Biomarkers of Survival in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases Treated with Percutaneous Microwave Ablation
, Grzegorz Rosiak *, Krzysztof Milczarek, Dariusz Konecki, Emilia Wnuk and Andrzej CieszanowskiRound 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
The present manuscript explains the biomarkers of survival in patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with percutaneous microwave ablation.
The work was introduced well and the need of the study was explained well.
The sample size, inclusion and exlusion criteria were explained well and found to be convincing.
The methods adopted was found to be appropriate.
The obtained results were presented with sufficient tables and figures.
The statistical method adopted was found to be appropriate .
The obtained results were discussed well with relevant literature data.
The work was concluded well. It clearly emphasize the strength and weakness of the present work.
The work should be extended and should be applied to more number of patients.
Moreover the results are expected and usual one and i think there is lack of novel findings in this manuscript.
Author Response
Dear reviewer, please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
The topic is interesting and these studies on MWA are more than welcome, since most of the evidence on these biomarkers is derived from RFA studies. However, i have some comments:
1) Please add the number at risk to the KM curves
2) Such a big difference in survival outcomes can be due to several confounders, also given the retrospective design of the study. This should be adequately commented in the text
3) I have some concerns on the collinearity of some variables included in the multivariate analysis. Some parameters are indeed overlapping. Please explain
4) The authors should add some brief comments on the general state of the art of the treatments for patients with liver metastases from GI cancers (in this regard cite the recent study PMID: 27956320)
Author Response
Dear reviewer, please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
Title: Biomarkers of survival in patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with percutaneous microwave ablation.
Manuscript ID: cancers-3531037
The article aims to assess the prognostic value of simple laboratory-based biomarkers in
patients undergoing microwave ablation of colorectal liver metastases. Find the comments related to the article below:
- The findings of this study appear interesting. The study is generally well written and structured with sound methodology.
- Line Nos 90-91, The sentence, “An additional ablation session was performed in case of any viable tumor visible at the control study.” Needs clarity.
- Elaborate a bit more on the translation value of this study's findings, as none of the biomarkers chosen for the analysis are specific for CLM.
- Line Nos 152-153, and Table No 3. Authors write, “A multivariable Cox-regression model using features which showed statistical significance in univariable analysis was created. In this model, all variables except LMR remained associated with OS.” In the discussion section, elaborate more on the possible reasons for non-association of LMR with OS and support the information with some recent references.
- The discussion section is more dedicated to the literature from other studies. Authors are suggested to discuss their results in a sequence and then corroborate their findings with the available literature.
- Authors have mentioned the limitations of their study. This would be appreciated if they clearly mention the strengths of their study as well.
Author Response
Dear reviewer, please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
The manuscript is OK now. Thank you!
