Prognostic evaluation of the Ki-67 labeling system in histological grading of non-small round cell sarcoma: a supplementary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, JCOG1306.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) has various histological types and is rare, making it difficult to evaluate the malignancy of each histological type. Thus, comprehensive histological grading is most important in the pathological examination of STS. The Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer (FNCLCC) grading system is most commonly used in daily pathological analysis of STS. Among the FNCLCC grading system parameters, mitotic count is a key morphological parameter reflecting the proliferative activity of tumor cells, although its reproducibility may be lacking. Here, we compared the prognostic utility of the conventional and modified FNCLCC grading systems in JCOG1306. METHODS: We analyzed 140 patients with non-small round cell sarcoma. We performed Ki-67 immunostaining using open biopsy specimens before preoperative chemotherapy in all patients. We assessed histological grade in individual cases by conventional FNCLCC grading (tumor differentiation, mitotic count, and necrosis) and modified FNCLCC grading using the Ki-67 labeling index instead of mitotic count. We conducted univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses to investigate the influence of grade on overall survival. RESULTS: In univariable analysis, prognosis was worse for patients with conventional FNCLCC Grade 3 tumors compared with Grade 1 or 2 tumors (hazard ratio [HR] 4.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47-12.05, P = 0.008). Moreover, prognosis was worse in patients with modified FNCLCC Grade 3 tumors compared with Grade 1 or 2 tumors (HR 4.90, 95% CI 1.64-14.65, P = 0.004). In multivariable analysis including both conventional and modified FNCLCC grading, the modified grading more strongly affected overall survival (HR 6.70, 95% CI 1.58-28.40, P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The modified FNCLCC grading system was superior to the conventional system in predicting the prognosis of patients with non-small round cell sarcoma according to this supplementary analysis of data from the randomized controlled trial JCOG1306.

[A Case of Two-Stage Radical Resection with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Cecal Cancer with Synchronous Peritoneal Metastasis(P3)].

A 63-year-old female patient was diagnosed with cecal cancer(cT3, N2a, M0)and underwent surgery for the first time. Only laparoscopic ileocecal resection(D3 dissection)was performed because intraperitoneal observation revealed peritoneal metastasis around the tumor and uterus. We decided to perform a radical resection because the peritoneal metastasis was localized by FDG-PET/CT. Five courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(mFOLFOX6)were performed to shrink the tumor. Unrecognized peritoneal metastases were found in other areas during the second surgery. Although the extent of the peritoneal metastasis was P3, all lesions had been resected. No perioperative complications occurred, and adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to the patient. Recurrence was not observed until 6 months postoperatively.

Genetic Risk Factors Associated With Antiemetic Efficacy of Palonosetron, Aprepitant, and Dexamethasone in Japanese Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Anthracycline-based Chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer patients often receive anthracycline-based chemotherapy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains one of the most uncomfortable and distressing adverse reactions. Poor control of CINV reduces the relative dose intensity of chemotherapy agents, which has been associated with poor clinical outcomes and shorter survival. The aim of the present study was to identify genetic risk factors associated with anthracycline-based CINV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated CINV attributable to anthracycline-based chemotherapy in Japanese breast cancer patients treated with an antiemetic regimen that included palonosetron, aprepitant, and dexamethasone. Furthermore, we investigated the associations between CINV and single nucleotide polymorphisms in 6 candidate genes. RESULTS: Emesis episodes were rarely observed in the 125 patients included in the present survey (7.2%; n = 9); however, significant nausea occurred in more than one half of the patients (52.8%; n = 66). In particular, acute significant nausea was not effectively controlled. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the ABCG2 (rs2231142) AA genotype is significantly associated with acute significant nausea (odds ratio, 4.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-23.60; P = .049). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study provide significant insights for developing personalized antiemetic strategies for breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

[A Case of HER2-Positive Inflammatory Breast Cancer for Which Preoperative Chemotherapy with Pertuzumab Resulted in a Pathological Complete Response].

