CA19-9 Reduction After 4 Months of Treatment Is a Prognostic Factor for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels may aid in the determination of subsequent treatment in patients with unresectable locally-advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) treated with chemotherapy. However, the relationship between the timing and magnitude of CA19-9 changes and clinical outcomes remains unclear. This study was conducted to identify the timing and magnitude of CA19-9 changes, which are most strongly associated with outcomes in LAPC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive LAPC patients treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) or modified FOLFIRINOX (mFFX) as the first-line chemotherapy between March 2014 and December 2018 in our hospital. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors of chemotherapy in LAPC. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were included (GnP/mFFX: 72/22). The median overall survival was 20.3 months, and the median progression-free survival was 8.8 months. CA19-9 values before treatment did not affect prognosis. However, CA19-9 <100 U/ml or more than a 70% reduction in CA19-9 four months after commencing treatment was associated with a good prognosis (hazard ratio=0.17; 95% confidence interval=0.09-0.33; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: CA19-9 values 4 months after commencing treatment are a significant prognostic factor in LAPC patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Optimizing Indications for Conversion Surgery Based on Analysis of 454 Consecutive Japanese Cases with Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer Who Received Modified FOLFIRINOX or Gemcitabine Plus Nab-paclitaxel: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of initially unresectable pancreatic cancer (UR-PC) has improved since the introduction of FOLFIRINOX (FFX) or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GNP) treatment. Nonetheless, the indications and optimal timing for conversion to resection remain unclear for UR-PC. The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of cases with initially UR-PC who received modified FFX or GNP treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 454 consecutive Japanese UR-PC cases who received modified FFX/GNP treatment. Cases were categorized according to resection status, and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using a multivariable prognostic scoring model (0-4 points, higher score indicating more favorable prognostic factors). RESULTS: The overall resection rate was 16% for locally advanced UR-PC (UR-LA) and 5% for metastatic UR-PC (UR-M). The resection group had better OS than the nonresection group (median OS time: not reached versus 13.0 months, P < 0.001). The independent prognostic factors were normalized CA19-9 concentration, modified Glasgow prognostic score of 0, tumor shrinkage after chemotherapy, chemotherapy duration ≥ 8 months, and resection. Cases were grouped according to their prognostic score, and the results suggested that candidates for resection might have prognostic scores of 4 points in UR-M cases or 2-4 points in UR-LA cases. CONCLUSIONS: Stratification according to prognostic score was useful in predicting the outcomes of UR-PC cases and may aid in identifying cases who might benefit from surgical treatment after responding to chemotherapy.

Conversion surgery for recurrent hepatic angiosarcoma after systemic chemotherapy with paclitaxel.

A 67-year-old man presented with hemorrhagic shock due to the rupture of hepatic tumor and underwent emergency partial resection of the right liver. Pathological examination revealed hepatic angiosarcoma with involvement in its surgical margin. Six months after the operation, disease recurrence was detected, and he was referred to our hospital for second opinion. CT revealed tumors at the liver cut surface and left lateral segment. The tumor at the liver cut surface abutted to the common bile duct and the portal vein. The tumor was deemed unresectable, and systemic chemotherapy with 4 courses of weekly paclitaxel was given with excellent response. Then, we performed partial liver resection of S4 and S1 with remnant right liver and middle hepatic vein, and wedge resection for the metastatic lesion of segment 3 as a conversion surgery. He developed a grade B bile leakage postoperatively and was discharged on postoperative day 28. He remained disease free for 8 months after the operation.

