO-RAPN contributes to a shorter warm ischemic time, less blood loss, fewer complications, and preservation of renal function and makes it feasible to achieve a higher rate of trifecta compared to CRO-LPN.

T1 glottic laryngeal cancer: the role of routine follow-up visits in detecting local recurrence

Purpose We assessed the treatment outcome and the benefits of routine follow-up visits in T1 glottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Methods Medical records of patients diagnosed with stage T1 glottic LSCC (N = 303) in five Finnish university hospitals between 2003 and 2015 were reviewed. Moreover, data from the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Population Register Center were collected. Results Of all 38 recurrences, 26 (68%) were detected during a routine follow-up visit, and over half (21 of 38, 55%) presented without new symptoms. Primary treatment method (surgery vs. radiotherapy) was not connected with 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) or laryngeal preservation rate. Conclusion The majority of recurrences were detected on a routine follow-up visit, and local recurrences often presented without new symptoms. Routine post-treatment follow-up of T1 glottic LSCC seems beneficial. Trial registration Trial registration number and date of registration HUS/356/2017 11.12.2017.

CCTG CO.28 primary endpoint analysis: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, excision and observation for early rectal cancer, the NEO trial.

3508 Background: CO.28 (NCT03259035) is a phase II study designed to determine if patients with cT1-T3a/bN0 rectal cancer can be treated with induction chemotherapy (FOLFOX/CAPOX) and organ-preserving surgery. Methods: Patients with MRI staged cT1-3a/bN0 tumors and no pathologic (p) high risk features received 6/4 cycles of FOLFOX/CAPOX, repeat sigmoidoscopy/pelvic MRI and subsequent Transanal Endoscopic Surgery (TES) in the absence of tumor progression. ypT0/T1N0 tumors were treated with observation while ypT2+ or ypN+ stage were recommended Total Mesorectal Excision (TME). The primary endpoint was protocol specified Organ Preservation Rate (psOPR = ypT0/T1N0, no p high risk features) and actual Organ Preservation Rate (aOPR = ypT0/T1N0 stage plus higher yp stage patients who declined TME surgery). The study would be considered negative with an psOPR of 50% or lower (H0) and as promising if it is 65% or higher (H1). Results: Between 08/2017 to 05/2020, 58 eligible patients were accrued in Canada and the United States, median age was 67 years, 71% male. All had well-moderately differentiated, non-mucinous rectal adenocarcinoma and median tumor height was 6 cm (range 0-18). Median follow-up was 15.4 months. Chemotherapy with FOLFOX (32) or CAPOX (26) was administered, 90% completed all planned cycles. A total of 56/58 (97%) proceeded to TES, while one patient was ineligible due to tumor progression (1.7%) and one declined. In the intention to treat analysis, the psOPR was 57% (95% CI 43-70%) while the aOPR was 79% (95% CI 67% to 89%) due to 13/23 declining recommended TME surgery. Of 10 patients who proceeded to recommended TME, a complete R0 TME was performed in 9/10, and no p residual carcinoma was found in 7/10. Crude loco-regional (LR) and distant recurrence rates were 3.5% (95% CI 0.4 to 12%) and 0%, respectively. A recurrence occurred in 1/13 patients who initially declined TME surgery. Conclusions: In select patients with early stage rectal cancer, three months of induction CAPOX/FOLFOX followed by TES resulted in a high OPR without the use of pelvic irradiation. The observed high rate of pathologic downstaging may point to high chemo-responsiveness in early rectal adenocarcinoma with no p high risk features. Further trials to evaluate this approach are justified and updated results will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT03259035. [Table: see text]

Total neoadjuvant treatment versus standard chemoradiation to increase the sphincter preservation rate for distal locally advanced rectal cancer (TESS).

