• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.13
• /
• pp.5169-5173
• /
• 2015

To determine the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel plus cisplatin (Taxol + DDP, TP therapy) for stage IIA esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to investigate the expression of RUNX3 in lymph node metastasis-negative esophageal cancer and its relationship with medical prognosis, a retrospective summary of clinical treatment of 143 cases of stage IIA esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients was made. The patients were divided into two groups, a surgery alone control group (52 patients) and a chemotherapy group that received postoperative TP therapy (91 patients). The disease-free and 5 year survival rates were compared between the groups and a multivariate analysis of prognostic factors was performed. The same analysis was performed for cases classified as RUNX3 positive and negative, with post-operative specimens assessed by immunohistochemistry. Although the disease-free and 5 year survival rates in control and chemotherapy groups did not significantly differ and there was no significance in RUNX3 negative cases, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in the chemotherapy group was shown to improve disease-free and 5 year survival rate compared to the control group in RUNX3 positive cases. On Cox regression multivariate analysis, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (P<0.01) was an independent prognostic factor for RUNX3 positive cases, suggesting that postoperative TP may be effective as adjuvant chemotherapy for stage IIA esophageal cancer patients with RUNX3 positive lesions.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.26 no.12
• /
• pp.934-939
• /
• 1993

Mediastinal lymph node involvement [N2 disease] is generally accepted as an important factor influencing the outcome of patients with lung cancer.The long-term survival rates of completely resected patients with N2 disease are frequently reported from 15% to 30%.To improve the management and the outcome of patients with resectable N2 disease, we analyzed the survival rates and the prognostic factors for resected N2 lung cancer. Between August 1989 and September 1993, we experienced 27 patients with N2 disease of 115 surgically treated lung cancer at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University Medical School. Of these 27 N2 disease 4 had only an exploratory thoracotomy, and 23 underwent pulmonary resection by pneumonectomy[15], bilobectomy[3], lobectomy[4] and sleeve lobectomy[1].All of resected 23 patients received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy[3], radiotherapy[2] or combined chemo-radiotherapy[18].Complete follow-up was obtained in 23 patients and median survival was 22 months and overall 1-year and 2-year survival rates by Kaplan-Meir method were 65 % and 45 %, respectively. Survival differences according to histology, tumor location, number of positive nodal station and operative method were not significant, statistically. Conclusively, we think that in resectable N2 lung cancer, complete tumor resection and mediastinal lymph node dissection, and postoperative adjuvant therapy should be done to improve the survival.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.33-38
• /
• 2010

Background: The use of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to perform major pulmonary resection with systematic node dissection (SND) for lung cancer by is commonly used in clinics. However, the feasibility of SND by VATS remains controversial. Video-assisted mediastinal lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) increases the quality of mediastinal lymph node staging in lung cancer. The video-mediastinoscope allows systematic lymphadenectomy by bimanual preparation. This study was conducted to assess safety and usefulness and clinical feasibility of VAMLA expanding Linder-Dahan mediastinoscope with VATS lobectomy for left sided lung cancer. Material and Method: Between February 2004 to April 2008, a total 50 patients who underwent VATS lobectomy for left sided lung cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Thirty patients (group A) underwent VAMLA followed by VATS lymphadenectomy and 20 patients (group B) underwent VATS lymphadenectomy for SND. Result: There were no statistical differences in operation times, chest tube indwelling times, or hospital days between the 2 groups. The number of dissected total nodes (p=0.001) and N2 nodes (p=0.013) were higher in group A than in group B, but there was no difference in N1 nodes. Postoperative complications included 2 prolonged air leakages (${\geq}$10 days) in each group, one pneumonia in group A, and one vocal cord palsy in group B. There were no early operative mortalities. Conclusion: Mediastinal staging of resectable lung cancer is performed by VAMLA. This new technique is the basis for VATS lobectomy particularly for left-sided lung cancer, because a higher percentage of mediastinal lymph nodes undergo complete resection using VAMLA.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.8
• /
• pp.665-671
• /
• 2004

