High predictive ability of apparent diffusion coefficient value for wall-invasion pattern of advanced gallbladder carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The wall-invasion pattern classification of advanced gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) has been reported. However, its association with clinical findings remains unclear. We aimed to clarify relationships between clinicopathological characteristics, prognosis, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of advanced GBC based on the wall-invasion pattern. METHODS: We reviewed the data of 37 patients who had undergone advanced GBC cholecystectomy at our institution between 2009 and 2021. Clinicopathological findings, prognosis, and ADC values were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Based on the wall-invasion pattern, patients were classified into infiltrative growth (IG) type (n = 22) and destructive growth (DG) type (n = 15). In the DG-type, the incidence of venous invasion (P = 0.027), neural invasion (P = 0.008), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.047) was significantly higher than in the IG-type, and recurrent-free survival (RFS) was significantly shorter (P = 0.015); the median RFS was 11.4 months (95% confidence interval, 6.3-16.5 months) in the DG-type and not reached in the IG-type. The ADC value in the DG-type was significantly lower than in the IG-type (median, 1.19 × 10-3 mm2/s vs. 1.86 × 10-3 mm2/s, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the ADC values to differentiate wall-invasion patterns was 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.87-1.00). The optimal cutoff ADC value was 1.45 × 10-3 mm2/s (sensitivity, 92.9%; specificity, 90.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The wall-invasion pattern of advanced GBC is associated with its aggressiveness and prognosis, and can be predicted by ADC values with high accuracy.

Standardized Methods Using EUS-guided Fine-needle Biopsy and a Minimal Medium Creates Three Pancreatic Cancer Organoids.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) has been conducted for diagnosing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), after which obtained samples were used in organoid cultures. However, no standardized method for PDAC organoid cultures exists. Therefore, to standardize or simplify sample collection and culture methods for PDAC organoids, we performed a floating culture using non-minced specimens obtained by EUS-FNB in a minimal medium, lacking growth factors or inhibitors for pancreatic organoids. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 38 patients with clinically diagnosed PDAC were enrolled in the study. First, EUS-FNB was conducted using a 22- or 25-gauge biopsy needle. Then, a surplus of samples was collected for organoid formation after rapid on-site cytological evaluations of sample adequacy. Subsequently, the established organoids were compared with clinical data and pathological diagnosis, following periodic observations and evaluations for morphology. RESULTS: PDAC organoids were successfully created in 24 of the 38 cases (63.2%), including four cases with pathologically inconclusive EUS-FNB results. Afterward, PDAC organoid morphology was classified into ductal, dormant, and adhesive small cluster (ASC) types. Although the ductal and ASC types were seen separately, they were also seen together in other cases, which we named "mixed type". CONCLUSION: We propose a feasible and straightforward method for establishing organoids, especially for diagnosing PDAC, particularly when the result of EUS-FNB is pathologically inconclusive. Furthermore, PDAC organoids are morphologically classified into three types reported for the first time.

Crucial Roles of the Assistant Surgeon During Laparoscopic Left Hemihepatectomy.

Background Although left hemihepatectomy has been widely performed via the laparoscopic approach, the roles of the assistant surgeon have not been well-documented so far. We herein present our standardized procedures of laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy without Spiegel's lobe resection, focusing on the crucial roles of the assistant surgeon. Methods During laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy without Spiegel's lobe resection, countertraction by the assistant surgeon is quite important especially during isolating the left Glissonean pedicle and transecting liver parenchyma. When securing the left hepatic pedicle using the Glissonean approach, the assistant surgeon pushes Segment 4 of the liver cranially and pulls the tape encircling the hepatoduodenal ligament caudally in the opposite way, orthogonal to the direction of the laparoscopic forceps toward the left portal triad. During liver parenchymal transection, the assistant surgeon pulls the hanging tape across the left lobe of the liver in order to provide a wide and stable liver transection plane. With this standardized technique, nine cases of laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy were performed over the last two years in our department, and the perioperative data were retrospectively analyzed. Results The median age of the nine patients was 70 years (range: 58 - 84 years). Most of the patients were males (77.8%). Five of nine patients were diagnosed with colorectal liver metastasis, two with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one with inflammatory pseudotumor, and the other one with hepaticolithiasis. There were no conversions to open surgery. The median operative time and estimated blood loss were 337 minutes (range: 219 - 478 minutes) and 100 ml (range: 41 - 375 ml), respectively. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was nine days (range: 7 - 16 days). Major complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade III or more) were not encountered in our cohort postoperatively. Conclusion We presented here our standardized assistant roles during laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy without Spiegel's lobe resection, which was revealed to be safe and feasible in our cohort.