Impact of Tumor Size on the Outcomes of Patients with Resectable Distal Pancreatic Cancer: Lessons Learned from a Series of 158 Radical Resections.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant therapy is used for borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with high risk of incomplete resection and early recurrence. Because distal PDAC is rare, the optimal criteria for neoadjuvant therapy specific for distal PDAC remain unclear. We hypothesized large distal PDAC would recur earlier than small distal PDAC. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for failure of upfront resection for resectable distal PDAC. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 158 patients with resectable distal PDAC who underwent radical resection. The long-term outcomes were recurrence-free survival (RFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and post-recurrence survival (PRS). RESULTS: R0 resection was achieved in 92% of patients, and median DSS for the entire cohort was 31 months. Among 103 patients who developed recurrence, 32 (31%) developed recurrence within 6 months. The median PRS and DSS for those with early recurrence was 6 and 10 months, respectively, compared with 11 and 30 months, respectively, for those with late recurrence (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively). Patients with tumors > 4 cm had higher rates of R1 resection (16%) and concomitant resection of another organ (19%) than those with smaller tumors (4% and 2%, p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, tumor > 4 cm remained a significant predictor of early recurrence (p < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] 6.51), shorter RFS (p = 0.018, HR 1.71), and shorter DSS (p = 0.002, HR 2.07). CONCLUSION: Tumor size > 4 cm is a reliable predictor of early recurrence after resection of distal PDAC, and neoadjuvant therapy may help select patients who can benefit from radical resection.

Liposarcoma of gallbladder: a case report and literature review.

A 53-year-old man with prior history of resection of liposarcoma in his leg presented with gallbladder mass. Computed tomography showed 4-cm tumor at gallbladder fundus with weak enhancement with IV contrast. Differential diagnoses included hemangioma and liposarcoma, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was recommended. In the operating room, the tumor appeared without serosal and liver invasions and uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy was completed. Histopathological examination revealed the tumor as myxoid liposarcoma with round cells. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not given, and he was placed on imaging surveillance. At 16 months after the operation, he developed recurrence of liposarcoma in the left popliteal fossa.

Comparison of the outcomes between total eversion and conventional triangulating stapling technique in cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage and stenosis remain major problems after esophageal reconstruction. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes between the total eversion (TE) triangulating stapling technique (TST) and conventional (C) TST. METHODS: The study included 404 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent cervical esophagogastrostomy by TST between January 2013 and December 2018. The postoperative outcomes were compared between TE-TST and C-TST using propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS: Before matching, the cT stage and the cTNM stage were different between the groups. After matching, each group consisted of 128 patients. The patients' background characteristics were similar between the groups. Although the incidence of anastomotic leakage was similar between the groups (p = 0.216), anastomotic stricture occurred in 19 (14.8%) and 7 (5.5%) patients in the C-TST and the TE-TST groups, respectively (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of anastomotic stenosis was significantly lower in the TE-TST group than in the C-TST group. TE-TST decreases the incidence of anastomotic stricture and can improve the quality of life in patients undergoing esophagectomy.

High CA19-9 level in resectable pancreatic cancer is a potential indication of neoadjuvant treatment.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on borderline resectable (BR) pancreatic cancer (PC) included patients with heterogenous preoperative states; however, the definition of resectability for PC has evolved. We aimed to investigate the prognostic factors for PC other than anatomical resectability in those who underwent upfront resection and discuss the optimal treatment strategy for PC. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 431 patients who underwent upfront surgery with curative intent between 2007 and 2014. The association between clinical characteristics and survival outcomes was assessed by stratifying patients according to risk factors. The patients were categorized into four groups based on anatomical (resectable [R]/BR) and biological features (CA19-9 ≤500/>500 U/mL): anatomical R with CA19-9 ≤500 U/mL (favorable-R); anatomical BR with CA19-9 ≤500 U/mL (favorable-BR); anatomical R with CA19-9 >500 U/mL (risky-R); and anatomical BR with CA19-9 >500 U/mL (risky-BR). RESULTS: Overall, 320 and 111 patients had anatomical R- and BR-PC, respectively. A modified Glasgow prognostic score = 2 (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.73), NLR>5 (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.54), CA19-9 >500 U/mL (HR: 1.86), and anatomical BR (HR: 1.38) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. The risky-R group had likely worse prognosis (16 months vs. 19 months, P = 0.0605) and a significantly higher early recurrence rate (36% vs 18%, P = 0.0231) than the favorable-BR group. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to stratify and distinguish PC patients at a high risk of worse prognosis. Risky-R was an unfavorable prognostic factor and should thus be considered in the decision-making for treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, in addition to anatomical BR-PC.

