Update and interpretation of Elsevier clinical pathway for gastric, gastroesophageal junction and esophageal cancer ( Chinese edition, 2022) / 中华消化杂志

The standardized treatment of malignant tumor has always been the direction of continuous improvement of major medical institutions. In recent years, the basic research, prevention, screening and diagnosis and treatment level of gastric, gastroesophageal junction and esophageal cancer have been greatly improved, resulting in a significant improvement in the 5 years′ survival rate of patients, but there are still great differences in the diagnosis and treatment level among different regions. Chinese gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer and esophageal cancer differ greatly from European and American countries in etiology, pathological types, high incidence sites, etc. Therefore, the relevant guidelines of European and American countries cannot fully meet Chinese clinical practice. In 2021, Elsevier Publishing Group launched the Chinese edition of Elsevier clinical pathway for gastric, gastroesophageal junction and esophageal cancer, and the first update edition was made in 2022, which aims to promote the quality control of tumor diagnosis and treatment, standardize tumor diagnosis and treatment behaviors, promote the homogenization and standardization of tumor diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately improve the survival rate and quality of life of patients with malignant tumor. This pathway refers to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical practice guidelines, the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines, combines evidence-based medicine and clinical experience, and follows the scientific, universal, standardized and operable principles. It has been promoted and applied in clinical practice, and is constantly updated according to the latest research results.

High-grade mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasm of the gastroesophageal junction: A rare case report and review of literature

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNeN) is a recently described entity of the esophagus in the latest (fifth) edition of WHO Classification of Digestive System Tumors. It is often a difficult pathological diagnosis, especially in small preoperative biopsies. We herein report a case of high-grade MiNeN of gastroesophageal junction diagnosed as a squamous cell carcinoma in preoperative biopsy and subsequently as a high-grade MiNeN in esophagogastrectomy specimen comprising areas of mucoepidermoid carcinoma and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). This report accentuates the importance of deeper multisite preoperative biopsies as the management is completely different in a MiNeN from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Resección laparoendoscópica de tumor de la unión gastroesofágica / Laparoendoscopic resection of a tumor of the gastroesophageal junction

RESUMEN La resección gástrica atípica ha demostrado ser beneficiosa para tumores submucosos. La técnica pre senta mayor riesgo cuando estos se desarrollan próximos a la unión esófago-gástrica (UEG). Para esta limitación se propuso la resección intragástrica mediante una técnica mixta combinando laparoscopia y endoscopia. En nuestro medio no existen publicaciones al respecto. Se trata de una mujer de 42 años, con lesión subepitelial-subcardial de 2 cm, evaluada mediante videoendoscopia alta (VEDA), compa tible con tumor del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST) evaluado mediante ecoendoscopia. La lesión fue resecada mediante abordaje combinado laparoendoscópico. Bajo visión laparoscópica se introdujeron en cavidad abdominal trocares con balón, y bajo visión endoscópica intragástrica se introdujeron estos en el estómago y se fijó la pared gástrica a la pared abdominal insuflando dichos balones. Posterior mente se realizó la resección de la lesión con sutura mecánica. El abordaje combinado es seguro y eficaz, simple en manos entrenadas, pero constituye una opción reproducible en casos seleccionados.

ABSTRACT Atypical gastric resection has proved to be beneficial to treat submucosal tumors. The technique is more difficult when these tumors develop next to the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Intragastric resection combining endoscopic and laparoscopic approach was proposed to solve this limitation. There are no publications about this technique in our environment. A 42-year-old female patients with a 2-mm subepithelial tumor below the cardia evaluated by upper gastrointestinal (UGI) videoendoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound suggestive of a gastrointestinal stroma tumor (GIST) underwent resection using the combined laparo-endoscopic approach. Under laparoscopic guidance, balloon-tipped trocars were introduced in the abdominal cavity and then into the stomach using endoscopic view. The balloons were inflated to fix the gastirc wall to the abdominal wall. The lesion was resected using mechanical stapler. The combined approach is safe and efficient, and simple to perform for trained professionals, constituting a reproducible option in selected cases.