A 52-year-old woman presented with redness and swelling with a peau d'orange appearance in the whole right breast. Ultrasound revealed elevated subcutaneus fat density and a diffuse hypoechoic area. She was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer(T4dN2M0, Stage III B of the HER2 subtype). After 4 courses of EC treatment as primary systemic therapy, the hypoechoic area was still present. Subsequent chemotherapy with pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel was effective, as hypoechoic area was not observed on ultrasound. She underwent mastectomy and axillary dissection, and pathological examination revealed pCR. At present, 2 years after surgery, the patient is alive with no reccurence.

Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy using a hemi-double-stapling technique.

BACKGROUND: The double-stapling technique (DST) is frequently used in laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. Unfortunately, anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis with DST is seen with some frequency. METHODS: We performed DST on 40 patients (June 2007 to August 2008) and hemi-DST on 50 patients (September 2008 to December 2011) undergoing laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. RESULTS: There were no occurrences of anastomotic leakage in the hemi-DST group, and 2 instances of anastomotic leakage in the DST group were observed. In these patients, the leakage appeared at the lateral intersecting anastomotic margins. CONCLUSIONS: Using the hemi-DST for laparoscopic intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis will make laparoscopic sigmoidectomy a safer procedure.

A comprehensive expression analysis of mucins in appendiceal carcinoma in a multicenter study: MUC3 is a novel prognostic factor.

BACKGROUND: Mucins are implicated in survival in various cancers, but there have been no report addressed on survival in appendiceal carcinoma, an uncommon disease with different clinical and pathological features from those of other colon cancers. We aimed to investigate the clinical implications of expression of mucins in appendiceal carcinoma. METHODS: Expression profiles of MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC6, MUC16 and MUC17 in cancer tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry in 108 cases of surgically resected appendiceal carcinoma. RESULTS: The following relationships of mucins with clinicopathologic factors were identified: MUC1 with positive lymphatic invasion (p = 0.036); MUC2 with histological type (mucinous carcinoma, p<0.001), superficial invasion depth (p = 0.007), negative venous invasion (p = 0.003), and curative resection (p = 0.019); MUC3 with non-curative resection (p = 0.017); MUC5AC with histological type (mucinous carcinoma, p = 0.002), negative lymphatic invasion (p = 0.021), and negative venous invasion (p = 0.022); and MUC16 with positive lymph node metastasis (p = 0.035), positive venous invasion (p<0.05), and non-curative resection (p = 0.035). A poor prognosis was related to positive lymph node metastasis (p = 0.04), positive lymphatic invasion (p = 0.02), positive venous invasion (p<0.001), non-curative resection (p<0.001), and positive expression of MUC3 (p = 0.004). In multivariate analysis, positive venous invasion (HR: 6.93, 95% CI: 1.93-24.96, p = 0.003), non-curative resection (HR: 10.19, 95% CI: 3.05-34.07, p<0.001) and positive MUC3 expression (HR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.13-10.03, p = 0.03) were identified as significant independent prognostic factors in patients with appendiceal carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of MUC3 in appendiceal carcinoma is an independent factor for poor prognosis and a useful predictor of outcome in patients with appendiceal carcinoma after surgery.

Clinical significance of serum soluble E-cadherin in colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: E-cadherin expression has been associated with an outcome in patients with colorectal cancer, and serum levels of soluble E-cadherin (sE-cadherin) are significantly elevated in patients with malignant disease. However, the prognostic value of serum sE-cadherin level has not been demonstrated in colorectal cancer. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 186 patients with colorectal cancer and 21 normal volunteers. Serum sE-cadherin levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. We investigated the relationship between serum sE-cadherin level and clinicopathologic findings. RESULTS: Mean serum sE-cadherin levels were significantly higher in CRC patients than in controls. Mean sE-cadherin levels were significantly correlated with hepatic metastasis, UICC classification, and poor prognosis. Elevated serum sE-cadherin level was an independent risk factor for predicting poor prognosis, and was an independent marker for predicting hepatic metastasis. Among patients with synchronous hepatic metastases, the prognosis was significantly worse in patients with elevated serum sE-cadherin levels than in those with lower levels. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative elevated sE-cadherin level is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. Measuring serum sE-cadherin may provide valuable information for predicting prognosis in patients with hepatic metastasis.

Clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastric cancer patients > or =75 years of age after laparotomy.

The aim of this study was to clarify whether gastric cancer in elderly patients warrants surgical resection. Of 320 patients who underwent laparotomy for gastric cancer, 36 were older (elderly group) and 286 were younger than 75 years (control group). Clinicopathological features, mortality, morbidity, and survival were compared between the two groups. There were no differences between the two groups regarding clinicopathological features. There were no significant differences in mortality, morbidity, and the disease-specific 5-year survival rate between the two groups (elderly, 2.9%, 36.1%, and 65.7%, respectively; control, 0.7%, 24.6%, and 80.6%, respectively). The percentage of death from other diseases was 38.5% in the elderly group and 9.1% in the control group; the result was significantly higher in the elderly group (P = 0.0017). Our findings support that gastric cancer in elderly patients warrants surgical resection because the benefits with regard to early and long-term outcomes are the same as for younger patients.

Successful treatment of ileal pouch desmoids using multimodal chemotherapy with low-dose vinblastine and methotrexate in a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis.

We describe a case of multiple desmoid tumors (DT) that developed in an ileal J pouch, which were successfully treated by low-dose combination chemotherapy using vinblastine (VBL) and methotrexate (MTX). Serial changes in the serum D-dimer levels reflected the treatment response. DT involving both the abdominal wall and the ileal pouch developed after total proctocolectomy with ileoanal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis in a 26-year-old female who was treated in an outpatient unit with low-dose VBL and MTX biweekly for 12 months. The treatment response was assessed at routine intervals by physical examination and abdominal computer tomography (CT) imaging. We assessed serial changes in plasma D-dimers, a potential marker for angiogenic activity, during the low-dose VBL and MTX treatment. DT were successfully treated with low-dose VBL and MTX chemotherapy without any significant side effects or pouch sacrifice. Abdominal CT imaging revealed a decrease in tumor size, and the plasma D-dimer levels decreased in association with tumor regression. This case report shows the efficacy of a low-dose combination chemotherapeutic regimen of VBL and MTX for the treatment of ileoanal pouch mesenteric DT in an outpatient setting. In addition, plasma D-dimers may be a marker for desmoid tumor treatment efficacy.

Administration sequence-dependent antitumor effects of paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil in the human gastric cancer cell line MKN45.

BACKGROUND: The clinical outcome of gastric cancer patients has been improved by combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and paclitaxel (PXL). However, the optimal schedule of this combination has not been determined. METHODS: The efficacies of sequential administrations of 5-FU and PXL on the gastric cancer cell line MKN45 were investigated using a WST-8 colorimetric assay. The cell cycle distribution of each drug was evaluated by flow-cytometry. Furthermore, the mechanism of antitumor activity enhancement by the administration sequence was investigated by western blotting. RESULTS: MKN45 cell growth was significantly inhibited by each drug in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The cytotoxicities of PXL followed by 5-FU were significantly greater than those of 5-FU followed by PXL. The flow-cytometric analysis revealed that PXL exposure caused viable cell accumulation in G2/M phase in a dose-dependent manner. Western blotting showed that PXL exposure followed by 5-FU up-regulated Chk1 and Wee1 protein expressions until PXL removal and 5-FU exposure, when these expressions gradually decreased to their basal levels. 14-3-3sigma protein expression was significantly up-regulated upon PXL treatment followed by 5-FU. Interestingly, Mad2 protein expression with PXL treatment followed by 5-FU gradually increased after the PXL removal and 5-FU exposure. CONCLUSIONS: PXL followed by 5-FU administration may be the optimal sequence for treatment of gastric cancer. The enhanced viable cell accumulation after PXL pretreatment may be related to G2 arrest. After PXL removal and 5-FU exposure, the cells progressing to M phase may undergo cell death by mitotic catastrophe due to DNA damage caused by 5-FU exposure.

