Extent of regional lymphadenectomy and number-based nodal classification for non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the adequate extent of regional lymphadenectomy according to tumor location and the impact of number-based nodal classification on survival in patients with non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma (NADAC). METHODS: A total of 85 patients with NADAC who underwent surgery were enrolled. The frequency of metastasis was calculated for each node group in the respective tumor locations for 63 patients who underwent lymphadenectomy for pT2-pT4 tumor. RESULTS: The frequency of metastasis in the pancreaticoduodenal (nos. 13 and 17) and superior mesenteric artery (no. 14) nodes was high (16.7 %-52.3 %) regardless of tumor location. Metastasis in the perigastric (nos. 3 and 4d) and right celiac artery (no. 9) nodes was not uncommon (14.3 %-22.2 %) for tumors in the first portion. The frequency of metastasis in the pyloric (nos. 5 and 6) and the other peripancreaticoduodenal (nos. 8 and 12) nodes varied depending on tumor location but could not be ignored for staging. When these nodes were classified as regional nodes, the 5-year survival in patients with pN0, pN1 (1-2 positive nodes), and pN2 (≥3 positive nodes) were 82.9 %, 51.7 %, and 19.2 %, respectively (p < 0.001). pN classification independently predicted survival (pN1, p = 0.022; pN2, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nos. 5, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14, and 17 nodes in all advanced NADAC and nos. 3, 4d, and 9 nodes in advanced NADAC in the first portion should be considered as regional nodes for accurate staging. The number-based nodal classification allows good patients' prognostic stratification.

Tumor-to-tumor metastasis of colon cancer metastasizing to a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease: a case report.

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is frequently associated with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). Here, we report a case of tumor-to-tumor metastasis in a VHL patient in whom colon cancer metastasized to the interior of a PNET. A 65-year-old man had undergone bilateral adrenalectomy for pheochromocytomas in both adrenal glands in his 50 s. Genetic screening was performed considering his family history of pheochromocytoma, and he was diagnosed with VHL. PNET was detected, for which the patient was regularly monitored by follow-up imaging. One year ago, the patient underwent right hemicolectomy to remove a tumor in the ascending colon (pT3N0M0, pStage IIA). He was admitted to our department for detailed examination because the pancreatic tumor had grown, and thus, pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. Diagnostic imaging and histological findings indicated tumor-to-tumor metastasis, in which the patient's previous colon cancer had metastasized to and proliferated within the PNET. Colon cancer metastasizing to a PNET is extraordinarily rare and has never been reported in the literature. Thus, practitioners should be vigilant for tumor-to-tumor metastasis when performing imaging surveillance of PNETs.

Oncological outcomes of surgery for recurrent biliary tract cancer: who are the best candidates?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the impact of surgery on outcomes in patients with recurrent biliary tract cancer (BTC) and elucidate factors affecting survival after surgery for this disease. METHODS: A single-center study was undertaken in 178 patients with recurrent BTC, of whom 24 underwent surgery for recurrence, 85 received chemotherapy, and 69 received best supportive care. Then, we carried out a multicenter study in 52 patients undergoing surgery for recurrent BTC (gallbladder cancer, 39%; distal cholangiocarcinoma, 27%; perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, 21%; intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 13%). RESULTS: In the single-center study, 3-year survival after recurrence was 53% in patients who underwent surgery, 4% in those who received chemotherapy, and 0% in those who received best supportive care (p < 0.001). Surgery was an independently prognostic factor (p < 0.001). In the multicenter series, the respective 3-year and 5-year survival after surgery for recurrence was 50% and 29% in the 52 patients. Initial site of recurrence was the only independent prognostic factor (p = 0.019). Five-year survival after surgery for recurrence in patients with single distant, multifocal distant, and locoregional recurrence was 51%, 0%, and 0%, respectively (p = 0.002). Sites of single distant recurrence included the liver (n = 13, 54%), distant lymph nodes (all from gallbladder cancer, n = 7, 29%), lung (n = 2, 9%), peritoneum (n = 1, 4%), and abdominal wall (n = 1, 4%). CONCLUSION: Surgery may be an effective option for patients with less aggressive tumor biology characterized by single distant recurrence in recurrent BTC.