Efficacy and Safety of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Therapy on Advanced Gastric Cancer or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: A Meta-analysis / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC). Methods CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials, Cochrane Library and other databases were searched to collect the clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of advanced GC/GEJC. The retrieval time was from the inception to Nov. 2019. Outcome measures mainly included ORR, DCR, PFS, OS and toxicities. The adoption rate difference and hazard ratio were effect measures. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results We included seven literatures with a total of 1949 patients. Meta-analysis showed that for the patients with advanced GC/GEJC, the second-line or later immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy improved the overall survival rate at 12 and 18 months; the OS of the patients was prolonged, compared with chemotherapy/placebo therapy (all P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions of any grade or ≥grade 3 caused by immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy was lower than that caused by chemotherapy/placebo. Conclusion Immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment could improve survival endpoints in some patients with advanced GC/GEJC, and the incidence of common adverse reactions is low.

Ten-year review of patients with resected esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma in the Philippine General Hospital

OBJECTIVE@#To describe the clinicopathologic profile, management, and outcomes of patients with esophagogastric junction (EGJ) adenocarcinoma in the local setting.@*METHODS@#Data was obtained from patients who had curative surgery for EGJ adenocarcinoma from 2004–2013 in the Philippine General Hospital. We used student's T-tests, analysis of variance, chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests for comparisons and Cohen’s kappa index for correlation. A P value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered significant.@*RESULTS@#We included 88 patients (81.2% male) with mean age of 55.2 years. Eight percent were clinical Siewert type I; 23.9% were type II; 15.9% were type III; and majority (52.3%) were unknown type. Surgical approach and resection differed across the Siewert types (P<0.000). Thoracoabdominal approach (72.7%) and distal esophagectomy with total gastrectomy (77.3%) were the most common procedures. Many had at least pathologic T3 (80.6%), N2 (54.5%), and stage III (68.2%) disease. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy was given in 1.2% (1/82) and 48.6% (18/37), respectively. In-hospital morbidity was 40%; mortality was 4.5%; 1-year disease-free survival rate was 69.4%; and overall survival rate was 76.5%. Correlation was fair between preoperative and pathologic Siewert type (P=0.003) and poor between clinical and pathologic stage (P=0.115). Patients with recurrence had higher pathologic lymph nodes (P=0.029) and more advanced stage (P=0.022).@*CONCLUSION@#EGJ adenocarcinomas were locally advanced and had poor outcomes. Surgery should be individualized and multimodality approach considered.

El diafragma, el hiato y la unión gastroesofágica / The diaphragm, the hiatus and the gastroesophageal junction

RESUMEN La unión del tubo esofágico con el estómago en lo que denominamos el cardias, su tránsito y relacio nes con el hiato diafragmático, las estructuras fibromembranosas que la fijan y envuelven, la existencia de un esfínter gastroesofágico anatómico y su real morfología, así como la interacción de todos estos elementos, han sido materia de controversia por décadas y aún hoy. Este artículo actualiza la descrip ción de tales estructuras.

ABSTRACT The point where the esophagus connects to the stomach, known as the cardia, its transition and re lationship with the diaphragmatic hiatus, its fibromembranous attachments, the existence of an ana tomic gastroesophageal sphincter and its real morphology, and the interaction between all these ele ments, have been subject of debate for decades that still persist. The aim of this article is to describe the updated information of such structures.

Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Vs Neoadjuvant/Perioperative Chemotherapy in Resectable Gastro-esophageal Junction Adenocarcinomas- a Retrospective Analysis

We aimed to conduct the retrospective analysis of resectable Gastro-esophageal junctionadenocarcinomas treated at our facility with either adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (ACT) or neoadjuvant/perioperative chemotherapy (NACT) and investigate their impact on the clinical outcome.A total of79 patients of Gastro -esophageal junction adenocarcinomas completed treatment with curative intentbetween January, 2010 and December 2016 and were included in the analysis. 33 patients receivedadjuvant chemoradiotherapy after curative surgery as per Intergroup 0116 protocol. 46 patientsunderwent curative surgery after 3 cycles of neoadjuvant /perioperative chemotherapy as per UKMAGIC trial regimen. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 16 software.The patientsincluded 68 males and 11 females with age ranging from 22-81 years (median 60 years). The followup ranged from 6-71 months (median 14 months). The number of lymph nodes removed at surgerywas 5-25 (median 12). Only 6 patients were node negative in the whole cohort. The number ofpositive lymph nodes ranged from 1-9 in rest of the 73 patients. 12.65% (n=10) patients were diagnosedwith stage IIB, 44.3% (n=35) patients had stage IIIA, 29.1 %( n= 23) patients had stage IIIB and13.9% (n=11) patients had stage IIIC disease. In the adjuvant chemoradiotherapy group, out of 33patients, 7 were dead of disease and 12 were alive with disease at last follow up. In the neoadjuvant/perioperative cohort, out of 46 patients, 13 were dead and 16 were alive with disease. Mediandisease free survival in the adjuvant chemoradiotherapy group was 22 months versus 14 months inthe neoadjuvant/perioperative cohort. The difference was significant on Breslow analysis (GeneralizedWilcoxon, p=.014) and on Tarone Ware (p=.037) but not on Log rank (Mantel-Cox, p=.190) implyingmore of the early events in the NACT group. Hazards ratio for ACT vs. NACT was 0 .703(95% CI0.376-1.317, p=0.272). Hazard ratio for positive nodes was 1.125 ( 95% CI 0.96-1.318,p=0.145).Median DFS for the whole group was18 months(SE 2.912,CI 12.292-23.708) and meanDFS was 23.725 months (SE 2.452, CI 18.919-28.532). Patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapyafter surgery had median overall survival of 39 months versus 26 months in the neoadjuvant arm{p=.039, Wilcoxon Gehan statistic}.In our clinical set-up, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy seems to resultin better overall survival and disease free survival in resectable gastro-esophageal junctionadenocarcinoma though we should be cautious in interpreting retrospective and non-randomizeddata.

Characteristics of the early gastroesophageal junction cancer under the white-light endoscopy / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the characteristics of the early gastroesophageal junction(GEJ)can-cer under the white-light endoscopy.Method We analyzed 70 cases of pathology-proven early GEJ cancer retrospec-tively. We investigated the predilection sites of different Siewert types,the lesion features under the white-light endoscopy,and the associations among the Siewert types,Barrett esophagus and the intestinal metaplasia. Results Siewert Ⅱ was the most of the early GEJ cancer(64%). Barrett esophagus was the most of SiewertⅠ(85%).No statistical significances of the intestinal metaplasia were found among different Siewert types.SiewertⅠlesion was located on the right front wall the most.Of Siewert Ⅱlesion was located on the back wall the most.The main endoscopic type was Type 0~Ⅱ.The most of the early GEJ cancer under the white-light endoscopy has clear demarcation(89%)and irregular surface appearance(81%),and the main color of mucosa lesion was red(76%). Conclusion The early GEJ cancer under the white-light endoscopy shows the subtle characteristic changes.Under-standing and paying attention to the above characteristics will help to improve the diagnosis of the early GEJ cancer.