Background: Lymph node metastasis is commonly reported in thoracic esophageal cancer, even in the early esophageal cancer which may be localized only in the mucosa or within the submucosal layer. Although lymph node metastasis greatly influence long-term outcome and cure of the disease, endoscopic mucosal resection or photodynamic therapy without lymph node dissection is widely attempted. The investigation of the pattern of lymph node metastasis and results of surgical resection of superficial esophageal cancer is needed. Material and Method: Pattern of lymph node metastsis and depth of tumor invasion were studied retrospectively from 44 patients with early esophageal cancer who underwent radical resection of the tumor from December, 1995 to August, 2001. Result: Lymph node metastasis was found in 10 patients (22.7%) out of total of 44 patients. Lymph node metastasis was found in 0% (0 of 3), 0% (0 of 4), 50% (2 of 4), and 24.24% (8 of 33) of tumors that invaded the intraepitherium, lamina propria, muscularis mucosa, and submucosa respectively. Anatomically distant lymph node metastases were found more frequently in recurrent laryngeal nerve node(5 cases of 10 patients) and in intraperitoneal node (8 cases of 10). than intrathoracic node (3 cases of 10). There was no operative mortality, however, there were 1 hospital death in patient with lamina propria cancer, 1 late death in patient with submucosal cancer. Three-year survival rates (except hospital death) were 100% in mucosal cancer and 97.0% in submucosal cancer (p>0.05), and 100% in the node negative group and 90.0% in the node positive group (p>0.05). Conclusion: The survival rate of superficial esophageal cancer patient who was recieved operative resection was excellent. But, lymph node metastasis were found in superficial esophageal cancer, even in esophageal cancer limited to the muscularis mucosa. Systemic lymph node dissection which includes recurrent laryngeal nerve nodes and intraperitoneal nodes was recommended for favorable outcome in superficial esophageal cancer.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.45 no.1
• /
• pp.40-44
• /
• 2012

Background: The experience of a single-institution regarding surgery for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) was reviewed to evaluate the surgical outcomes and prognoses. Materials and Methods: From July 1990 to December 2009, thirty-four patients (28 male) underwent major pulmonary resection and lymph node dissection for SCLC. Lobectomy was performed in 24 patients, pneumonectomy in eight, bilobectomy in one, and segmentectomy in one. Surgical complications, mortality, the disease-free survival (DFS) rate, and the overall survival rate were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The median follow-up period was 26 months (range, 4 to 241 months), and there was one surgical mortality (2.9%). Six patients (17.6%) experienced recurrence, all of which were systemic. Eight patients died during follow-up; four died of disease progression and the other four died of pneumonia or of another non-cancerous cause. The three-year DFS rate was $79.2{\pm}2.6%$ and the overall survival rate was $66.4{\pm}10.5%$. Recurrence or death was significantly prevalent in the patients with lymph node metastasis (p=0.001) as well as in those who did not undergo adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.008). The three-year survival rate was significantly greater in the patients with pathologic stage I/II cancer than in those with stage III cancer (84% vs. 13%, p=0.001). Conclusion: Major pulmonary resection for small cell lung cancer is feasible in selected patients. Patients with pathologic stage I or II disease showed an excellent survival rate after surgery and adjuvant treatment. Prospective randomized studies will be needed to define the role of surgery in early-stage small cell lung cancer.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.52 no.4
• /
• pp.221-226
• /
• 2019

Background: Accurate mediastinal lymph node staging is vital for the optimal therapy and prognostication of patients with lung cancer. This study aimed to determine the preoperative risk factors for pN2 disease, as well as its incidence and long-term outcomes, in patients with clinical N0-1 non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who were treated surgically for primary non-small cell lung cancer from November 2005 to December 2014. Patients staged as clinical N0-1 via chest computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT were divided into two groups (pN0-1 and pN2) and compared. Results: In a univariate analysis, the significant preoperative risk factors for pN2 included a large tumor size (p=0.083), high maximum standard uptake value on PET (p<0.001), and central location of the tumor (p<0.001). In a multivariate analysis, central location of the tumor (p<0.001) remained a significant preoperative risk factor for pN2 status. The 5-year overall survival rates were 75% and 22.9% in the pN0-1 and pN2 groups, respectively, and 50% and 78.2% in the patients with centrally located and peripherally located tumors, respectively. In a Cox proportional hazard model, central location of the tumor increased the risk of death by 3.4-fold (p<0.001). Conclusion: More invasive procedures should be considered when preoperative risk factors are identified in order to improve the efficacy of diagnostic and therapeutic plans and, consequently, the patient's prognosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.5
• /
• pp.3079-3083
• /
• 2013