A case of congenital jejunal atresia associated with bilateral athelia and choanal atresia: new syndrome spectrum.

We present a case of bilateral choanal atresia, cleft of the posterior palate. Cardiac, respiratory and central nervous system examinations were normal. An examination of the chest revealed aplasia of the bilateral absence of the bilateral nipple-areola complex. Skin, soft tissue and bilateral pectoral muscles of the chest wall were normal. The patient did not have scalp nodules or abnormal ears. Four hours after birth, an X-ray examination showed the distended intestinal loops, suggesting small bowel obstruction. Exploration was performed and congenital jejunal atresia was surgically identified. A primary anastomosis was performed. At 3 years of age, the patient had mild mental and growth retardation. Chromosome analysis was normal (46,XX). Magnetic resonance imaging showed no abnormal finding in the spinal cord; however, mild atrophy of the left cerebrum was pointed out. An abdominal echo examination showed no abnormal findings in the kidney. These associations may represent a previously undescribed syndrome spectrum.

Esophageal stricture with a pseudodiverticulum caused by the unrecognized ingestion of a small foreign body in a child: report of a case.

A 2-year-old boy with a long history of vomiting, dysphagia, and weight loss was found to have a rigid stricture in the proximal esophagus. We performed esophageal repair using a Livaditis circular myotomy technique. The removed section of esophagus contained the inflammatory stricture with a pseudodiverticulum, caused by the unrecognized ingestion of a small, hard plastic sticker.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist inhibits the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in colorectal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Interleukin (IL)-1 is known to act as a tumor growth factor by inducing angiogenic factors. We examined the significance of IL-1beta and IL-1 receptor antagonist (RA) for inducing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in colorectal cancers. METHODS: We investigated the expression of VEGF induced by IL-1beta in five colon cancer cell lines and the possible involvement of IL-1 RA. We also measured the tissue concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-1 RA and VEGF by ELISA in 65 colorectal cancer patients. RESULTS: IL-1beta induced VEGF secretion with a 19-fold increase in Caco-2 cells. A significant increase in VEGF secretion was also observed in SW480 and WiDr cells. IL-1 RA inhibited IL-1beta-induced VEGF secretion by 87%. Our data from the clinically obtained specimens showed that the IL-1 RA/IL-1beta ratio is significantly lower in cancer tissue. Regarding the clinicopathological parameters, the IL-1 RA/IL-1beta ratio was significantly lower in patients with vessel involvement than in those without involvement, and IL-1 RA/IL-1beta ratio was negatively correlated with the VEGF protein level in colorectal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that IL-1beta induces VEGF expression and IL-1 RA acts as the competitive inhibitor, and that the IL-1 RA/IL-1beta ratio is significant for VEGF expression in the microenvironment of colorectal cancer tissue. We conclude that IL-1beta induces VEGF secretion in a certain population of colorectal cancer patients, and that IL-1 RA is the potential therapeutic agent for antiangiogenic therapy in colorectal cancer patients.

Laparoscopically assisted total gastrectomy with sentinel node biopsy for early gastric cancer: preliminary results.