Symptom characteristics and esophageal motility of patients with different types of gastroesophageal junction / 中华消化杂志

Objective To investigate the symptom,esophageal motility characteristics and the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)in patients with typeⅠ,Ⅱand Ⅲ gastroesophageal junction (EGJ)diagnosed by high resolution esophageal manometry(HREM).Methods From 6th January to 27th December in 2012,the clinical data of 171 patients with reflux symptoms and received HREM were retrospectively analyzed.According to the Chicago classification V.3.0,the patients were divided into EGJ type Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ groups.The age,body mass index(BMI),GERD related symptoms,esophageal motility parameters and the incidence of GERD were compared among the three groups.Chi-square test, t test and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis.Relationship between EGJ types and other variables were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation.Results In 171 patients,136 cases(79.5%)with type Ⅰ EGJ,22 cases(12.9%)with type Ⅱ EGJ and 13 cases(7.6%)with type Ⅲ EGJ.The age of patients with type Ⅱ EGJ was significantly older than that of patients with type Ⅰ EGJ((56.5 ± 2.3) years vs(48.6 ± 1.0)years,t=2.992,P=0.003),however the differences were not statisticant when compared with type Ⅲ EGJ patients((51.2 ± 3.8)years,P> 0.05).The BMI of patients with typeⅢ EGJ was higher than that of typeⅠand typeⅡEGJ patients((26.0 ± 1.3)kg/m2vs(21.9 ± 0.3)kg/m2and (23.5 ± 0.6)kg/m2),and the difference was statistically significant(t=4.082 and 2.108,both P<0.05). The resting pressure of lower esophageal sphincter(LES)of patients with type Ⅱ and Ⅲ EGJ were lower than that of typeⅠEGJ((10.6 ± 1.5)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)and(3.4 ± 0.7)mmHg vs(17.1 ± 0.7)mmHg),and the resting pressure of LES of type Ⅲ EGJ was lower than that of type Ⅱ EGJ((3.4 ± 0.7)mmHg vs(10.6 ± 1.5)mmHg),and the differences were all statistically significant(t= -3.882,-6.411 and -2.769,all P< 0.01).The amplitude of contraction at 11 cm above LES and distal contractile integral(DCI)of patients with type Ⅲ EGJ were both lower than those of patients with typeⅠ EGJ((32.2 ± 5.4)mmHg vs(48.5 ± 2.5)mmHg,and(392.0 ± 94.1)mmHg·s·cm vs(805.1 ± 61.4)mmHg·s·cm),and the differences were statistically significant(t= -2.580 and -2.041,both P<0.05).The incidences of GERD in patients with type Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ EGJ were 68.4%(93/136), 77.3%(17/22)and 10/13,respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant(χ2 =1.021, P=0.600).EGJ types were positively correlated with age and BMI(r= 0.214 and 0.290,both P<0.01).However,EGJ types were negatively correlated with the LES resting pressure,contraction amplitudes at 7 cm and 11 cm above the LES,and DCI(r= -0.474,-0.182,-0.333 and -0.191,all P<0.05).Conclusions Aging,overweight and obesity are risk factors of the LES and crural diaphragm separation.EGJ types are not predictable based on symptoms.The esophageal motility seems to decrease in patients with type Ⅱ and Ⅲ EGJ,the incidence of GERD in patients with type Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ EGJ are all high.

Surgical Treatment of Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer

Although the incidence of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma has been increasing worldwide, no standardized surgical strategy for its treatment has been established. This study aimed to provide an update on the surgical treatment of GEJ adenocarcinoma by reviewing previous reports and propose recommended surgical approaches. The Siewert classification is widely used for determining which surgical procedure is used, because previous studies have shown that the pattern of lymph node (LN) metastasis depends on tumor location. In terms of surgical approaches for GEJ adenocarcinoma, a consensus was reached based on two randomized controlled trials. Siewert types I and III are treated as esophageal cancer and gastric cancer, respectively. Although no consensus has been reached regarding the treatment of Siewert type II, several retrospective studies suggested that the optimal treatment strategy includes paraaortic LN dissection. Against this background, a Japanese nationwide prospective trial is being conducted to determine the proportion of LN metastasis in GEJ cancers and to identify the optimal extent of LN dissection in each type.