Digestive Reconstruction After Pharyngolaryngectomy with Total Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngolaryngectomy with total esophagectomy (PLTE) is often indicated for patients with synchronous head and neck cancer and thoracic esophageal cancer or those with head and neck cancer extending to the upper mediastinum. A long conduit is required for the reconstruction, and the blood flow at the tip of the conduit is not always sufficient. Thus, reconstructive surgery after PLTE remains challenging, and optimal reconstruction methods have not been elucidated to date. METHODS: This analysis investigated 65 patients who underwent PLTE. The short-term outcomes among the procedures were compared to explore the optimal digestive reconstruction methods. RESULTS: We used a simple gastric conduit for 7 patients, a gastric conduit with microvascular anastomosis (MVA) for 10 patients, an elongated gastric conduit with an MVA for 20 patients, a gastric conduit combined with a free jejunum transfer (FJT) for 25 patients, and other procedures for 3 patients. Postoperatively, 17 (26.2%) of the patients experienced severe complications, classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 3b or higher, including graft failure for 3 patients (6.2%). Anastomotic leakage was found in six patients (9.2%), and all leakages occurred at the pharyngogastric anastomosis. The reoperation rate was 15.4% (n = 10), and three patients (4.6%) died of massive bleeding from major vessels. The patients who underwent simple gastric conduit more frequently had graft failure (P = 0.04), anastomotic leakage (P < 0.01), and reoperation (P = 0.04) than the patients treated with the other reconstructive methods. CONCLUSION: Additional procedures such as MVA, gastric tube elongation, and FJT contribute to improving the outcomes of reconstruction after PLTE.

The Optimal Feeding Enterostomy Creation During Esophagectomy to Reduce the Long-Term Risk of Small Bowel Obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Although feeding jejunostomy (FJ) is commonly created during esophagectomy for postoperative enteral nutrition, it can be a cause of postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO). We introduced a technique of feeding enterostomy using the round ligament of the liver (FERL) to reduce SBO. In this study, we aimed to clarify the efficacy of FERL in reducing the postoperative SBO compared with FJ. METHODS: We assessed 400 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction between 2011 and 2016, before and after the introduction of FERL (FJ, n = 200; FERL, n = 200). The cumulative incidences of postoperative SBO and SBO associated with feeding enterostomy were compared between the FJ and the FERL groups. RESULTS: Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic surgery was more frequent in the FERL group than in the FJ group (p < 0.001). The cumulative incidences of postoperative SBO and SBO associated with feeding enterostomy in the FERL group were significantly less frequent than those in the FJ group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). When stratifying by the abdominal surgical approach, the cumulative incidences of postoperative SBO and SBO associated with feeding enterostomy in a laparoscopic approach were less frequent in the FERL group than those in the FJ group (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The FERL technique can reduce the incidences of postoperative SBO and SBO associated with feeding enterostomy in patients undergoing esophagectomy.

