Can we predict lymph node metastasis by using preoperative markers in gastric cancer patients?

Introduction. Lymph node involvement is a negative prognostic factor for patients undergoing curative gastrectomy and indication for preoperative chemotherapy, thus a sufficient assessment strategy is required. We aimed to establish the value of preoperatively collected data in prediction of lymph node metastasis. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 150 gastric cancer patients hospitalized in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Łódź in 2011–2017. We gathered information comprising clinicopathological features, inflammatory markers: neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and Tumor Index (TI). Results. Independent factors associated with lymph node involvement were: NLR (OR = 1.35; p = 0.01), Tumor Index (OR = 1.07; p < 0.001). ROC curve plots assessed the diagnostic value of TI and NLR. Conclusions. Tumor Index and NLR are factors indicating lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients. NLR is a potentially useful tool for neoadjuvant chemotherapy qualification

Can we predict lymph node metastasis by using preoperative markers in gastric cancer patients?

Introduction. Lymph node involvement is a negative prognostic factor for patients undergoing curative gastrectomy and indication for preoperative chemotherapy, thus a sufficient assessment strategy is required. We aimed to establish the value of preoperatively collected data in prediction of lymph node metastasis.Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 150 gastric cancer patients hospitalized in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Łódź in 2011–2017. We gathered information comprising clinicopathological features, inflammatory markers: neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and Tumor Index (TI).Results. Independent factors associated with lymph node involvement were: NLR (OR = 1.35; p = 0.01), Tumor Index (OR = 1.07; p < 0.001). ROC curve plots assessed the diagnostic value of TI and NLR.Conclusions. Tumor Index and NLR are factors indicating lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients. NLR is a potentially useful tool for neoadjuvant chemotherapy qualification

New developments in the perioperative treatment of melanomas with locoregional advancement

Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice for patients with melanomas. However, the prognoses of the patients with melanomas at the IIC–IV stage, even after a complete resection of the lesions, is very diverse and, to a great degree, connected with a high risk of disease recurrence. The positive results of the studies in this area have resulted in systemic adjuvant therapy becoming the standard for patients in this group. New methods of systemic treatment – both the mo­lecularly targeted treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors (dabrafenib with trametinib) and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) – are already registered in the United States and the European Union. Also the results of the studies concerning the use of preoperative systemic treatment in patients with loco-regionally advanced melanomas seem to be very promising