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Background/Aim: The albumin to fibrinogen ratio (AFR) has been identified as a promising prognostic marker for some malignancies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical impact of AFR in esophageal cancer patients who received curative resection. Patients and Methods: The present study included 123 patients who underwent curative treatment for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2020. The prognosis and clinicopathological parameters were compared between patients with high and low AFRs. Results: The overall survival (OS) stratified by each clinical factor was compared using the log-rank test, and a significant difference was observed when using a pretreatment AFR of 1.23. When comparing the patient backgrounds between the high-AFR (AFR ≥12.3) and low- AFR (AFR<12.3) groups, significant differences were noted in the pathological T status. The high-AFR group had significantly higher OS rates at 3 years (70.8%) and 5 years (59.3%) after surgery in comparison to the low-AFR group (46.6% and 37.4%, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses for OS showed that the AFR was a significant prognostic factor. In addition, when comparing the site of first recurrence, a marginally significant difference was noted in hematological recurrence. Conclusion: The AFR is a significant risk factor in patients with esophageal cancer, holding promise as a valuable prognostic factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Recently, preoperative inflammatory, immune, and nutritional statuses have attracted attention as prognostic factors in post-curative gastrectomy patients with gastric cancer (GC). The usefulness of the Creactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index as a prognostic factor in patients with various cancers, has been reported. However, reports on the clinical significance of the CALLY index in patients with GC after gastrectomy remain inadequate. In this prospective study, we focused on the preoperative CALLY index and investigated its usefulness as a prognostic factor in patients with GC. Patients and Methods: This study included 459 patients who underwent gastrectomy for GC between December 2013 and November 2017 at Kanagawa Cancer Center, Kanagawa, Japan. The preoperative CALLY index was calculated based on the preoperative blood test data. Patients were divided into high- and low-CALLY groups. The associations of the preoperative CALLY scores with clinicopathological factors, overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) after gastrectomy for GC were evaluated. Results: The low-CALLY group was significantly older, had higher venous invasion, and a more progressive pStage than did the high-CALLY group. OS and RFS after gastrectomy in the low-CALLY group were significantly worse than those in the high-CALLY group (77.9% vs. 88.9%; p<0.001 and 73.8% vs. 87.1%; p<0.001, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, a low CALLY score was an independent prognostic factor of worse OS and RFS. Conclusion: Preoperative CALLY levels may be a useful prognostic predictor in patients with GC after curative gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Gastric cancer is a common cause of cancer death worldwide, especially in East Asia. This study evaluated the impact of preoperative modified Neutrophil-Platelet Score (mNPS) on the survival and recurrence of patients with resectable gastric cancer. Patients and Methods: The study analyzed 168 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy and subsequently received adjuvant treatment for gastric cancer between 2015 and 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results: Patients were divided into two groups: 76 patients with an mNPS of 0 were classified into the low-mNPS group, whereas 92 patients with an mNPS of =1 were classified into the high-mNPS group. The 3- and 5-year OS rates in the low-mNPS group were 65.6% and 56.2%, respectively, and those in the high-mNPS group were 45.3% and 36.9%, respectively. The difference in OS between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.007). The 3- and 5-year RFS rates in the low-mNPS group were 45.6% and 38.7%, respectively, whereas those in the highmNPS group were 33.4% and 28.1%, respectively. The difference in RFS between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.043). A multivariate analysis showed that the mNPS was a significant independent prognostic factor for OS and RFS. Conclusion: mNPS is a potential prognostic marker for patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy. Higher mNPS values were associated with lower 3- and 5-year OS and RFS rates, indicating a potential correlation between elevated mNPS and worse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Radical resection after preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a standard treatment for patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LAESCC), but its outcome remains unsatisfactory. In order to develop a personalized treatment program for LAES, we herein compared the survival prediction utility of five pre-NAC nutritional, inflammatory, and immune indexes in patients with LAESCC. Patients and Methods: We evaluated the survival of 203 patients with LAESCC who underwent radical resection after NAC from January 2011 to September 2019 for the following representative pre-NAC nutritional, inflammatory, and immune indices: modified Glasgow Prognostic Score, Prognostic Nutritional Index, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, serum neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index (GNRI) were evaluated for their impact on survival. Results: Of the five indices, GNRI was the best predictor of survival as determined by the area under the curve (p<0.05). When patients were divided into three groups according to the nutritional risk assessment of Bouillanne et al. using the pre-NAC GNRI, the 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were significantly stratified (p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, the GNRI independently identified a poor OS group [group 1: hazard ratio (HR)=2.598, p=0.002; group 2: HR=6.257, p<0.001] and a high recurrence risk group (group 1: HR=1.967, p=0.016; group 2: HR=4.467, p<0.001). Conclusion: In patients with LAESCC, GNRI may be the most accurate, reliable, and useful prognostic factor among the five major systemic inflammatory and nutritional indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Based on gastric shape, patients with gastric cancer can be divided into storage (hook-shaped and ptotic stomach) and reverse outflow (steerhorn and cascade stomach) groups. In patients with