Clinicopathological Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Primary Cystic Duct Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Study.

BACKGROUND: The role of surgery in the management of primary cystic duct carcinoma (CDC) remains unclear especially in advanced disease. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for primary CDC. METHODS: From a multi-institutional database, we identified 41 patients who underwent surgery for primary CDC, defined as a part of gallbladder carcinoma with the tumor centre located in the cystic duct. RESULTS: Of the 41 patients, 31 (75.6%) underwent preoperative biliary drainage for jaundice. Twenty-eight (68.3%) patients underwent extensive resection including major hepatectomy (n = 21), pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 4), or both procedures (n = 3). Thirty-four (82.9%) patients had ≥ pT3 tumor, while 31 (75.6%) patients had involvement of contiguous organs/structures. Nodal and distant metastasis was found in 26 (63.4%) and 7 (17.1%) patients, respectively. Most patients (90.2%) had perineural invasion. Median overall survival was 23.7 months in all 41 patients. Factors independently associated with both overall and disease-specific survival were pN (P = 0.003 and P = 0.007, respectively) and pM (P = 0.003 and P = 0.013, respectively) classification. Median survival was 75.3, 17.7, and 5.2 months for patients with pN0M0 (n = 14), pN1/2pM0 or pN0pM1 (n = 21), and pN1/2pM1 (n = 6) disease, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Primary CDC is characterized by locally advanced disease with aggressive histopathological characteristics at surgery, leading to extensive resection during treatment. Surgery provides potential benefits for patients with pN0pM0 disease, whereas pN1/2 and/or pM1 status appear to have strong adverse effects on survival.

[A Case of Ascending Colon Cancer with Essential Thrombocythemia].

Essential thrombocythemia(ET)is a rare myeloproliferative disorder characterized by thrombocytosis and a risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. ET rarely occurs simultaneously with colorectal cancer. Including our case, only 5 cases of c o l orectal cancer with ET have been reported in Japan. Herein, we report a case of colon cancer in an ET patient who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Our perioperative management avoided complications such as thrombosis or bleeding. An 81-year-old woman developed bloody stools. She was previously diagnosed with ET 9 years ago. Aspirin, cilostazol, and hydroxyurea(HU)were prescribed. Colonoscopy revealed a tumor at the ascending colon. Histopathological examination showed a well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Since the patient had anemia, aspirin and cilostazol were discontinued after diagnosis. HU was discontinued from the day before surgery to 2 days after surgery. Enoxaparin was subcutaneously administered for 1 to 3 days after surgery. Aspirin and cilostazol were resumed on the fourth day post-surgery. The patient could be discharged when her condition stabilizes with no thrombosis and bleeding after 8 days.

Gastric adenosquamous carcinoma producing granulocyte-colony stimulating factor: a case of a rare malignancy.

BACKGROUND: A gastric adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) that produces granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is an uncommon malignancy with a poor prognosis. Due to the rarity of this lesion, a standard treatment for the disease has not been established. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of a 66-year-old male with a G-CSF-producing gastric ASC who presented with severe anemia and leukocytosis. A radical resection was performed, followed by a course of adjuvant chemotherapy. Histopathologic examination revealed that the tumor consisted of areas of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining with an anti-G-CSF antibody was also positive. He was started on adjuvant capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CapeOX) 6 weeks after surgery. The patient stopped treatment after 3 months due to his own preference. Eight months following surgery, the patient was found to have diffuse lymph node, liver, and peritoneal metastases. CONCLUSIONS: G-CSF-producing gastric ASC is a rare and aggressive tumor. Because patients are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, multidisciplinary evaluation and innovative treatments are needed. The rarity of this disease, with its aggressive features, poses a significant challenge in its treatment. In this brief case report, we summarize the management and outcomes of G-CSF-producing gastric ASC.

