Rectal cancer treatment management: Deep-learning neural network based on photoacoustic microscopy image outperforms histogram-feature-based classification

We have developed a novel photoacoustic microscopy/ultrasound (PAM/US) endoscope to image post-treatment rectal cancer for surgical management of residual tumor after radiation and chemotherapy. Paired with a deep-learning convolutional neural network (CNN), the PAM images accurately differentiated pathological complete responders (pCR) from incomplete responders. However, the role of CNNs compared with traditional histogram-feature based classifiers needs further exploration. In this work, we compare the performance of the CNN models to generalized linear models (GLM) across 2

Evaluation of birth by cesarean delivery and development of early-onset colorectal cancer

IMPORTANCE: The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), diagnosed younger than 50 years of age, has increased worldwide. Gut dysbiosis throughout the life course is hypothesized as a leading mechanism, yet epidemiologic data are limited. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively examine the association between birth by cesarean delivery and early-onset CRC among offspring. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this population-based, nationwide case-control study in Sweden, adults diagnosed with CRC between 18 and 49 years of age from 1991 to 2017 were identified through the Epidemiology Strengthened by Histopathology Reports in Sweden (ESPRESSO) cohort. Up to 5 general population control individuals without CRC were matched with each case on age, sex, calendar year, and county of residence. Pathology-confirmed end points were linked with the Swedish Medical Birth Register and other national registers. Analyses were conducted from March 2022 through March 2023. EXPOSURE: Birth by cesarean delivery. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was development of early-onset CRC in the overall population and by sex. RESULTS: We identified 564 case patients with incident early-onset CRC (mean [SD] age, 32.9 [6.2] years; 284 [50.4%] male) and 2180 matched controls (mean [SD] age, 32.7 [6.3] years; 1104 [50.6%] male). Compared with vaginal delivery, birth by cesarean delivery was not associated with early-onset CRC in the overall population (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.28; 95% CI, 0.91-1.79) after multivariable adjustment for matching and maternal and pregnancy-related factors. A positive association was found for females (aOR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.01-2.60), but there was no association for males (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.64-1.72). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this nationwide, population-based case-control study, birth by cesarean delivery was not associated with early-onset CRC compared with birth by vaginal delivery in the overall population in Sweden. However, females born by cesarean delivery had greater odds of early-onset CRC compared with individuals born through vaginal delivery. This finding suggests that early-life gut dysbiosis may contribute to early-onset CRC in females

Cost-effectiveness of total neoadjuvant therapy with short-course radiotherapy for resectable locally advanced rectal cancer

Importance: Short-course radiotherapy and total neoadjuvant therapy (SCRT-TNT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) has emerged as a new treatment paradigm for patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma. However, the economic implication of this treatment strategy has not been compared with that of conventional long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT) followed by TME with adjuvant chemotherapy. Objective: To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of SCRT-TNT vs LCCRT in conjunction with TME for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants: A decision analytical model with a 5-year time horizon was constructed for patients with biopsy-proven, newly diagnosed, primary locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma treated with SCRT-TNT or LCCRT. Markov modeling was used to model disease progression and patient survival after treatment in 3-month cycles. Data on probabilities and utilities were extracted from the literature. Costs were evaluated from the Medicare payer\u27s perspective in 2020 US dollars. Sensitivity analyses were performed for key variables. Data were collected from October 3, 2020, to January 20, 2021, and analyzed from November 15, 2020, to April 25, 2021. Exposures: Two treatment strategies, SCRT-TNT vs LCCRT with adjuvant chemotherapy, were compared. Main Outcomes and Measures: Cost-effectiveness was evaluated using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and net monetary benefits. Effectiveness was defined as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Both costs and QALYs were discounted at 3% annually. Willingness-to-pay threshold was set at $50 000/QALY. Results: During the 5-year horizon, the total cost was$41 355 and QALYs were 2.21 for SCRT-TNT; for LCCRT, the total cost was $54 827 and QALYs were 2.12, resulting in a negative incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (-$141 256.77). The net monetary benefit was $69 300 for SCRT-TNT and$51 060 for LCCRT. Sensitivity analyses using willingness to pay at $100 000/QALY and$150 000/QALY demonstrated the same conclusion. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that SCRT-TNT followed by TME incurs lower cost and improved QALYs compared with conventional LCCRT followed by TME and adjuvant chemotherapy. These data offer further rationale to support SCRT-TNT as a novel cost-saving treatment paradigm in the management of locally advanced rectal cancer