Epidemiology of Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma in Korea

The incidence of gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJAC) in Western countries has increased in recent decades, in addition to a rise in the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and low Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection rate have been nominated as risk factors for such cancers. Among these risk factors, the increased prevalence of GERD and obesity and the decreased prevalence of HP infection are of special interest owing to the currently increasing prevalence of GEJAC in Western countries. Although similar trends in the prevalence of GERD, obesity, and HP infection are observed in Asian countries after a time lag from Western countries, it is still uncertain if the prevalence of GEJAC in Asian countries is increasing, especially in Korea. The incidence of GERD in Korea is currently increasing; it was below 3% in the 1990s. The incidence of obesity in the Korean population is increasing owing to the adoption of westernized lifestyles, including food preferences, and the HP infection rate in Korea is known to be decreasing. Therefore, based on logical extrapolation of observations of Western countries, the incidence of GEJAC will increase in Korea. However, the proportion of GEJAC among other upper gastrointestinal malignancies in Korea appears to be currently unchanged compared with that in the 1990s. Presently, there is a lack of epidemiologic studies on this issue in this region; therefore, more studies are needed to clarify the characteristics of these tumors and to improve clinical outcomes for patients with these tumors.

Carcinoma de células pequeñas en la unión gastroesofágica / Gastroesophageal junction small cell carcinoma

Resumen Los tumores de células pequeñas extrapulmonares pueden aparecer en múltiples órganos y forman una rara afección clínico-patológica de tumores neuroendocrinos, con gran proliferación epitelial y con comportamiento biológico agresivo. El tubo gastrointestinal es la fuente más común de tumores de células pequeñas extrapulmonares. Nuestro caso clínico describe un paciente con carcinoma de células pequeñas en la unión gastroesofágica, que fue diagnosticado en el contexto de sangrado de tubo digestivo alto. Se excluyó un tumor pulmonar primario; el paciente recibió quimioterapia, quimiorradioterapia y radioterapia cerebral profiláctica, con buena evolución clínica. Nuestro caso se trata de una rara afección clínica, lo que evidencia la importancia de diagnosticar enferemedades poco frecuentes. Existe poca evidencia en la bibliografía de cómo deben tratarse estos pacientes.

Abstract Extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas (EPSCC) can arise in multiple organ sites and form a rare clinicopathological entity of high proliferative epithelial neuroendocrine tumors with aggressive biological behavior. Gastrointestinal is the most common source of EPSCC. We report a case of gastroesophageal junction small cell carcinoma, which was diagnosed in the context of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. A primary small cell lung carcinoma was excluded. Chemotherapy, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and prophylactic cranial radiotherapy were given, with good clinical outcome. Our case of a very rare condition highlights the importance of recognizing atypical pathologic diagnoses. More research needs to be conducted with EPSCC patients in order to better characterize disease pathogenesis, and an optimal disease management.

Motion of gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma during preoperative radiotherapy / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To evaluate the range of motion of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma during preoperative radiotherapy.Methods Fourteen consecutive patients who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy for GEJ adenocarcinoma were included in this study.Fiducial markers were placed on the upper and lower edges of and around the primary tumor under a gastroscope.Eight patients underwent four-dimensional computed tomography to obtain 98 intrafractional images containing 8 fiducial markers at the GEJ.Twelve patients underwent cone-beam computed tomography at the 1 st to 5th,7th,12th,17th,and 22nd courses of radiotherapy to obtain 90 interfractional images.The paired t test was used for difference analysis.Results The intrafractional tumor displacements in left-right (LR),ventro-dorsal (VD),and cranio-caudal (CC) directions were 0.92±0.95 mm,2.27±2.73 mm,and 9.95±5.48 mm,respectively;the motion in CC direction was larger than that in LR or VD direction (P=0.000 or P=0.000);the motion in VD direction was larger than that in LR direction (P=0.000).The interfractional tumor displacements in LR,VD,and CC were 6.56±4.19 mm,5.69±3.29 mm,and 6.49±4.37 mm,respectively;the motion in LR or CC direction was larger than that in VD direction (P=0.031 or P=0.044);there was no significant difference between the motions in LR and CC directions (P=0.956).In order to ensure 95% of prescribed dose to at least 90% of the tumor volume,the margins from GEJ lesion in LR,VD,and CC directions were 19.4 mm,14.6 mm,and 27.2 mm,respectively,which could cover both intrafractional and interfractional tumor displacements during preoperative radiotherapy.Conclusions GEJ tumor has a wide range of movement in preoperative intra-and inter-fractional radiotherapy.This should be considered for precise radiotherapy,and a new method should be selected to limit tumor movement.