TPS3615 Background: Standard treatment of rectal cancer is neoadjuvant capecitabine chemotherapy with radiotherapy, followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). Total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT), a new concept, suggests organ preservation as an alternative to rectal excision in good responders after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy to decrease surgical morbidity and increase quality of life. RAPIDO and PRODIGE-23 trials showed that TNT strategy could improve the pathological complete response (pCR) rateand reduce the risk of distant metastasis. The objective of this trial is to increase the proportion of sphincter preservation rate for distal rectal cancer patients by optimizing tumor response, by using TNT regimen as compared to conventional chemoradiotherapy. TESS (clinicalTrials.gov, NCT03840239), a prospective, open label, multicenter, randomized phase 2 study, is underway. Methods: Main inclusion criteria include: cT3-4aNany or cTanyN+ rectal adenocarcinoma aged 18-70y; ECOG performance 0-1; distance≤5cm from anal verge. 168 patients will be randomized 1:1. Patients in the TNT group will receive 2 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy Capeox (capecitabine + oxaliplation) before, during and after radiotherapy 50Gy/25 fractions, before TME (or other treatment decisions, such as watch and wait) and adjuvant chemotherapy capecitabine 2 cycles. Patients in the standard treatment group will receive neoadjuvant radiotherapy 50Gy/25 fractions combined with capecitabine 5 weeks before TME (or other treatment decisions, such as watch and wait), and adjuvant chemotherapy Capeox 6 cycles. Primary endpoint is the rate of sphincter preservation rate (absence of stoma). Secondary endpoints include: Ratio of sphincter preservation strategy; pathological complete response rate and tumor regression grade distribution; acute toxicity; surgical complications; long-term anal function; late toxicity; ECOG standard score; disease-free survival; overall survival. First site opened in January 24, 2019. Clinical trial information: NCT03840239.

Absolute abundance and preservation rate of Tyrannosaurus rex

Although much can be deduced from fossils alone, estimating abundance and preservation rates of extinct species requires data from living species. Here, we use the relationship between population density and body mass among living species combined with our substantial knowledge of Tyrannosaurus rex to calculate population variables and preservation rates for postjuvenile T. rex. We estimate that its abundance at any one time was ~20,000 individuals, that it persisted for ~127,000 generations, and that the total number of T. rex that ever lived was ~2.5 billion individuals, with a fossil recovery rate of 1 per ~80 million individuals or 1 per 16,000 individuals where its fossils are most abundant. The uncertainties in these values span more than two orders of magnitude, largely because of the variance in the density–body mass relationship rather than variance in the paleobiological input variables.

Stand Stability of Pure and Mixed-Eucalyptus Forests of Different Tree Species in a Typhoon-Prone Area

Background and Objectives: The stable stand structure of mixed plantations is the basis of giving full play to forest ecological function and benefit. However, the monocultural Eucalyptus plantations with large-scale and successive planting that caused ecological problems such as reduced species diversity and loss of soil nutrients have presented to be unstable and vulnerable, especially in typhoon-prone areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nonspatial structure difference and the stand stability of pure and mixed-Eucalyptus forests, to find out the best mixed pattern of Eucalyptus forests with the most stability in typhoon-prone areas. Materials and Methods: In this study, we randomly investigated eight plots of 30 m × 30 m in pure and mixed-Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake × E. grandis W. Hill) plantations of different tree species (Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser, Acacia mangium Willd., and Pinus elliottii var. Elliottii Engelm. × P. caribaea Morelet) on growth status, characterized and compared the distribution of nonspatial structure of the monoculture and mixtures, and evaluated the stand quality and stability from eight indexes of the nonspatial structure, including preservation rate, stand density, height, diameter, stem form, degree of stem inclination, tree-species composition, and age structure. Results: Eucalyptus surviving in the mixed plantation of Eucalyptus and A. mangium (EA) and in the mixed plantation of Eucalyptus and P. elliottii × P. caribaea (EP) were 5.0% and 7.6% greater than those in pure Eucalyptus plantation (EE), respectively, while only the stand preservation rate of EA was greater (+2.9%) than that of the pure Eucalyptus plantation. The proportions of all mixtures in the height class greater than 7 m were fewer than that of EE. The proportions of EA and mixed plantation of Eucalyptus and N. cadamba (EN) in the diameter class greater than 7 m were 10.6% and 7.8%, respectively, more than that of EE. EN had the highest ratio of branching visibly (41.0%), EA had the highest ratio of inclined stems (8.1%), and EP had the most straight and complete stem form (68.7%). The stand stability of the mixed plantation of Eucalyptus and A. mangium presented to be optimal, as its subordinate function value (0.76) and state value (ω = 0.61) of real stand were the largest. Conclusions: A. mangium is a superior tree species to mix with Eucalyptus for a more stable stand structure in the early growth stage to approach an evident and immense stability and resistance, which is of great significance for the forest restoration of Eucalyptus in response to extreme climate and forest management.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage cervical cancer (<2 cm) before conization for fertility preservation: is there any advantage over upfront conization?

