Annals of surgical oncology
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While tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) have been shown to independently predict survival in primary colorectal cancer, the prognostic implications of TIL in resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) have not been previously defined. This study examines the correlation between TIL numbers and survival following hepatic resection. ⋯ CRCLM T cell number is an independent correlate of long-term survival following liver resection. We conclude that CRCLM TIL analysis represents a potentially powerful prognostic tool which will require further validation prior to broad application.
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Review
The role of preoperative chemotherapy in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases.
Liver metastases develop in 40-50% of patients with colorectal cancer and represent the major cause of death in this disease. Surgical resection remains the only treatment procedure that can ensure long-term survival and provide cure when liver metastases can be totally resected with clear margins, when the primary cancer is controlled, and when there is no nonresectable extrahepatic disease. Five-year survival rate after surgical resection of colorectal metastases varies from 25% to 55%, but cancer relapse is observed in most patients. ⋯ Treatment of most patients with liver metastases-those with resectable metastases as well as those with initially unresectable metastases-should start with chemotherapy. If drugs are well chosen and the duration of treatment is monitored with care during multidisciplinary meetings, benefits largely outweigh potential disadvantages.
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To evaluate factors associated with optimal cosmetic results at 36 months for early-stage breast cancer patients enrolled on the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) MammoSite Breast Brachytherapy registry trial. ⋯ APBI delivered by MammoSite brachytherapy lead to good/excellent cosmesis in 93% of patients with 3-year follow-up. Breast wound infection, use of chemotherapy, and skin spacing were found to be the three most important predictors of cosmesis at 36 months in our cohort of patients.
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Postoperative prophylactic antibiotics and surgical site infection rates in breast surgery patients.
A single preoperative prophylactic dose of an intravenous antibiotic with antistaphylococcal activity is standard of care for breast and axillary surgical procedures. Some surgeons also prescribe postoperative prophylaxis for all patients with drains to prevent infection despite its lack of proven efficacy. ⋯ Although the overall number of patients who developed SSI was relatively small, there was no reduction in the SSI rate among those who received postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Because of the potential adverse events associated with antibiotic use, further evaluation of this practice is required.
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Sacrectomy with adequate margins is challenging because of the complexity of the surgical approach and morbidities. Two-staged sequential approach, therefore, has been advocated. This study was designed to demonstrate the modification of this technique. ⋯ One-staged sacrectomy can be safely performed, obtaining the satisfactory outcomes.