Rules and prognosis analysis for lymph node metastasis in patients with Siewert Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction / 国际外科学杂志

Objective To analyze the related rules and prognosis analysis for lymphatic metastasis in patients for Siewert Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction.Methods This study retrospectively reviewed 65 patients who underwent radical surgery for Siewert Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction in Beijing Friendship Hospital between July 2013 and March 2017.The primary indicators were sex,age,tumor site,tumor size,macroscopic type,histological type,depth of invasion,operation,tumor emboli and carcinoma nodes.The clinical characteristics and pathological features were analyzed by using Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.Follow-tup using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect patients' diseases and postoperative survival up to April 2017.Results Lymph node metastasis was observed in 41 of 65 patients (63.1％).Lymph node metastasis frequency was found in No.1,No.2,No.3,No.7,No.11 and No.110 lymph nodes.The incidences of those lymph node metastasis were 45.3％,32.5％,28.8％,22.5％,19.4％ and 8.2％.The metastasis rate of the tumors with diameter over 2 cm was higher than the tumors which were less than 2 cm (71.9％ vs 0;P =0.000);The observed rate of lymph node metastasis was 0,12.5％,69％,95.2％ in early cancer (T1) and advanced cancer (T2-T4) (P=0.000) respectively.The metastasis rate of highly differentiated Siewert Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction was 45.2％ lower than poorly differentiated tumors 79.4％ (P =0.009).Thirty-three cases were found with lymphatic embolus,28 of them (84.8％) were found to be combined with lymph node metastasis among them (P =0.001).All the differences were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).The results of multivariable analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis revealed that neoplasms histologic type and lymphatic embolus were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis of Siewert Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction.Sixty-five patients were followed up for 1-45 months,with a median time of 18.81 months.Although there was no statistically significant difference,3 years-overall survival rate showed tumor without lymph node metastasis has better prognosis than with lymph node metastasis and early stage tumor also has better prognosis than advanced tumor.Conclusions Lymph node metastasis of Siewert Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction is related with histological type of tumor and lymphatic embolus.For Siewert Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction,the incidence of lymphatic metastasis were higher appear in abdominal cavity,which included No.1,No.2,No.3,No.7 and No.11;Meanwhile,the metastasis of mediastinal lymph node is given priority to No.110 lymph node.Therefore,radical total gastrectomy combined with standard D2 lymphadenectomy and No.110 lymphadenectomy are performed in order to improving the prognosis.For patients with lymph node metastasis and tumor in advanced stage,long-term prognosis remains to be further study.

Increased gastroesophageal junctioncompliance in patients with non-erosive reflux disease / 基础医学与临床

Objective To explore the biomechanical mechanism of non-erosive reflux disease(NERD).MethodsFrom October 4,2014 to September 30,2015,17 NERD patients and 17 healthy controls were recruited from the outpatients department of China-Japan Friendship Hospital.The cross-sectional area(CSA), intra-balloon pressure (IBP)and compliance(Δv/Δp)of each were measured by endoscopy in combination with EndoFlip.ResultsWith the increase of balloon volume,the compliance of gastroesophageal junction in NERD group was significantly higher than that of control group(P<0.01) while the cross sectional area and intra-balloon pressure were similar.Conclusions Increased compliance of the gastroesophageal junction may be involved in the pathogenesis of non-erosive reflux disease.