This study sought to describe a procedure involving laparoscopically assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) with sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and to evaluate the results of the first three patients. LATG for early gastric cancer was performed with sentinel node (SN) identification using a combined patent blue-violet dye and 99mtechnetium-labeled tin colloid technique. Laparoscopically resected SNs were processed for frozen section examination by routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical cytokeratin (IHC-CK) stains. LATG consists of a four-surgical port technique, removal of the specimen through a small 5-cm laparotomy, and stapled Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy. Five patients were candidates for LATG with SNB between March 2001 and June 2003; two had open surgery because of a tumor extending the serosal surface and peritoneal dissemination, whereas in the remaining three, SNs were successfully identified and evaluated with no evidence of sentinel node (micro) metastases intraoperatively. Based on the results of SNB, three patients underwent LATG with adequate lymphadenectomy. Mean operative time and blood loss were 375 min and 219 mL, respectively. No dissected lymph nodes had evidence of metastasis by H&E and IHC-CK on permanent sections. LATG with SNB followed by adequate lymphadenectomy is technically feasible, and with its acceptable operative time and blood loss, presents an excellent therapeutic option for early gastric cancer; while SNB and subsequent frozen section analysis by H&E and IHC-CK staining is a rapid and reliable diagnostic method for intraoperative detection of SN (micro) metastasis. This combination treatment is a promising alternative to laparoscopic gastrectomy with conventional lymphadenectomy.

C-reactive protein as a prognostic variable that reflects uncontrolled up-regulation of the IL-1-IL-6 network system in colorectal carcinoma.

Up-regulation of the IL-1-IL-6 network stimulates systemic expression of C-reactive protein (CRP). This cytokine network system plays a pivotal role in inducing angiogenic growth factors in intestinal mucosa. Serum CRP level and tissue concentrations of cytokines in colorectal cancer patients were determined and an in vitro model was employed to determine the time course of induction of IL-6 in Caco-2 cells. Increased serum CRP was associated with recurrent disease and shorter survival time. Intense surgical stress and the presence of an acute phase reactant were independently associated with overexpression of IL-6 in the tumor. Enhanced IL-6 protein expression in Caco-2 cells induced by the initial treatment with IL-1beta or lipopolysaccharide could be abrogated by additional presupplementation of IL-1ra. The presence of an acute phase reactant reflects uncontrolled up-regulation of the local IL-1-IL-6 network system in the tumor, which may enhance the survival and proliferation of remnant cancer cells after tumor resection.

Predicting factor of quality of life in long-term jaundice-free survivors after the Kasai operation.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine simple predictors for quality of life (QOL) in long-term jaundice-free survivors after the Kasai operation. METHODS: Kasai's original portoenterostomy was performed on 55 patients with biliary atresia. Among them, records were reviewed retrospectively of 35 long-term (at least 5 years) and jaundice-free (clearance in bilirubin level less than 1.0 mg/dL after Kasai operation) survivors. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on QOL, and the differences in clinical and laboratory data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The ages at Kasai operation, histologic, fibrosis grade of liver biopsy specimen at operation, the first onset and frequency of postoperative cholangitis, and postoperative clearance speed of jaundice after Kasai operation were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level at 1 year was significantly correlated with the serum concentration of hyaluronic acid and an independent predictor for QOL in long-term jaundice-free survivors of the Kasai operation. CONCLUSIONS: The serum AST level at 1 year was a simple, strong predicting factor of QOL and liver dysfunction in long-term jaundice-free survivors after Kasai operation and may prove useful in planning liver transplantation.

Operative morbidity associated with groin dissections.

PURPOSE: Groin dissection remains the treatment of choice for malignant neoplasms of the skin in the lower extremities and perineum. We sought to quantify the hospital complications after groin dissection, and to identify the patient- and procedure-related factors affecting these complications. METHODS: We reviewed 20 consecutive patients who underwent a collective 25 groin dissections for malignant neoplasms of the skin between 1996 and 2002 to determine the incidence and degree of morbidity, and to analyze the clinical factors associated with morbidity. An S-shaped incision was used for the first 8 procedures, whereas a straight incision was used for the next 17. RESULTS: The overall incidences of complications were 24% for wound infection, 52% for skin flap problems, 32% for seromas, 40% for edema, and 4% for hemorrhage, whereas the incidences of moderate to severe complications were 16% for wound infection, 16% for skin flap problems, 12% for seromas, 4% for edema, and 4% for hemorrhage. The incidence of wound infection tended to be higher after S-shaped incisions than after straight incisions ( P = 0.059), and the incidence of leg edema was significantly higher after S-shaped incisions than after straight incisions ( P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: S-shaped incisions more often resulted in lymphatic collection and stagnation, with a higher incidence of wound infections and leg edema than straight incisions. Therefore, we now perform straight incisions to minimize the risk of wound infections and leg edema.

Serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in patients with postoperative infectious complications from gastrointestinal surgery for cancer.

We examined the kinetics of serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) perioperatively and clarified its significance regarding the development of infectious complications. We studied 94 patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery for gastric or colorectal cancer at Mie University Hospital from 1996 to 2000. Serum concentrations of MCP-1 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured perioperatively. The number of circulating lymphocytes and neutrophils were counted to assess the apoptotic rate of neutrophils. Patients were divided into two groups at the median preoperative MCP-1 level obtained from 40 gender- and age-matched healthy volunteers. The rate of developing infectious complications was significantly higher and tumor size was significantly larger in the low MCP-1 group than in the high MCP-1 group. The increasing IL-6 ratio (postoperative/preoperative IL-6 level) in the low MCP-1 group was about twofold greater than that in the high MCP-1 group. The neutrophil level calculated for the low MCP-1 group was significantly higher than that in the high MCP-1 group on postoperative day 3. We concluded that a decreased level of serum MCP-1 reflected tumor-related immunosuppression. Low MCP-1 levels were associated with an exaggerated postoperative IL-6 response and delayed neutrophil apoptosis, which affected the incidence of postoperative infectious complications developing in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.

Modified pharmacokinetic modulating chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil, UFT, and taxotere (docetaxel) for advanced gastric cancer.

The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced gastric carcinoma is controversial. Moreover, a standard regimen for such chemotherapy has not been clearly established. Pharmacokinetic modulating chemotherapy (PMC), a combination of infused 5-fluorouracil and oral uracil-tegafur, has been proven to be highly effective for the treatment of colorectal carcinoma. We report two patients with advanced gastric carcinoma successfully treated with PMC and infused taxotere (TXT; docetaxel). Preoperative treatment with PMC and TXT significantly decreased the depth of wall penetration of the tumor in one patient and reduced the size of the tumor in the other patient. In both patients, there were significant chemotherapeutic effects on the primary tumor and on regional lymph nodes pathologically. Preoperative PMC plus TXT produced primary tumor downstaging, leading to improved resectability. The responsiveness of metastatic cancer cells in the regional lymph nodes suggested the possibility of nodal downstaging by this regimen.

Serum immunosuppressive acidic protein as an interleukin-6 related index of deteriorating condition in gastric cancer patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) is an acute-phase reactant which has a close correlation with the impairment of the host's immunity. The present study aims to investigate the significance of serum IAP as an index of cytokine-related disease status in gastric cancer patients. METHODS: Serum IAP levels were determined in 76 gastric cancer patients and 20 healthy subjects. In a subgroup of 39 patients, tissue interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations and expression of IL-6 protein in tumor tissues were also examined. RESULTS: The mean serum IAP level in the patients was significantly higher than that in the normal controls. The serum IAP level in the patients was associated with clinicopathological features, such as tumor size and serosal invasion. The prognosis of patients with high IAP levels was significantly worse than that of those with low IAP levels. Moreover, the serum IAP level was closely correlated with various parameters reflecting the host's nutritional and immunological conditions. Immunohistochemically, IL-6 was overexpressed in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. The IL-6 concentration and immunoreactivity of IL-6 protein in tumor tissue was significantly correlated with the serum IAP level. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum IAP, which may be upregulated by an activated IL-6 network in tumor tissue, may reflect not only tumor progression, but also a deteriorated condition that is associated with malnutrition and immunosuppression in gastric cancer patients.