[A Case of Minimally Invasive Apocrine Carcinoma Derived from Ductal Adenoma].

A 63-year-old woman was found to have a mass in her right breast and visited our hospital to undergo a detailed examination. A histopathological examination by using ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy revealed ductal carcinoma in situ. A partial mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed for the cancer of the right breast. The postoperative histopathological examination indicated apocrine carcinoma with a predominantly intraductal component without lymph node metastasis. The discrimination between ductal adenoma and apocrine carcinoma sometimes becomes a problem in making decisions about treatment. We need to take care when making a diagnosis.

Comparison of Number Versus Ratio of Positive Lymph Nodes in the Assessment of Lymph Node Status in Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the utility of the number of positive lymph nodes with the lymph node ratio (LNR) in predicting survival after resection of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 142 consecutive patients who underwent radical resection of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was performed. A total of 3066 regional lymph nodes were resected. The median number of nodes per patient was 21. The optimal cutoff values for the number of positive nodes and the LNR were determined using the Chi square scores calculated by the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: Nodal disease was found in 59 patients (42 %). In the subsequent analysis of the impact that nodal status has on survival, 18 patients with R1/2 resection and 6 patients with paraaortic nodal disease who did not survive for more than 5 years after resection were excluded. The optimal cutoff value for the number of positive nodes was 1, and the optimal cutoff value for the LNR was 5 %. Univariate analysis identified both the number of positive nodes (0, 1, or ≥2; P = 0.005) and the LNR (0, 0-5, or >5 %; P = 0.007) as significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis identified the number of positive nodes but not the LNR as an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.012). The 5-year survival rates were 64 % for the patients with no positive nodes, 46 % for the patients with one positive node, and 28 % for the patients with two or more positive nodes. CONCLUSIONS: The number of positive lymph nodes predicts survival better than the LNR after resection of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, provided that nodal evaluation is sufficient.

[A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis Secondary to Gefitinib Therapy for Lung Adenocarcinoma].

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a relatively rare condition, characterized by subserosal or submucosal air within the bowel wall. Herein, we report a rare case of PCI secondary to treatment with an epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI). A 71-year-old man, who had received gefitinib therapy for 2 years and 5 months for lung adenocarcinoma with metastases to the bones and brain, presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed intramural air in the small bowel, free air in the abdomen, and moderate ascites. A diagnosis of PCI was made, and the patient was managed conservatively by discontinuing gefitinib treatment, because his vital signs were stable and there was no sign of peritonitis. The patient's symptoms gradually improved, and follow-up CT after 1 week revealed that the initial findings had almost completely resolved. Clinicians should note that treatment with gefitinib might cause PCI.

[Three cases of esophageal carcinoma achieved a pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil].

We report three cases of esophageal carcinoma all of which achieved a pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (CF). All three patients were men with clinical stage II squamous cell carcinoma of the middle thoracic esophagus. We administered 2 courses of CF treatment as NAC and then performed radical esophagectomy. Pathologic examination revealed no viable tumor cells in the resected esophagus. The patients are currently alive with no evidence of disease.

Immune responses in patients with esophageal cancer treated with SART1 peptide-pulsed dendritic cell vaccine.