Prognostic Factor Analysis of Overall Survival in Gastric Cancer from Two Phase III Studies of Second-line Ramucirumab (REGARD and RAINBOW) Using Pooled Patient Data

PURPOSE: To identify baseline prognostic factors for survival in patients with disease progression, during or after chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We pooled data from patients randomized between 2009 and 2012 in 2 phase III, global double-blind studies of ramucirumab for the treatment of advanced gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma following disease progression on first-line platinum- and/or fluoropyrimidine-containing therapy (REGARD and RAINBOW). Forty-one key baseline clinical and laboratory factors common in both studies were examined. Model building started with covariate screening using univariate Cox models (significance level=0.05). A stepwise multivariable Cox model identified the final prognostic factors (entry+exit significance level=0.01). Cox models were stratified by treatment and geographic region. The process was repeated to identify baseline prognostic quality of life (QoL) parameters. RESULTS: Of 1,020 randomized patients, 953 (93%) patients without any missing covariates were included in the analysis. We identified 12 independent prognostic factors of poor survival: 1) peritoneal metastases; 2) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score 1; 3) the presence of a primary tumor; 4) time to progression since prior therapy <6 months; 5) poor/unknown tumor differentiation; abnormally low blood levels of 6) albumin, 7) sodium, and/or 8) lymphocytes; and abnormally high blood levels of 9) neutrophils, 10) aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 11) alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and/or 12) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Factors were used to devise a 4-tier prognostic index (median overall survival [OS] by risk [months]: high=3.4, moderate=6.4, medium=9.9, and low=14.5; Harrell's C-index=0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64–0.68). Addition of QoL to the model identified patient-reported appetite loss as an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: The identified prognostic factors and the reported prognostic index may help clinical decision-making, patient stratification, and planning of future clinical studies.

Pneumoperitoneum due to Gastroesophageal Junction Rupture after Prolonged Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Supraglottic Airway

Gastric rupture after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a rare complication. In most cases, it is associated with bystander-provided CPR, bag-mask ventilation, and difficult airway management. To the best of our knowledge, there has been only one previous case report in the literature regarding gastric rupture after CPR via supraglottic airway. We present a case of a gastroesophageal junction rupture secondary to CPR with supraglottic airway. Healthcare providers should consider that gastric rupture can be a complication from performing CPR.