Two Cases of Long-Term Survival of Advanced Colorectal Cancer with Synchronous Lung Metastases Treated with mFOLFOX6/XELOX + Bevacizumab.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) with lung metastases has an unfavorable prognosis. However, nowadays, even advanced CRC can have a favorable outcome in certain cases. A complete response (CR) is a rare event in advanced CRC with lung metastases. Herein, we report 2 rare cases of advanced CRC attaining a CR. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1 was a 58-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection for cecum cancer with multiple metastases to the lungs in 2011. We performed treatment with mFOLFOX6 and bevacizumab chemotherapy in August 2011. After 11 courses, computed tomography (CT) revealed a CR to chemotherapy in February 2012. He has remained disease-free for 5 years and 3 months. Case 2 was a 70-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection for cecum cancer in August 2010. Recurrence of multiple metastases to both lungs was detected in November 2010. We started treatment with XELOX and bevacizumab chemotherapy in January 2011. In January 2011, CT after 14 courses revealed disappearance of the lung lesions, thereby indicating a CR. She has remained disease-free for 5 years and 4 months. CONCLUSION: We encountered 2 patients with CRC with lung metastases who were treated with chemotherapy leading to a CR. Cases resulting in such a desirable outcome are extremely rare.

Clinicopathological Features of Metastatic Gastric Tumors Originating From Breast Cancer: Analysis of Eleven Cases.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic gastric tumor originating from breast cancer (MGTBC) is rare. Endoscopically, gastric cancer (GC)-like lesions and submucosal tumors (SMT) are the features of MGTBC. Their clinicopathological characteristics are currently uncertain. We analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics of 11 patients with MGTBC to better understand the disease progression and thereby improve early detection methods. METHODS: From 2006 to 2016, 11 patients with MGTBC diagnosed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were included. RESULTS: All 11 patients were women, with a median age of 57 years. Histological examination revealed six cases with solid tubular components and five cases with invasive lobular carcinoma components. Melena was the most common symptom; however, asymptomatic cases were also common. Seven and four cases had GC-like lesions and SMTs, respectively. Six of the seven cases had GC-like lesions with peritoneal metastasis, whereas none of the four SMT cases had peritoneal metastasis (P = 0.015). The median overall survival (OS) in all cases was 26 months (range, 1 - 42 months). OS in cases treated with chemotherapy after a diagnosis of gastric metastases was significantly better than that in those treated without chemotherapy (P = 0.047). One patient showed gradual transformation from an SMT-type lesion to a Borrmann type 4-like appearance. CONCLUSIONS: MGTBC is a rare occurrence; however, it should be considered when gastric tumors, especially GC-like lesions in patients with a medical history of breast cancer are found. Patients with breast cancer, especially invasive lobular carcinoma, should undergo screening EGD regularly to detect gastric metastases early and receive chemotherapy to obtain good outcomes.

Long-term survival of a patient with advanced gastric cancer with paraaortic lymph node metastasis who attained pathological complete response after S-1/CDDP chemotherapy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer with paraaortic lymph node (PAN) metastasis have unfavorable prognosis. There are no evidence-based preoperative chemotherapy regimens available. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old female was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer and PAN metastasis. We attempted S-1/CDDP chemotherapy in six coursed and total gastrectomy as well as systematic dissection of regional lymph nodes and PAN. Histologically, no cancerous cells were detected in specimens. The patient has been disease-free for 5 years since the surgery. DISCUSSION: Long-term survival case of gastric cancer with PAN metastasis attaining pathologically complete response is extremely rare. It is possible that preoperative S1/CDDP with surgery might be a standard treatment strategy for gastric cancer with PANs. CONCLUSION: We report herein a rare case of gastric cancer with PAN metastases who achieved a 5-year survival after S-1/CDDP chemotherapy and surgery.

Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cells in duodenal papilla: a case report.

An 82-year-old woman with common bile duct (CBD) dilatation observed during routine ultrasonography was referred to our hospital. Preliminary blood tests revealed elevated levels of hepatobiliary enzymes. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed lower bile duct wall thickening and enhancement. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed mildly swollen papilla of Vater, without ulceration. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography demonstrated that the CBD was grossly dilated with a constriction in the lower part. The final diagnosis indicated poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of duodenal papilla with signet-ring cells; pT3N0M0, stage IIA (Unio Internationalis Contra Cancrum, 7th edition), for which subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD) was performed. This case is quite rare, and the surgery resulted in a desirable outcome. The patient has been disease-free for 5 years since the surgery.