gastric cancer, postoperative loss of lean body mass (LBM) is associated with a poor prognosis. This study investigated the influence of preoperative gastric shape on LBM loss 1 month after curative distal gastrectomy. Patients and Methods: Between May 2011 and May 2019, we enrolled 487 patients with pathological stage IA/IB/IIA gastric cancer who underwent curative distal gastrectomy and did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were divided into storage (n=370) and outflow (n=117) groups according to whether barium was stored in the stomach during the preoperative fluoroscopic examination. Clinicopathological features, LBM 1 month after gastrectomy, and predictors of postoperative LBM loss were compared between the groups using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The incidence of >5% LBM loss and >7.5% body weight loss 1 month postoperatively were significantly higher in the storage group than in the outflow group (p=0.003 and p=0.009, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed that gastric shape [odds ratio (OR)=3.30, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.95-5.59, p<0.001], male sex (OR=3.20, 95% CI=2.07-4.96, p<0.001), and Roux-en-Y reconstruction (OR=1.69, 95% CI=1.08-2.64, p=0.02) were independent predictors of LBM loss. Postoperative dietary problems, especially dumping syndrome, diarrhea, and reflux were more common in the storage group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Gastric shape may be a useful independent predictor of postoperative LBM loss in patients with gastric cancer undergoing distal gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Radical esophagectomy after preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is the standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, careful treatment selection is required when considering organ function in elderly patients. Prealbumin, a rapid turnover protein, is a short-term dynamic nutritional index, and its relationship with long-term postoperative survival in various cancers has been previously reported. However, the association between serum prealbumin level before NAC and survival in elderly patients remains unclear. This study investigated the clinical significance of prealbumin level measurement before NAC in elderly patients with locally advanced ESCC who underwent surgery after NAC. Patients and Methods: Eighty patients aged =65 years diagnosed with cStage II/III ESCC and undergoing radical esophagectomy after cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil therapy as NAC, were included. The cutoff value of the serum prealbumin level before NAC was set at 18.2 mg/dl using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and postoperative complications, recurrence, and overall survival were compared between the low and high prealbumin groups. Results: There were no differences in patient background, clinicopathological characteristics, postoperative complications, or recurrence-free survival between the two groups. Overall survival (OS) was significantly worse in the low prealbumin group than in the high prealbumin group (5-year survival, 33.3% vs. 67.0%; p=0.0341). Furthermore, on univariate and multivariate analysis, low prealbumin level was an independent poor OS factor (p=0.036). Conclusion: In elderly patients with locally advanced ESCC, serum prealbumin level before NAC may be a useful prognostic factor and may be important in selecting a treatment strategy that considers individual organ function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: A new modified nutritional risk index (mNRI), calculated using serum albumin (g/l)+body mass index (BMI) [weight (kg_/height² (m²)], is a good predictor of postoperative complications and cancer survival. However, no study has used this index in patients with gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of the preoperative mNRI values in patients with GC who underwent curative resection. Patients and Methods: We examined 449 patients who underwent curative resection for GC at Kanagawa Cancer Center between 2013 and 2017. The mNRI cutoff value obtained using a receiver operating characteristic analysis was 23.31. Patients were divided into high and low mNRI groups according to the cutoff value, and the clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: In terms of clinicopathological characteristics, the high mNRI group had a higher proportion of men, higher BMI, and a higher proportion of patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class 2/3 compared with the low mNRI group; the low mNRI group had significantly worse 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) than the high mNRI group (OS, p=0.005) (OS, p=0.006; RFS, p=0.018) did. In the multivariate analysis, a low mNRI was an independent predictor of OS (p=0.006) and RFS (p=0.013). Conclusion: Preoperative mNRI may be a useful recurrence and prognostic biomarker in patients with GC who have undergone curative resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Clinical staging in the eighth edition of the Union for International Cancer Control TNM classification (TNM8) is reported to predict the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. However, there have been no reports on using the TNM8 for prognostic stratification of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). This study aimed to investigate whether it was possible to stratify the prognosis of patients who underwent curative surgery for Siewert type II/III AEG according to the TNM8 clinical stage (cStage). Patients and Methods: This study included patients with Siewert type II/III AEG who underwent curative surgery between 2000 and 2019 at Kanagawa Cancer Center. Those who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. We investigated the survival of patients with AEG of each TNM8 cStage. Results: This study included 138 patients, among whom 102 (74%) had Siewert type II and 36 (26%) had Siewert type III AEG. A total of 50, 38, 43, and seven patients were classified with cStage I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The median duration of follow-up of the survivors was 54.7 months. The 5-year overall survival rate of the entire cohort was 65.8%, whereas for patients with cStage I, II, III and IV was 81.6%, 69.0%, 54.3% and 14.3%, respectively. The hazard ratio with reference to cStage I was 1.83, 3.07, and 8.13 for cStage I, III, and IV, respectively, increasing in a stepwise manner. Conclusion: TNM8 Clinical staging is able to stratify the prognosis of patients with Siewert type II/III AEG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: When nivolumab is administered as second-line therapy for esophageal cancer, radiotherapy may also be provided in cases either concurrently or sequentially. The aim of this study was to retrospectively examine whether the incidence of adverse events increases in such cases. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two esophageal cancer patients [17 males and 5 females; mean age 71 years (range=58-87 years)] treated with nivolumab were included. Patients were divided into two treatment groups: nivolumab alone (N group) (12 patients) and nivolumab combined with radiotherapy (R group) (10 patients). All patients had squamous cell carcinoma. The primary outcomes measured were the severity and frequency of adverse events. Results: Adverse events were seen in 6 of the 12 patients in the N group and 8 of the 10 in the R group. There were significantly more adverse events in the R group (p=0.035), but no difference in Grade 3 or higher adverse events (p=0.781), indicating that the adverse events were controllable. There was no significant difference in treatment effect between the N and R groups. Conclusion: In this report, 50% of adverse events in the N group were grade 3-4, 25% of which were grade 4, as seen in previous reports. In the present study, the side effects were not enhanced by treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors plus radiotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors plus radiation therapy would be a relatively safe treatment and may become an option for esophageal cancer treatment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has been reported as an immunonutritional index that can easily evaluate nutritional status and immunocompetence from blood tests. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of PNI as a prognostic factor in postoperative gastric cancer patients. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 258 patients with pStage I-III gastric cancer who underwent radical resection at Yokohama City University Hospital, from 2015 to 2021. To examine the association with prognosis, we analyzed clinicopathological factors including PNI (<47/=47), age (<75/=75), sex (male/female), depth (pT1/=pT2), lymph node metastasis (pN+/pN-), lymphatic invasion (ly+/ly-), vascular invasion (v+/v-), histological type (enteric/spread) and postoperative complications. Results: In univariate analysis, PNI (p<0.001), depth of tumor invasion (p<0.001), lymph node involvement (p<0.001), age (p=0.002), lymphatic invasion (p<0.001), vascular invasion (p<0.001), and postoperative complications (p=0.003) were associated with overall survival. In multivariate analysis, PNI (HR=2.100, 95% confidence interval 1.225-3.601, p=0.007), tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and postoperative complications were shown as poor prognostic factors for overall survival. Conclusion: PNI is an independent prognostic factor for overall and recurrence-free survival in postoperative gastric cancer patients. PNI could be implemented in clinical practice to identify patients at higher risk for poor outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The present study evaluated the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of gastric cancer (GC) patients with synchronous and metachronous other primary cancer who received curative treatment for GC. Patients and Methods: The study included 244 patients who underwent curative treatment for GC between 2005 and 2018. The risk factors for the overall survival (OS) and recurrencefree survival (RFS) were identified. Results: A total of 244 patients were included in this study. Among them, 58 patients were diagnosed with synchronous and metachronous other primary cancer. When comparing the patient background characteristics and clinical course between GC patients without and with synchronous and metachronous other primary cancer, the background, postoperative surgical complications, and details of adjuvant treatment were similar between the two groups. The 3- and 5-year OS rates in GC patients with synchronous and metachronous other primary cancer were 69.7% and 48.0%, respectively, while those in patients without synchronous and metachronous other primary cancer were 80.6% and 74.3%, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) The synchronous and metachronous other primary cancer status was included in the final multivariate analysis model (hazard ratio=2.201; 95% confidence interval=1.229-3.942; p=0.008). Conclusion: Synchronous and metachronous other primary cancer status is a prognostic factor in GC patients. Therefore, synchronous and metachronous other primary cancer patients need both other primary cancer and GC follow-up to improve their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: To clarify the clinical significance of measuring the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of red blood cells before applying neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who will receive NAC followed by curative resection. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively investigated 169 eligible patients at the Kanagawa Cancer Center between 2011-2018. The patients were divided into high and low-MCV groups. The cutoff value of the MCV was determined by the maximum χ2 statistic value on the log-rank test and was set at 92.8 fl. Clinicopathological features and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: There was no significant association between the MCV and clinicopathological features. Both five-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in the high-MCV group were significantly poorer than those in the low-MCV group (RFS, p=0.026; OS, p=0.006). On multivariate analysis, a high-MCV was an independent predictive survival factor for RFS [hazard ratio (HR)=1.728; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.033-2.891; p=0.037] and OS (HR=1.836; 95%CI=1.002-3.365; p=0.049). Conclusion: Measurement of the MCV before NAC may be a useful prognostic biomarker in patients with locally advanced ESCC who will receive NAC followed by curative resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perioperative systemic inflammation affects the long-term oncological outcomes of patients with malignancies. We evaluated the clinical impact of the preoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with resectable esophageal cancer who received curative treatment. Patients and Methods: This study included 168 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by perioperative adjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. Results: Based on the 3- and 5-year OS rates, we set the cutoff value of the PLR at 150 in the present study. Among 168 patients, 78 patients (46.4%) were categorized into the PLRlow group and 90 patients (53.6%) were categorized into the PLR-high group. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 64.4% and 53.8%, respectively, in the PLR-low group, and 46.9% and 38.1% in the PLR-high group; the difference in OS was significant (p=0.046). PLR was therefore selected for the final multivariate analysis model (hazard ratio=1.553, 95% confidence interval=1.026-2.350, p=0.037). When the perioperative clinical course was compared between the two groups, the incidence of grade 2 or more anastomotic leakage after surgery was significantly lower in the PLR-low group at 26.9% compared to 43.3% in the PLR-high group (p=0.027). Conclusion: The PLR had a clinical impact on the long-term oncological outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer treated with curative intent. Therefore, the PLR might be a promising prognostic factor for patients with esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Perioperative nutrition and inflammation affect the oncological outcomes of various malignancies. We evaluated the clinical impact of the preoperative platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR) in resectable esophageal cancer patients who received curative treatment. Patients and Methods: This study included 168 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by perioperative adjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. Results: Based on the 3- and 5-year OS rates, we set the cut-off value for the PAR at 80×103 in the present study. Among 168 patients, 134 (79.8%) were defined as the PAR-low and 34 (20.2%) as the PAR-high group. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 60.2% and 51.7% in the PAR-low group and 30.2% and 18.9% in the PAR-high group, respectively. There were significant differences in OS (p=0.005). The PAR was therefore selected for the final multivariate analysis model [hazard ratio=1.997, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.230-3.241, p=0.037]. On comparing the perioperative clinical course between the PARhigh and PAR-low groups, there were marginally significant differences in the postoperative surgical complications and intraoperative blood loss between the groups. Conclusion: The PAR had clinical influence on the long-term oncological outcomes of esophageal cancer patients and might thus be a promising prognostic factor for esophageal cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, which evaluates the perioperative liver function, was developed, and had a clinical impact on both the short- and long-term oncological outcomes in some malignancies. We evaluated the clinical impact of preoperative albuminbilirubin status in patients with resectable esophageal cancer who received curative treatment. Patients and Methods: The study included 121 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. Results: Based on the 3- and 5-year OS rates, we set the cutoff value for the ALBI score at -2.7. Eighty patients were classified into the ALBI-low group (ALBI score < -2.7), 41 patients were categorized into the ALBI-high group (ALBI score > -2.7). The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 62.2% and 53.2%, respectively, in the ALBI-low group, and 42.2% and 35.2% in the ALBI-high group. There was a significant difference in OS (p=0.0113). The 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 43.1% and 40.3%, respectively, in the ALBI-low group and 37.7% and 26.1% in the ALBI-high group. There was a significant difference in RFS (p=0.048). When comparing the perioperative clinical course between the ALBI-high and ALBI-low groups, the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage was 46.3% (19/41) in the ALBI-high group, and 27.5% (22/80) in the ALBI-low group (p=0.038). Conclusion: The ALBI status had a clinical impact on both OS and RFS in esophageal cancer patients. Therefore, ALBI may have potential application as a prognostic factor for esophageal cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The present study investigated the clinical impact of the lymph node ratio (LNR) on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in cancer patients with lymph node metastasis who received curative treatment. Patients and Methods: Eighty-six patients who received curative surgery for gastric cancer between 2000 and 2015, and in whom lymph node metastasis was pathologically confirmed, were included in this study. The LNR was defined as the ratio of the number of metastatic lymph nodes to the total number of harvested lymph nodes. Results: A lymph node ratio of 0.23 was considered the optimal cutoff point for classification according to OS. Statistically significant differences were observed in the 3- and 5-year OS rates and 3- and 5-year RFS rates. The 3- year and 5-year OS rates in the LNR <0.23 group were 57.6% and 57.6%, respectively, whereas those in the LNR ≥0.23 group were 33.0% and 0% (p<0.001). The 3-year and 5-year RFS rates in the LNR <0.23 group were 45.9% and 43.6%, respectively, whereas those in the LNR >0.23 group were 25.2% and 0% (p=0.002). Regarding the site of first relapse, the incidence rates of peritoneal and lymph node metastasis in the LNR >0.23 group were significantly different in comparison to the LNR <0.23 group. Conclusion: A high LNR was associated with significantly worse OS and RFS in patients who received curative treatment for gastric cancer. The lymph node metastasis status should be utilized in the development of treatment strategies for gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the influence of the preoperative Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score on survival and recurrence of gastric cancer in patients after curative treatment. Patients and Methods: This study included 331 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant treatment for gastric cancer between 2013 and 2017. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. Results: Based on the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates, a CONUT score of 2 was regarded as the optimal cut-off value for classification. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 93.6% and 88.6%, respectively in the low-CONUT group, and 82.7% and 73.6% in high-CONUT group (p=0.022). The 3- and 5- year RFS rates were 78.8% and 68.7%, respectively, in the low-CONUT group, and 89.3% and 86.6%, respectively, in the high-CONUT group (p=0.05). A multivariate analysis showed that the CONUT score was a significant independent predictive factor for OS and RFS. Conclusion: The CONUT score was a predictive factor for survival in patients who underwent curative treatment for gastric cancer. It is necessary to develop an effective plan for perioperative care and surgical strategy according to the CONUT score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: We investigated the association of the preoperative lymphocyte-to-C-reactive-protein ratio (LCR) with gastric cancer survival and recurrence after curative treatment. Patients and Methods: This study included 480 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant treatment for gastric cancer between 2013 and 2017. The prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. Results: A LCR of 7,000 was regarded as the optimal critical point of classification, considering the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 84.4% and 73.9% in the low-LCR group, respectively, and 92.4% and 87.0% in the high- LCR group, respectively, and were statistically significantly different. The RFS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 78.8% and 68.7% in the low-LCR group, respectively, and 89.3% and 86.6% in the high-LCR group, respectively, with a statistically significant difference. A multivariate analysis showed that the LCR was a significant independent prognostic factor for both OS and RFS. Conclusion: The LCR was a significant prognostic factor for survival in patients who underwent curative treatment for gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Recent studies have reported that the albuminto-globulin ratio (AGR) may be a useful inflammatory-nutritional biomarker to predict postoperative complications and poor prognosis in various types of patients with cancer. However, its prognostic value in patients with esophageal cancer is still unclear. We aimed to examine the utility of the AGR for predicting the short- and long-term outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer who underwent curative resection. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort analysis reviewing the medical records of consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for clinical stage I to III esophageal cancer at Yokohama City University. A total of 105 patients were identified between 2005 and 2018. The overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and postoperative complication rates were compared between patients with high AGR (>1.48) and those with low AGR (≤1.48) group. Results: A total of 57 and 48 patients were classified into the high and low AGR groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the rate of overall postoperative complications of more than Clavien-Dindo grade 3 (50.9% vs. 54.2%, p=0.85). The long-term findings showed that 5-year OS and RFS rates were significantly better for the group with a high AGR (67.2% vs. 33.8%, p<0.001 and 51.6% vs. 28.5%, p=0.003, respectively). Conclusion: This study suggests that a low preoperative AGR is a risk factor for poor RFS and OS in patients who are planning to undergo curative surgery for esophageal cancer. AGR may be a useful biomarker for establishing treatment strategies to improve patients’ survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resection of the primary lesion with radical lymph node dissection is the most promising treatment avenue for patients with cancer. On the other hand, these procedures often induce excessive intraoperative blood loss (IBL) and require perioperative blood transfusion. The influence of IBL on the long-term postoperative outcomes of patients with digestive cancer is controversial. We investigated the impact of IBL on survival and recurrence after curative surgery in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in a single study group. Patients and Methods: In total, 1,597 patients who underwent radical resection for CRC at three group hospitals between 2000 and 2019 were reviewed. Patients were classified into a group with high IBL (≥200 ml) or low IBL (<200 ml). The risk factors for disease-free (DFS) and overall (OS) survival were analyzed. Results: A total of 489 and 1,108 patients were classified into the high and low IBL groups, respectively. The OS and DFS rates at 5 years after surgery were 89.3% and 63.4%, respectively, for the high IBL group and 96.9% and 77.8% for the low IBL group; these differences were statistically significantly (p<0.001). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that IBL was a significant independent risk factor for OS and DFS. Conclusion: The amount of IBL was associated with significant differences in the OS and DFS of patients with stage II/III CRC who received curative resection. The surgical procedure, surgical strategy, and perioperative care should be carefully planned to avoid causing IBL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the impact of the pre-surgical C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) on survival and recurrence after curative treatment for gastric cancer. Patients and Methods: This study included 481 patients who underwent curative treatment for gastric cancer between 2013 and 2017. The risk factors for overall (OS) and recurrence-free (RFS) survival were identified. Results: A CAR of 0.05 was regarded as the optimal critical point of classification considering the 3- and 5-year survival rates and patients were divided according to their CAR. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were significantly higher at 92.5% and 87.9%, respectively, in the low-CAR group compared with 84.9% and 71.9%, respectively, in the high- CAR group. The corresponding RFS rates were 89.1% and 85.5%, and 81.0% and 72.2%, respectively, also a significant difference. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the CAR was a significant independent risk factor for the OS and marginally significant independent risk factor for the RFS. In addition, the incidences of pancreatic fistula and abdominal abscess were significantly higher and the rate of introduction of adjuvant chemotherapy significantly lower in the high-CAR group. Conclusion: The CAR was a risk factor influencing survival in patients who underwent curative treatment for gastric cancer. An effective perioperative care plan and surgical strategy need to be developed according to the CAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are reported to associated with cancer metastasis, relapse, and chemoresistance. This study examined the clinical significance of the expression of two CSC markers, the transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) and the Deltalike 4 (DLL4) protein, in patients with locally advanced GC. Patients and Methods: This study was performed using samples obtained from 413 pathological stage II/III GC patients after curative gastrectomy. We examined TAP1 and DLL4 expression using immunohistochemical analysis with tissue microarray and examined the association between TAP1 or DLL4 expression, clinicopathological factors and survival. Results: High TAP1 expression was associated with better overall survival compared to low TAP1 expression (p=0.004). Furthermore, in multivariate analysis, high TAP1 expression was defined as a predictive factor for good survival. There was no significant difference between DLL4 expression and clinicopathological features and overall survival. Conclusion: TAP1 expression may be a useful prognostic marker in patients with locally advanced GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The changes of dietary intake (DI) after gastrectomy have not been objectively reported. It has not been clear how much DI loss is experienced after total gastrectomy (TG) in comparison to after distal gastrectomy (DG). This study quantified the changes of DI after gastrectomy, and clarified how much DI loss is experienced after TG. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer were enrolled. The DI loss was evaluated at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Results: Thirty-three patients underwent TG, and 117 patients underwent DG. The median %DI loss of the overall study population at 1 and 3 months after surgery was -9.3% and -3.6%. The median %DI loss at 1 and 3 months postoperatively was -15.6% and -5.3% in TG group, -8.9% and -3.3% in DG group (p=0.10 and 0.49, respectively). Conclusion: The patients experienced DI loss of approximately 10% at 1 month after gastrectomy. Patients who received TG tended to show a greater %DI loss at 1 month postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: This study was designed to investigate gender-related differences in changes in bone metabolism after gastric cancer surgery. Patients and Methods: We prospectively recruited 47 patients (38 males and 9 females) who had early gastric cancer. The bone mineral density (BMD), serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25(OH)2VD), 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)VD), and estradiol (E2) were measured before and after surgery. Results: BMD significantly decreased 12 months after surgery by median degrees of 3.4% and 3.9% in male and female patients, respectively (p<0.001 and p=0.023). There was no significant difference between both genders in the rate of change in BMD after surgery. The serum E2 level in male patients significantly increased by a median value of 22 pg/ml 12 months after gastrectomy (p=0.030). Both the serum 25(OH)VD and 1,25(OH)2VD levels remained nearly within the normal range throughout the observation period in both male and female patients. Conclusion: BMD significantly decreased within 12 months after gastrectomy in both male and female patients with gastric cancer, and there was no significant gender-related difference in the rate of change in BMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: We hypothesised that the prognostic nutrition index (PNI) is useful for evaluating host immunity and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We investigated the effect of PNI on nivolumab monotherapy efficacy in advanced or recurrent gastric cancer (GC) or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer (GOC) patients. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively examined 110 patients, divided them into a high-PNI group and a low-PNI group, and compared treatment efficacy, adverse events (AEs), and survival between the groups. Results: Median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the high-PNI group than in the low-PNI group (205 vs. 109 days; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that low PNI was an independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio=2.398; 95% confidence interval=1.384-4.154; p=0.002). The overall response rate and frequency of AEs were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: PNI could be a useful prognostic factor in GC or GOC patients undergoing nivolumab monotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The current study aimed to identify the safety and efficacy of Hartmann’s procedure (HP) among elderly patients (age ≥80 years) with rectal cancer. Patients and Methods: Data on surgical outcome, survival rate, and incidence of stoma reversal were retrospectively compared between patients aged over 80 years who underwent anterior resection (AR) and HP. Results: In total, 79 elderly patients underwent rectal cancer surgery. Of these patients, 54 (68.4%) underwent AR and 25 (31.6%) HP. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, nutrient status, and tumor characteristics. Eight (14.8%) patients who underwent AR and six (24.0%) who underwent HP presented with intra-abdominal complications (p=0.35). The overall survival and recurrentfree survival rates between the two groups did not differ. Conclusion: HP for elderly patients with rectal cancer has similar complication rates to AR, and achieved similar oncological outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for elderly patients. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 136 patients who underwent LTG. We divided the patients into elderly patients (>75 years of age) and non-elderly patients (≤75 years of age). Results: The American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Charlson comorbidity index, Glasgow Prognostic Score and rate of comorbidities were higher in the elderly group; the rates of other clinicopathological characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Regarding the nutritional status, the body weight loss rate in the elderly group was higher in comparison to the non-elderly group (81% vs. 84%, p=0.004). The disease-specific survival (DSS) did not differ between two groups to a statistically significant extent (3-year DSS rates: 83.7 vs. 94.5%; p=0.152). Conclusions: LTG was acceptable for elderly patients as the elderly and non-elderly groups showed comparable short-term and long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: We performed a retrospective multi-center cohort analysis to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery vs. open surgery for obstructive colon cancer. Patients and Methods: A total of 455 patients with colon cancer with ileus underwent surgery at Yokohama City University Hospital and four related institutions from April 2000 to March 2016. Results: There were 414 cases in the open surgery group and 41 cases in the laparoscopic surgery group with no marked differences in the gender or age. The postoperative complication rate, according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, was lower in the laparoscopic group compared to the open surgery group. The postoperative hospital stay was 16 days in the open surgery group and 9 days in the laparoscopic surgery group (p=0.004). Among the various factors examined, the operation approach was identified as a statistically significant independent risk factor for postoperative complications (p=0.015). Conclusion: Preoperative treatment for colon cancer with ileus and elective laparoscopic surgery are thought to be useful for achieving curative treatment, avoiding colostomy, and shortening the length of hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: We investigated the impact of the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) on esophageal cancer survival and recurrence after curative treatment. Patients and Methods: This study included 122 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2017. The risk factors for the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. Results: An ACCI of 5 was regarded as the optimal critical point of classification considering the survival rates. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 64.2% and 54.4% in the low-ACCI group, respectively, and 42.3% and 29.2% in high-ACCI group, respectively (p=0.035). The RFS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 50.2% and 43.6% in the low-ACCI group, respectively, and 28.5% and 21.3% in high-ACCI group, respectively (p=0.021). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that ACCI was a significant independent risk factor for both the OS and RFS. Conclusion: ACCI is a risk factor for survival in patients who undergo curative treatment for esophageal cancer. An effective plan for the perioperative care and surgical strategy should be developed according to ACCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The short- and long-term outcomes of gastrectomy in elderly patients with gastric cancer have not been fully evaluated. Patients and Methods: Patients who underwent gastrectomy were classified into two groups: Non-elderly patients (<80 years old) and elderly patients (≥80 years old). The surgical morbidity, overall and cancer-specific survival in the two groups were compared. Results: A total of 411 patients were evaluated. The rate of overall complication was 29.4% in the non-elderly and 32.4% in the elderly (p=0.699). In the elderly, the overall and cancer-specific survival rates at 5 years after surgery were inferior to those of the younger group (59.8% vs. 66.7%, p=0.103 and 67.9% vs. 78.2%, p=0.028, respectively). Conclusion: The short-term outcomes after gastrectomy were almost equal for the two groups in the present study. The prognosis was poor in elderly patients, especially those with advanced gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: We investigated the clinical impact of the lymph node ratio (LNR) on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in esophageal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery. Patients and Methods: One hundred twenty patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2017 were included in this study. The LNR was defined as the ratio of the number of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) to the total number of harvested LNs. Results: A lymph node ratio of 10% was regarded as the optimal critical point for classification based on the overall survival rate. The 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 65.5% and 57.0%, respectively, in the LNR<10% group, and 11.8% and 0% in the LNR≥10% group; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The 3-year and 5-year RFS rates were 52.6% and 44.6%, respectively, in the LNR<10% group, and 0% and 0% in the LNR>10% group; the difference was also statistically significant (p<0.001). When comparing the sites of first relapse, the incidence of distant lymph node metastasis in the LNR>10% group was significantly higher than that in the LNR<10% group. Conclusion: The LNR was a risk factor for both OS and RFS in patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare long- and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery with those of open surgery for patients with colorectal cancer and body mass index over 25 kg/m². Patients and Methods: This multicentre, retrospective study analysed clinical records and identified 178 patients with body mass index over 25 kg/m² who underwent surgery for colon and rectosigmoid cancer between 2000 and 2016. After applying propensity score matching, 96 patients were finally included. The primary outcome was the 3-year recurrence-free survival rate, and the secondary outcomes were short-term results during and after surgery. Results: The 3-year recurrence-free survival rates were similar for the laparoscopic and open surgery groups. The laparoscopic surgery group had longer operative times but less blood loss and shorter periods of hospital stay. There were no differences in incidence of postoperative complications. Conclusion: Laparoscopic and open surgeries had similar longterm outcomes for obese patients. Laparoscopic surgery is an effective option for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the optimal number of harvested LNs (LNs) in patients who were LN metastasis-negative after curative esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Patients and Methods: Sixty-one patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2017 and diagnosed as lymph node metastasis-negative were included in this study. Results: The 5-year overall survival rates were 27.8% for 0-20 harvested LNs, 35.7% for 21-30 harvested LNs, 79.4% for 31-40 harvested LNs, and 85.2% for ≥41 harvested LNs. Thirty harvested LNs was regarded as the optimal critical point of classification, considering the 5year OS rate. The number of harvested LNs was selected as a significant prognostic factor in both univariate and multivariate analyses. The respective 3-and 5-year OS rates were 50.3% and 36.7% for <30 harvested LNs and 82.4% and 82.4% for ≥30 harvested LNs (p=0.003). Conclusion: Thirty or more harvested LNs was a significant prognostic factor in patients with metastasis-negative LNs after curative esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Therefore, the number of harvested LNs might be useful for predicting the LN metastasis status in esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is recognized as a prognostic predictor of recurrence in certain carcinomas. According to current Japanese guidelines, however, in gastric cancer, LVI is not clinically useful information, except for predicting the curability of endoscopic resection. We clarified the clinical significance of LVI in gastric cancer and its correlation with disease prognosis. Patients and Methods: A total of 2,090 cases of gastric cancer undergoing radical gastrectomy were enrolled. The correlation of LVI and other histopathological factors was evaluated with regards to patient prognosis. Results: LVI(+) was noted in 894 cases. A multivariate analysis showed that pT, pN, and LVI were independent risk factors for patient prognosis. In pT2-4 patients with nodal metastasis, a significant difference was revealed, and the 5-year overall survival rates in LVI(+) cases were lower than those in LVI(–) (60.9% vs. 76.7%, p=0.005). Conclusion: LVI in gastric cancer is an independent prognostic factor, and tends to worsen prognosis, especially in advanced cancers with lymph node metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a fatal disease with a poor prognosis. Pancreatic cancer is often unresectable at the time of diagnosis, so the analysis of risk factors in patients with indications for surgery is important. We investigated the impact of intraoperative blood loss (IBL) on survival and recurrence in patients with stage II/III pancreatic cancer after curative surgery. Patients and Methods: This study included 76 patients who underwent curative surgery for stage II/III pancreatic cancer between 2007 and 2012. The risk factors for overall (OS) and recurrence-free (RFS) survival were identified. Results: IBL of 1,000 ml was considered to be the optimal cut-off value for classification based on a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The OS rates at 5 years after surgery in the groups with low and high IBL were 36.6% and 11.4%, respectively, which was a statistically significant difference (p=0.003). The RFS rates at 1 year after surgery were 49.8% and 24.6%, respectively, which was a significant difference (p=0.045). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that IBL was a significant independent risk factor for OS. Conclusion: IBL is an independent prognostic factor after curative resection of stage II/III pancreatic cancer. The reduction of bleeding during surgery is necessary to improve the results of pancreatic cancer surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The present study aimed to identify risk factors for anastomosis leak (AL) after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Patients and Methods: One-hundred twenty-two patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018 were included. The rate of AL was measured based on the definition of leak as adapted from the Surgical Infection Study Group. To identify the risk factors for AL, logistic regression analysis was used. Results: AL was found in 44 of the 122 patients (36.1%). Among the factors examined, the lymph node dissection status (p=0.007) and preoperative serum albumin level (p=0.022) were significant independent risk factors for AL. The incidence of AL was 26.7% (20 of 75) among patients who received 2-field lymph node dissection and 51.1% (24 of 47) among those who received 3-field lymph node dissection. The incidence of AL was 29.9% (23 of 77) in the preoperative serum albumin levels ≥4.0 g/dl group and 46.7% (21 of 45) in the serum albumin levels <4.0 g/dl group. Conclusion: Lymph node dissection status and preoperative serum albumin levels were risk factors for AL in patients who received esophagectomy for esophageal cancer . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Tumor microenvironments consist of many types of immune cells, in which regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are supposed to play important roles to suppress anti-tumor immunity. Regional lymph nodes are essential for antitumor immunity in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we compared the diversity of phenotypes of T-cells in normal tissue and regional lymph nodes in order to determine the immunosuppressive mechanism of lymph node metastasis of CRC. Patients and Methods: Fifty patients were enrolled in this study, and paired samples (tumor tissue, normal tissue, and three regional lymph node samples and as well as non-regional lymph node samples) were obtained from each patient. In each paired-sample set, the proportions of different immune cell types and T-cells expressing immune checkpoint molecules were compared using flow cytometry. Results: Higher proportions of Tregs [7.58% (4.94%-13.87%) vs. 1.79% (0.03%-5.36%), p<0.001] and lower proportions of INFγ-producing CD4-positive T (iCD4+) cells [21.49% (12.08%-27.35%) vs. 26.55% (15.65%-37.63%), p<0.001] were observed in tumor tissue than in normal mucosa. Parts of regional lymph nodes nearest the tumor had a greater proportion of Tregs [5.86% (4.18%-7.69%)] and lower proportions of iCD4+ [5.94% (3.51%-9.04%)] and INFγ-producing CD8-positive T (iCD8+) cells [21.93% (14.92%-35.90%)] than distant parts of regional lymph nodes and non-regional lymph nodes. Both immune-suppressing molecules (CTLA-4 and PD-1) and immune-promoting molecules (OX-40 and ICOS) tended to be highly expressed in tumor tissue and local lymph nodes. Conclusion: In patients with CRC, regional lymph nodes, especially the parts nearest the tumor, had a higher proportion of Tregs and other suppressive immunophenotypes of T-cells than those located more distantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The C-reactive protein (CRP)-toserum albumin ratio is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with several cancers. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the preoperative CRP/Alb ratio and overall survival of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in patients who received radical surgery and S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: We included 117 patients who underwent radical surgery with S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy. We constructed receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) of the CRP/Alb ratio to determine the cut-off value. We analyzed the relationship among the CRP/Alb ratio, clinicopathological status, and survival. Results: The optimal cut-off value of the CRP/Alb ratio was 0.036. All patients were divided into a high-ratio group (CRP/Alb ratio ≥0.036) and low-ratio group (CRP/Alb ratio <0.036). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates in the high- and low-ratio groups were 22.5% and 36.4%, respectively (p=0.0089). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates in the high- and low-ratio groups were 12.5% and 22.1%, respectively (p=0.0097). The univariate and multivariate analyses of the OS showed that the pathological N factor and CRP/Alb ratio were independent factors of the survival. The univariate and multivariate analyses of the RFS showed that the pathological N factor, resection margin, and CRP/Alb ratio were independent factors of the survival. Conclusion: The preoperative CRP/Alb ratio is a strong prognostic factor for PDAC patients with undergo curative resection with S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]