BackgroundNeoadjuvant chemotherapy before fertility-sparing surgery is an accepted option for patients with cervical tumors between 2 cm and 4 cm. There is a paucity of data regarding its role in patients with tumors <2 cm. Our objective was to compare the oncological and obstetrical outcomes between patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy before cervical conization versus upfront cervical conization in patients with cervical cancer with tumors <2 cm.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review and searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL (from 1995 to March 2020) using the terms: uterine cervix neoplasms, cervical cancer, fertility-sparing surgery, fertility preservation, conization, cone biopsy, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We included manuscripts with information on patients with tumor size <2 cm, lymph node status, follow-up, oncological and obstetrical outcome, and toxicity related to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We excluded review articles or articles with duplicated patient information.ResultsWe identified 12 articles, including 579 patients. For final analysis, 261 patients met inclusion criteria. The most common histology was non-squamous cell carcinoma (62%). Median follow-up time was 63.5 (range 7–122) months for the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group and 48 (range 12–184) months for the upfront cervical conization group. There was no difference in either overall survival (neoadjuvant chemotherapy group 100% vs upfront cervical conization 99.7%, p=0.79) or disease-free survival (neoadjuvant chemotherapy 100% vs upfront cervical conization 98.9%, p=0.59) between the groups. Fertility preservation rate was 81.4% versus 99.1% (p<0.001) favoring upfront cervical conization. No statistically significant differences were seen in live birth rate or pregnancy loss. Also, we found that all neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients reported chemotherapy-related toxicity (30.7% grade 3 and 69.2% grade 1–2).ConclusionsThere was no difference in disease-free survival or overall survival between patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by conization and upfront cervical conization. Patients who underwent upfront cervical conization had a higher fertility preservation rate.

Effect of ozonation on resistance of ovine and human erythrocytes to hypothermic storage

Long-term hypothermic storage of animal blood can lead to the loss of its quality and can cause complications in recipient animals after transfusion, so the search for new methods of increasing the preservation of erythrocytes after hypothermic storage continues. The article presents the data of the ozonation effect on the preservation rate of ovine and human erythrocytes during hypothermic storage with Alsever’s solution and mannitol medium. Hemolysis, osmotic fragility and distribution density of ovine and human erythrocytes by the sphericity index were determined at different stages of hypothermic storage. The ovine erythrocytes in the control had a lower osmotic resistance compared to human erythrocytes; however, their osmotic fragility did not change significantly after hypothermic storage for 8 weeks, and for human erythrocytes, it significantly increased. Storage of ovine and human erythrocytes longer than 8 weeks led to a sharp hemolysis, while the level of hemolysis of ovine erythrocytes was lower than that of human erythrocytes. Preservation of ozonated erythrocytes is higher than non-ozonated ones during prolonged hypothermic storage. The effect of ozonation on the preservation rate of red blood cells depended on the composition of the preservation media. Hypothermal storage of human erythrocytes in Alsever’s solution for up to 8 weeks led to a shift in the density of distribution according to the sphericity index towards spheroidization of cells; in a medium with mannitol, the number of flattened cell forms increased. After 8 weeks of hypothermic storage of ovine erythrocytes, most of the cells had high sphericity indices. Pretreatment of human and sheep erythrocytes with ozone allows the distribution of cells to be kept closer to the control during long-term storage, which is especially pronounced in mannitol medium. Ovine erythrocytes retained the ability to form rosettes with human T-lymphocytes after hypothermic storage for up to 12 weeks. Thus, ozone pretreatment and the use of mannitol as part of hypothermic storage medium could be an approach to improve the quality of preserved ovine erythrocytes.