Gallbladder Intramucosal Carcinoma Arising in a Cholesterol Polyp: A Case Report.

Cholesterol polyp is the most common benign disease of gallbladder polyps, and is considered not to be the origin of malignancy. Herein, we report a rare case of a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma arising in a gallbladder cholesterol polyp. A pedunculated mulberry-like gallbladder polyp diagnosed with a cholesterol polyp preoperatively consisted of two distinct components macroscopically: a yellow-whitish lobulated lesion and a brownish irregular lesion. Microscopically, the former revealed to be a cholesterol polyp, but the latter demonstrated a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Even if imaging findings suggest a gallbladder cholesterol polyp, it is important to keep in mind that carcinoma can coexist like our case.

Two Cases of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Arising Over 20 Years after a Sustained Virologic Response Following Interferon Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C.

The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after a sustained virologic response (SVR) due to interferon (IFN) therapy for hepatitis C virus infection remains a serious problem. We herein report 2 cases of HCC that developed more than 20 years after SVR with IFN therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The patients were 89- and 72-year-old men with HCC that developed 24-25 years after an SVR with IFN therapy. These patients regularly underwent imaging examinations; therefore, the HCC was detected in the early stage, when it was still curable. Both cases suggest that long-term surveillance after an SVR is effective for the detection of HCC, and radical treatment is possible.

Clinicopathological characteristics of combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma from the viewpoint of patient prognosis after hepatic resection: High rate of early recurrence and its predictors.

AIM: Combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a very rare subtype of primary liver carcinoma; therefore, its clinicopathological characteristics have not yet been elucidated in detail. The aim of the study was to reveal the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of cHCC-CCA after hepatic resection (HR) METHODS: A total of 124 patients who underwent curative HR for cHCC-CCA between 2000 and 2016 were enrolled in this multi-institutional study conducted by the Kyushu Study Group of Liver Surgery. Clinicopathological analysis was performed from the viewpoint of patient prognosis. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients (50%) had early recurrence within 1.5 years after HR, including 36 patients (58%) with extrahepatic recurrence. In contrast, just four patients (3%) had late recurrence occurring >3 years after HR. The independent predictors of early recurrence were as follows: des-gamma carboxyprothrombin >40 mAU/mL (odds ratio 26.2, P = 0.0117), carbohydrate antigen 19-9>37 IU/l (odds ratio 18.0, P = 0.0200), and poorly differentiated HCC or CCA (odds ratio 11.2, P = 0.0259). CONCLUSIONS: Half of the patients with cHCC-CCA had early recurrence after HR. Preoperative elevation of des-gamma carboxyprothrombin or carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and the existence of poorly differentiated components of HCC or CCA in resected specimens are predictors of its early recurrence.

[A Case of Meningeal Solitary Fibrous Tumour/Haemangiopericytoma WHO Grade III Metastasized to the Spleen Shortly After Tumor Resection].

Revision of WHO guidelines in 2016 led to the classification of solitary fibrous tumours(SFTs)and haemangiopericytomas(HPCs)as a single tumor entity characterized by NAB2-STAT6 fusion. Standard-of-care treatment involves surgery, but local recurrence and distant metastasis sometimes occur. The average latency to metastasis after surgery is 99 months. A 38-year-old female patient presented with a complaint of headache. An 8×5×2cm lesion showing Gd-T1 enhancement was detected near the superior sagittal sinus. Pathological assessment following resection revealed proliferating, polymorphic, atypical tumor cells with distinct nucleoli in a "patternless pattern." Cellularity was moderate to high, and mitotic figures were observed in 15/10 high power fields. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells tested positive for STAT6, and RT-PCR revealed a NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene(exons 6 and 17, respectively), supporting a diagnosis of SFT/HPC WHO grade III. Despite postoperative radiotherapy, multiple metastases to the spleen were detected 8 months after surgery, and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed. The pathology of the splenic tumor was similar to that of the intracranial tumor. Recurrent disease in a lymph node was detected 1 month later, and local radiation therapy was administered. The patient died of cancerous peritonitis 5 months later. In this case, exceedingly rapid metastasis to the spleen occurred, despite the administration of vigorous treatment. Here, we review SFT/HPC incidence, treatment, and outcomes to better understand this rare malignancy.