Objective: To investigate the effects of endostar, a recombined humanized endostatin, plus cisplatin on the growth, lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis of the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) in mice. Methods: A tumor model were established in C57BL/6 mice by intravenious transplantation of LLC cells. Then the mice were randomized to receive administration with NS, endostar, cisplatin, or endostar plus cisplatin. After the mice were sacrificed, tumor multiplicity, tumor size and lymph node metastasis were assessed. Then the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-c (VEGF-C) and podoplanin were determined by immunohistochemical staining. Results: Endostar plus cisplatin significantly suppressed tumor growth. lymphatic metastasis and prolonged survival time of the mice without obvious toxicity. The inhibition of lymphatic metastasis was associated with decreased microlymphatic vessel density (MLVD) and expression of VEGF-C. Conclusions: Endostar combined with cisplatin was more effective to suppress tumor growth and lymphatic metastasis than either agent alone. Thus this may provide a rational alternative for lung carcinoma treatment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.221-225
• /
• 1994

Video-assisted thoracic surgery[VATS] has recently evolved as an alternative to thoracotomy for several thoracic disorders. Between March 1993 and September 1993, 42 patients underwent VATS at Gil General Hospital. They were diagnosed as spontaneous pneumothorax in 34[81.0%], mediastinal mass in 5, congenital lobar emphysema in 1, traumatic hemothorax in 1, and sarcoidosis in 1. For pneumothorax, wedge resection of bullae or blebs was done in 18 patients, wedge resection and limited parietal pleulectomy in 13, and only pleulectomy in 2. And excision for mediastinal mass in 5, hematoma evacuation for chronic hemothorax in 1, biopsies of mediastinal lymph node and lung for confirming sarcoidosis in 1, and lobectomy of left upper lobe for congenital lobar emphysema in the child of 12 years. The period of chest tube drainage and postoperative hospitalization averaged 3.8 days [range, 1 to 11 days] and 5.9 days [range, 2 to 18 days]. Three complications occurred in 3 patients with pneumothorax [7.1%, 2 recurrent pneumothorax and 1 postoperative bleeding], and the conversion to open thoracotomy was done in 1 due to massive air leak. The causes of postoperative air leak were speculated and the techniques for saving expensive Endo-GIA staplers are described in this paper. VATS is safe and offers the benefits of reduced postoperative pain and rapid recovery. Our experience indicates a markedly expanded role for VATS in the diagnosis and treatment of various thoracic diseases.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.29 no.11
• /
• pp.1248-1256
• /
• 1996

From June 1987 to December 1994, 372 patients underwent operation for resection of esophageal cancer, and 48 patients with metastasis to distant abdominal lymph nodes were analyzed.. The primary tumors were located predominantly in lower thoracic esophagus(n=29). The location of involved lymph nodes were celiac L/N(n=45), common hepatic L/N(n=4), paraaortic L/N(n=l), and retropancreatic L/N(n=l). Most tumors penetrated the esophageal wall(T3,T4, n=43), metastased to regional L/N(N1, n=41), but a few tumors were limited to the esophageal wall(T1,T2, n=5), metastased to distant abdominal L/N without metastasis to regional L/N(NO, n=7). Resectability rate was 87.5%(42/48), and complete resection was possible in 31 patients(64.6%). The most frequent cause of incomplete resection and unresectability was unresectable T4 lesions(n=8), extranodal invasion(n=7). Overall operative mortality and morbidity was 4.2%, 22.9%, and resection mortality was 4.8%. Adjuvant therapy was given to 27 patients, and postoperative follow-up was possible in all patients(median follow-up, 32 months). The 1 year and 3 year survival for resection group was 54.0%, 18.1%(median, 386 days) including operative deaths. Our results suggest that resection of the esophageal cancer with metastasis to distant abdominal lymph nodes(M1LYN) can be done with acceptable mortality and morbidity, and may playa role in long-term survival in carefully selected patients because prognosis is dismal in unresectable esophageal cancer. We recommend that lymph nodes around celiac axis be dissected thoroughly for exact staging and possible prolongation of survival, and multimodality therapy as necessary because most patients with M1(LYN) esophageal cancer do poorly with only primay surgical treatment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.39 no.1 s.258
• /
• pp.76-79
• /
• 2006

Primary malignant melanoma of the lung is extremely rare. A 46-year-old lady was admitted with two month history of dry cough and blood-tinged sputum. Chest CT showed 4.5 $\times$ 5.0 cm sized mass at the right lower lobe. Repeated bronchoscopic and percutaneous biopsies showed no definite diagnosis. Preoperative evaluations revealed no systemic metastais. So, we tried the surgical approach. Right lower lobectomy and lymph node dissection was done. The mass and lymph node were confirmed as primary malignant melanoma. The patient presented with right hemiparesis 40 days after operation. Brain MRI showed 1.5$\times$2.0 cm sized mass lesion on the left parietal lobe. Mass excision was done. However, she expired 8 months later.