Efficacy of chemohyperthermia (HIVEC) in patients with high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who fail BCG therapy.

456 Background: To evaluate Hyperthermic Intra-Vesical Chemotherapy (HIVEC) efficacy regarding 1-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate and bladder preservation rate in patients with high-risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) who fail BCG therapy or are contraindicated to BCG. Methods: Between June 2016 and October 2019, patients treated with HIVEC for high-risk NMIBC who failed BCG (Fail-BCG) or BCG-naive if BCG contraindicated (N-BCG) have been included in our study. These patients had a theoretical indication for cystectomy but were ineligible for surgery or refused it. Results: Fifty-three patients, median age 72 [39-93] years, were included (n = 29 Fail-BCG and n = 24 N-BCG). The median follow-up was 18 months. The bladder preservation rate was 92.4%. The RFS rate at 12 months was 60.5%. The RFS rate at 12 months for N-BCG and Fail-BCG groups was respectively 70% and 52.2%. Three patients progressed to muscle-invasive disease, all in the Fail-BCG group and all in the very high-risk EORTC group. Two of them experienced metastatic progression and died from bladder cancer. Conclusions: Chemohyperthermia using HIVEC device achieved a RFS rate of 60% at 1 year and enabled a bladder preservation rate of 92%. Given the low risk of progression in the N-BCG group, HIVEC could be a good alternative. Conversely, for patients with very high-risk tumors that fail BCG, cystectomy should remain the standard of care and HIVEC may be discussed cautiously for patients who are not eligible for surgery and well informed of the risk of progression to muscle-invasive disease.

Usefull Hearing Preservation Is Improved in Vestibular Schwannoma Patients Who Undergo Stereotactic Radiosurgery Before Further Hearing Deterioration Ensures

IntroductionThe present study evaluates whether hearing deterioration during observation reduces serviceable hearing preservation rates after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients with useful hearing.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 1447 VS patients who underwent SRS between 1992 to 2017. We identified 100 VS patients who had Grade I Gardner- Robertson (GR) hearing at initial diagnosis but were observed without surgery or SRS. We compared hearing after SRS in 67 patients who retained GR Grade I hearing from initial diagnosis to SRS (the hearing maintenance or HM group) to 33 patients whose hearing worsened from GR grade I to grade II (the hearing deterioration or HD group). We also investigated whether a decline in pure tone average (PTA) or speech discrimination score (SDS) before SRS affected hearing preservation after SRS.ResultsThe serviceable hearing (GR I and II) preservation in HM patients was 80%s, 63%, and 51% at 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The serviceable hearing preservation in HD patients was 40%, 33%, and 20% at 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, younger age (<55 years, p=0.012) and HM during observation (p<0.001) improved serviceable hearing preservation rates. Patients whose PTA increased >15 dB (p=0.011) or whose SDS declined >10% (p=0.024) had reduced serviceable hearing preservation rates.ConclusionsHearing deterioration during observation before SRS reduced long term hearing preservation rate in VS patients with GR grade I hearing at initial diagnosis. SRS before hearing deterioration was recommended for hearing preservation.