Patients with advanced stage of squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus have a poor prognosis with a lethal outcome. In order to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus, we performed a phase I/II clinical trial of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) pulsed with SART1 peptide in seven patients with advanced stage of this disease. Although the feasibility of this therapy was definite, the effectiveness was not clearly confirmed in advanced stage of squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus. However, in vitro study revealed that moDCs generated for this therapy possessed a potent ability of inducing SART1 peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). In addition, these moDCs were demonstrated to be able to produce exosomes with an antigen presenting ability for inducing SART1 peptide-specific CTLs. ELISPOT assay using cryopreserved patient's lymphocytes demonstrated that IFN-γ ELISPOTs were increased after four times of SART1 peptide-pulsed moDC vaccinations compared with before the vaccination in a patient. The present study demonstrated that moDCs prepared from advanced stage of squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus possess a good immune function and in vivo immune responses (detected by ELISPOT assay) were evoked by the infusion of these moDCs. These findings suggest that DC-based immunotherapy could be one of the modalities applicable for squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus.

[Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Treated with Halsted's Operation Because of Drug-Induced Lung Injury Caused by Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy--A Case Report].

A 64-year-old woman discovered a mass in her left breast and visited our hospital. A thorough examination resulted in a diagnosis of left, locally advanced breast cancer (cT4bN3, M0, cStage Ⅲc) with muscle invasion and Level Ⅲ lymph node metastases. Because of drug-induced lung disease following 4 courses of adriamycin and cyclophosphamide, the chemotherapy had to be stopped. Halsted's operation and postoperative radiotherapy (50 Gy) were performed. The patient was alive with no evidence of recurrence 9 months after surgery. Although multidisciplinary therapy is recommended in locally advanced breast cancer, chemotherapy sometimes cannot be performed due to factors such as age and physical status. Halsted's operation could be considered as a treatment of choice in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. It is important to choose the treatment strategy based on the condition of the patient.

[A Case of Long-Term Survival of a Patient with Liver Metastasis of Colon Cancer and Suspected Inferior Vena Cava Invasion].

A 58-year-old woman was diagnosed with a sigmoid colon cancer and synchronous liver metastasis. Because an obstruction of the sigmoid colon was identified, the patient underwent sigmoidectomy. Computed tomography(CT)findings suggested possible vena cava and hepatic vein invasion. Therefore, the decision was made to offer systemic chemotherapy. The patient underwent 6 courses of chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6). After 4 courses of chemotherapy, CT scans showed a significant reduction of the liver metastasis (reduction rate of 5 0%; a partial response) and demonstrated improved exclusion of the inferior vena cava and hepatic vein. After 6 courses of chemotherapy, we performed right trisegmentectomy of the liver and resection of the inferior vena cava and diaphragm. Postoperative pathological findings revealed negative margins, and no invasion of the inferior vena cava. The pathological response grade of the tumor after chemotherapy was determined to be Grade 2. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not performed because of the patient 's poor performance status. The patient was alive with no recurrence 8 years after resection of the liver metastasis.

[A Case of Radical Resection for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer with Positive Peritoneal Cytology Treated with Chemoradiotherapy].

A 54-year-old female patient was admitted with obstructive jaundice. The patient was diagnosed with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer of the head with invasion to the super mesenteric artery and the third portion of the duodenum. A biliary- and gastric-enteric bypass surgery was performed, and peritoneal lavage cytology was positive during surgery. After 6 courses of gemcitabine and S-1 combination chemotherapy, the CA19-9 level was normalized and the primary tumor shrank to 79% of its original size. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed that distant metastasis was not detected and the peritoneal lavage cytology was negative. After additional chemoradiation therapy, a pancreaticoduodenectomy was perfomed. Microscopic investigation revealed that about 60% of the cancer tissue had been replaced by fibrosis and no cancer cells were found at the surgical margin. The patient was alive with no evidence of recurrence 17 months after radical surgery.