Contaminated drainage fluid and pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate bacterial infection control in the perioperative period of a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is important to prevent and manage serious complications including postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). In the present study, the clinical impact of bacterial contamination of intra-abdominal discharge on the rate of POPF after PD was analysed retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data for 82 consecutive patients who had undergone PD at our hospital between January 2009 and July 2014 were retrospectively analysed to review patient characteristics and perioperative and postoperative parameters. We compared the clinicopathologic features between patients with bacterial contamination of drainage fluid and those without bacterial contamination of drainage fluid. We also examined the relationship between POPF and bacterial contamination of drainage fluid, according to the bacterial strain involved. RESULTS: The incidence of Grade B/C POPF was significantly higher in the bacterial contamination positive group than in the bacterial contamination negative group (44.0% vs. 0.0%; p < 0.001). Soft gland texture and bacterial contamination of intra-abdominal discharge were found to be risk factors for POPF (odds ratio: 9.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.17-409.46 and odds ratio: 43.94, 95% confidence interval: 5.72-1992.04, respectively). The incidence of Grade B/C POPF was significantly higher in patients harbouring Pseudomonas aeruginosa than in patients harbouring bacteria other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Bacterial contamination of intra-abdominal discharge is a risk factor for the development of pancreatic fistulae. Cases involving contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa warrant extreme caution.

Hepatectomy for Liver Metastases of Colorectal Cancer After Adoptive Chemoimmunotherapy Using Activated αß T-cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Various types of chemoimmunotherapies for malignant tumors have been reported. However, there are few reports on hepatectomy after chemoimmunotherapy. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of hepatectomy for patients with stage IV colorectal liver metastases (CLM) after chemoimmunotherapy using activated αß T-cells. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2012 to December 2016, five patients who underwent hepatectomy after receiving capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) plus bevacizumab and ex vivo-expanded αß T-lymphocytes as first-line chemoimmunotherapy were included. RESULTS: The median age of the five patients (two men, three women) was 61.4 (range=56-75) years. The surgical procedure was partial hepatectomy in two, laparoscopic partial hepatectomy in two, and one case of partial hepatectomy with subsegmentectomy. There was no postoperative complication of Clavien-Dindo grade 3A or higher. One patient had multiple lung metastases. CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy after chemoimmunotherapy using activated αß T-cells for CLM can be performed safely.

[A case of unresectable gastric cancer with poor ingestion].

We encountered cases of unresectable gastric cancer in which patients had difficulty with ingestion because of pyloric stenosis and diffuse invasion. We examined the improvement in the quality of life(QOL)of patients and the effect and usefulness of S-1 treatment in such cases. The median survival time(MST; 310 days)of patients who received S-1 as primary treatment was significantly longer than that(105 days)of patients who did not receive S-1 treatment(p=0.0001). Of the 25 patients who underwent gastrojejunostomy, S-1 was administered to 10 patients(MST: 384 days). The MST of patients who received drugs other than S-1 was 121 days. Thus, the MST of patients who did receive S-1 was significantly longer than that of patients who did not receive S-1. In univariate analysis, oral ingestion, performance status(PS), best supportive care(BSC), and S-1 administration were prognostic factors. Of these factors, oral ingestion(p=0.0278, hazard ratio[HR]: 2.992)and S- 1 administration(p=0.0002, HR: 14.956)were prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. Gastrojejunostomy is desirable for the treatment of cases of unresectable gastric cancer with poor ingestion. In addition, the use of postoperative chemotherapy with S-1 alone or with S-1 as combination therapy may help improve prognosis.

A Successfully Resected Case of Recurrent Lung and Liver Metastases of Rectal Cancer Treated with XELIRI + Bevacizumab Therapy.

It has been reported that many colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with synchronous or metachronous liver metastases underwent surgery subsequent to neoadjuvant combination chemotherapy with folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), folinic acid, fluorouracil, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI), or capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX). However, there are very few reports of the use of capecitabine and irinotecan (XELIRI). We herein report a successfully resected case of recurrent lung and liver metastases of rectal cancer treated with combination chemotherapy with XELIRI + bevacizumab (BV) therapy. A 63-year-old male developed recurrence of a solitary nodule in the right lower lobe of the lung and multiple liver metastases after low anterior resection for rectal cancer 1 year previously. Partial resection of the right lower lobe of the lung was performed and treatment with XELIRI + BV was initiated. A computed tomography scan revealed a reduction in tumor size without any new lesions after four cycles of XELIRI + BV therapy. Partial hepatectomy of S1, S5, and S7 was safely performed. The patient is now undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy and has been free from recurrence for 18 months following surgery. There are only few studies with relatively low patient numbers reporting on the outcome after resection of both pulmonary and hepatic metastases of CRC. We therefore report a patient who underwent sequential resection of pulmonary and hepatic metastases with XELIRI + BV therapy.