Annals of surgical oncology
Audio Summaries

Real-World Analysis of Neoadjuvant Immunochemotherapy Followed by Surgery in Esophageal Cancer with Baseline Supraclavicular Lymph Node Involvement

Sep 23, 2026

This study investigates the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients with baseline supraclavicular lymph node (SCLN) involvement who received neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nICT) followed by surgery. The authors found that patients with clinically positive SCLN had comparable recurrence-free survival and overall survival to those with clinically negative nodes, although those with persistent pathological SCLN positivity had worse outcomes. The study suggests that postoperative radiotherapy may be beneficial for patients with residual SCLN positivity.

Neoadjuvant Dual-Targeted HER2 Therapy and Neoadjuvant Chemo-Immunotherapy is Associated with Improved Nodal pCR and Reduced Axillary Surgery

Sep 21, 2026

This study investigates the impact of neoadjuvant dual-targeted HER2 therapy and chemo-immunotherapy on nodal pathologic complete response (npCR) rates and trends in axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) among patients with HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The findings reveal that both treatment approaches significantly improve npCR rates and are associated with a reduction in the need for ALND, highlighting the potential benefits of these therapies in managing breast cancer.

Clinical Implications of Metastatic Nodal Burden: Stratifying Risk in Resected N1 and N2 NSCLC

Sep 21, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether metastatic nodal burden, defined by tumor deposit size, provides additional prognostic information beyond conventional N staging in patients with resected N1 and N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Their analysis of 1,495 patients revealed that larger metastatic deposits were associated with significantly worse overall and recurrence-free survival, suggesting that incorporating nodal burden into postoperative risk assessment could lead to more personalized management strategies for NSCLC patients.

Prognostic Role of Pretreatment Nutritional and Inflammatory Status in Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Supplementary Analysis of JCOG1007

Sep 21, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether pretreatment nutritional and inflammatory markers, specifically the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), albumin levels, and C-reactive protein, could predict outcomes for patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer undergoing primary tumor resection (PTR). Their analysis of data from the JCOG1007 trial revealed that patients with poor host status showed worse overall survival and progression-free survival after PTR compared to chemotherapy alone, suggesting that routine PTR should be avoided regardless of these host-related factors.

Ultrasound-Guided Histotripsy for Non-Invasive Treatment of Ex Vivo Soft Tissue Tumors: Preclinical Feasibility Study

Sep 21, 2026

This study investigates the feasibility of ultrasound-guided histotripsy as a non-invasive treatment for various soft tissue tumors, including both benign tumors and sarcomas. The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of histotripsy in creating identifiable treatment effects across different tumor subtypes, revealing that while the technique was successful, the variability in treatment outcomes necessitates further optimization of histotripsy parameters. Overall, the findings support histotripsy as a promising therapeutic option for sarcoma patients with limited treatment alternatives.

Recurrence Patterns of Resected Ampullary Adenocarcinoma and Implications for Multimodal Therapy: A Hidden Genome-Derived Analysis from the Ampullary Cancer Collaborative

Sep 18, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate how genomic subtypes of resected ampullary adenocarcinoma influence recurrence patterns and survival outcomes, particularly in relation to adjuvant therapies. They found that while genomic subtype significantly affected recurrence-free survival, it did not correlate with local recurrence rates, which were generally low. In contrast, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved overall survival, highlighting the need for tailored treatment strategies based on genomic classification.

Real-World Clinical, Enviro-Logistical and Economic Implications of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Omission in Early Breast Cancer

Sep 18, 2026

The authors investigate the real-world implications of omitting sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in selected patients with early breast cancer (eBC) who meet specific criteria. Their study finds that approximately 28% of patients qualify for SLNB omission, which not only maintains oncologic safety but also reduces patient time burden, environmental impact, and operating room resource utilization. The findings support the adoption of SLNB omission as a sustainable and value-based approach in surgical oncology.

Prognostic Impact of Bulky Lymph Node Metastasis in Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Sep 17, 2026

This study investigates the prognostic significance of bulky lymph node metastasis in patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) following neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy. The authors found that while bulky nodal disease is associated with poorer outcomes, including lower overall and disease-free survival rates, its prognostic value does not significantly enhance that provided by conventional cTNM staging. Additionally, achieving a pathologic complete response mitigates the adverse effects of bulky lymph node status on survival.

Patterns of Recurrence in Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction: ERECS Trial Post Hoc Analysis

Sep 17, 2026

The authors aimed to identify patterns of recurrence and predictive factors in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) following multimodal therapy. Their analysis of the ERECS trial revealed that distant recurrence is the primary cause of treatment failure, with specific predictors such as advanced pathologic stage and poor treatment response linked to higher systemic risk. The study suggests that tailored surveillance strategies for high-risk patients could improve outcomes, particularly as post-recurrence survival is notably better for those with single-site distant recurrence compared to multiple-site involvement.

Feeding Duodenostomy Tube Placement After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy with Posterior Mediastinal Reconstruction

Sep 17, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of feeding duodenostomy tube placement as an alternative to jejunostomy for early enteral nutrition after minimally invasive esophagectomy with posterior mediastinal reconstruction. The study found that this technique resulted in no significant intraoperative or in-hospital complications, with a low incidence of late complications, suggesting it is a safe option that may reduce the risk of postoperative intestinal obstruction.