A dosimetric comparison of static intensity-modulated radiotherapy, volumetric-modulated arc therapy,and helical tomotherapy after surgery for gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of different irradiation techniques on dose distribution in target volume and normal tissues after the radical surgery for gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma,and to provide the optimal regimen for clinical treatment.Methods A total of 9 patients with gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who underwent radical esophagus-proximal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy were enrolled.The therapeutic regimens of five-field static intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT),volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT),and helical tomotherapy (HT) were designed for each patient,and the dose-volume histogram was used to evaluate the effects of different irradiation techniques on the conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) of target volume and the surrounding normal tissues. The prescribed dose was 45 Gy at 1.8 Gy/fraction.The patients received oral S-1 as concurrent chemotherapy at a dose of 80 mg/(m 2? d) twice a day during radiotherapy.Results Compared with IMRT and VMAT,HT had better CI and HI of the target volume,as well as a better protective effect on the intestinal tract and bone marrow.Compared with IMRT and HT,VMAT had a lower V20 and V30 for the left kidney and a lower V30 for the heart,while IMRT had lower V5 and V10 for both lungs;V20 and mean dose showed no significant differences between the three techniques.HT had the highest mean sub-field hop count,followed by IMRT and VMAT.Conclusions IMRT, VMAT, and HT can meet the clinical requirements,but besides ensuring the best CI and HI of the target volume,HT has a good protective effect on the intestine and spinal cord and can help to reduce the incidence of adverse events in patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Ramucirumab in the Treatment of Adenocarcinoma in Stomach or Gastroesophageal Junction:A Meta-analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To systematically review the efficacy and safety of ramucirumab in the treatment of adenocarcinoma in stomach or gastroesophagealjunction,and provide evidence-based reference for clinic. METHODS:Retrieved from Wanfang database,CJFD,PubMed,EBSCO,Medline and Cochrane Library,randomized controlled trials(RCT) oframucirumab and (or) other medicines or other chemotherapy (test group) versus placebo or and Clinical Trials. gov other antibiotics(control goroup) were collected with time limit from establishment to Sept. 2015. Meta-analysis was performed by using Rev Man 5.3 software after data extraction and quality evaluation by Cochrane systematic review manual 5.1.0. RESULTS:Totally 3 RCTs involving 1 188 patients were enrolled,including 652 patients in the test group and 536 patients incontrol group. Results of Meta-analysis showed, the overall survival[HR=0.83,95%CI(0.72,0.95),P=0.006] and progression-freesurvival[HR=0.66,95%CI(0.47,0.92),P=0.01] in test group were significantly longer than control group,the difference was statistically significant;there was no significant difference in the objective response rate[RR=1.31,95%CI(0.81,2.11),P=0.28]. The incidence of severe adverse reactions(degree level:3-4 grade) in test group was significantly higher than control group,the difference was statistically significant [RR=1.14, 95%CI (1.00,1.29),P=0.04].CONCLUSIONS:Ramucirumab can extend overall survival and progression-free survival of adenocarcinoma in stomach or gastro-oesophageal junction,but the incidence of adverse reactions should be noticed.

Pattern of nodal recurrence after curative resection in Siewert Ⅱ and Ⅲ locally advanced adenocarcinoma of gastroesophageal junction / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To investigate the pattern of nodal recurrence after curative resection in adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction ( AGE ) , and to provide a basis for delineation of the radiation range in the high-risk lymphatic drainage area.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 78 patients with locally advanced AGE who were newly treated in our hospital from January 2009 to December 2013 and had complete clinical data.All patients received curative resection and were pathologically diagnosed with stage T3/T4 or N (+) AGE.Those patients were also diagnosed with SiewertⅡor Ⅲ AGE by endoscopy, upper gastroenterography, macroscopic examination during operation, and pathological specimens.None of the patients received preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy.All patients were diagnosed by imaging with postoperative nodal recurrence.The computed tomography images of those patients were accessible and had all the recurrence sites clearly and fully displayed.Results The median time to recurrence was 10 months ( 1-48 months) , and 90%of the recurrence occurred within 2 years after surgery.The lymph nodes with the highest risk of recurrence were No.16b1( 39%) , No.16a2( 37%) , No.9 (30%), and No.11p (26%), respectively.There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate within each lymphatic drainage area between patients with SiewertⅡandⅢAGE ( P=0.090-1.000) .The lymph nodes with the most frequent recurrence were No.16b1, No.16a2, No.9, No.16b2, No.11p, and No.7 in patients with stage N3 AGE and No.11p, No.16b1, No.16a2, No.9, No.8, and No.7 in patients with stage non-N3 AGE.Patients with stage N3 AGE had a significantly higher recurrence rate in the para-aortic regions (No.16a2-b2) than those with stage non-N3 AGE (67%vs.33%, P=0.004, OR=4.00, 95% CI=1.54-10.37) .Conclusions The lymph nodes with the highest risk of recurrence are located in the celiac artery, proximal splenic artery, and retroperitoneal areas ( No.16a2 and No.16b1) in patients with SiewertⅡorⅢlocally advanced AEG.Moreover, patients with stage N3 AGE have a higher risk of retroperitoneal recurrence.The above areas should be involved in target volume delineation for postoperative radiotherapy.