Clinical significance of perineural invasion diagnosed by immunohistochemistry with anti-S100 antibody in Stage I-III colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Perineural invasion (PN) diagnosed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining is an important prognostic factor after curative-intent surgery in patients with colorectal cancer. However, the clinical significance of PN diagnosed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) has not been investigated. The present study assessed the clinical significance of PN diagnosed by IHC with an anti-S100 antibody in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 184 consecutive patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer who had undergone curative-intent surgery. We analyzed the absence/presence of PN diagnosed by HE staining (HE-PN) compared to that diagnosed by IHC with the anti-S100 antibody (S100-PN). Potential prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses of the overall and relapse-free survival. The [Formula: see text] statistics were used to assess the inter-observer reproducibility. RESULTS: The incidence of HE-PN and S100-PN among the 184 patients was 60 patients (32.6%) and 113 patients (61.4%), respectively (P < 0.001). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis indicated that S100-PN was an independent prognostic factor for both the overall and relapse-free survival. The [Formula: see text] value was 0.77 for S100-PN and 0.47 for HE-PN. CONCLUSION: PN diagnosed by IHC is an important prognostic factor in patients with colorectal cancer. An inter-observer assessment showed superior judgment reproducibility for S100-PN compared with HE-PN.

[A case of a large liposarcoma of the chest].

A49 -year-old woman with a growing tumor of the left anterior chest wall was admitted to our hospital. This patient was diagnosed with a malignant well-differentiated tumor by needle biopsy and underwent surgery involving wide resection of the tumor, associated excision of the major pectoralis muscle, and part of the mammary tissue and skin. The tumor measured 14.2×17.8 cm and weighed 1,220 g. Histopathologically, the tumor was confirmed to be a dedifferentiated liposarcoma, and local recurrence and metastasis often occurs in spite of complete surgical resection. However, no local recurrence or metastasis has been detected 2 months post-surgery. The main anatomic sites of liposarcomas are the retroperitoneum and lower extremities; only 19 liposarcoma cases of the anterior chest wall have been reported in Japan.

[Current surgical treatment for gallbladder cancer].

Surgical resection offers the best chance for cure in patients with gallbladder cancer. An aggressive surgical approach to gallbladder cancer has been advocated to minimize morbidity and improve long-term survival. The theoretical mechanism of hepatic spread from gallbladder cancer includes direct extension, hematogenous metastasis, and lymphatic spread. Direct liver invasion and portal tract invasion are the main modes of hepatic spread from resectable gallbladder cancer. Portal tract invasion mainly results from lymphatic spread within the portal tracts. Partial hepatectomy involving the gallbladder bed is a critical part of gallbladder cancer resection and is a safe procedure. The performance of major hepatectomy is justified only if potentially curative resection is feasible. The presence of peripancreatic nodal disease is not a contraindication for radical resection. Combined major hepatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy provide survival benefit for some patients with locally advanced gallbladder cancer. Patients with gallbladder cancer with no bile duct involvement are potential candidates for this aggressive procedure, but the mortality rate after this procedure is higher. Patients with advanced gallbladder cancer should be managed at high-volume centers. The combination of surgery with chemotherapy should be established in the management of patients with locally advanced gallbladder cancer.

Is early enteral nutrition initiated within 24 hours better for the postoperative course in esophageal cancer surgery?

BACKGROUND: Early enteral nutrition within 24 h after surgery has become a recommended procedure. In the present study, we retrospectively examined whether initiating EN within 24 h after esophagectomy improves the postoperative course. METHODS: Among 103 patients who underwent thoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, we enrolled the cases in which EN was initiated within 72 h after surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: EN started within 24 h (Group D1) and EN started at 24 - 72 h (Group D2-3). Clinical factors including days for first fecal passage, dose of postoperative albumin infusion, difference in serum albumin between pre- and postoperation, incidence of postoperative infection, and use of total parenteral nutrition were compared. Statistical analyses were performed by the Mann-Whitney U test and Chi square test, with significance defined as P < 0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in clinical factors. While pneumonia was significantly more frequent in Group D1 than in Group D2-3 (P = 0.0308), the frequency of infectious complications was comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: Initiating EN within 24 h showed no advantage for the postoperative course in esophageal cancer, and thus EN should be scheduled within 24 - 72 h, based on the patient condition.