Acalculous cholecystitis in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma on sorafenib.

A 67-year-old woman with compensated cirrhosis type B associated with hepatocellular carcinoma was started on sorafenib for multiple pulmonary metastases. The patient developed right upper quadrant pain and high fever 4 weeks later. Imaging revealed marked enlargement of the gallbladder without calculi. Following percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration, her symptoms resolved, but the gallbladder remained enlarged. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Arteriolar occlusion with intimal thickening in the muscular layer of the gallbladder was seen sporadically. The fact that this patient had no risk factors for acalculous cholecystitis suggested that the cholecystitis resulted from ischemia, implying a strong causal relationship with sorafenib.

Prediction of sustained response to low-dose pegylated interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin in patients with genotype 1b and high hepatitis C virus level using viral reduction within 2 weeks after therapy initiation.

AIM: Continuation of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin at the recommended dose is difficult in elderly patients and/or patients with cytopenia or complications. Whether the therapeutic efficacy of low-dose PEG-IFN plus ribavirin therapy could be predicted based on virological response within 2 weeks of therapy initiation was evaluated. METHODS: A total of 106 patients with a high viral load of genotype-1b hepatitis C virus (HCV) underwent low-dose PEG-IFN plus ribavirin therapy. PEG-IFN alpha 2b (0.75 µg/kg per week) and ribavirin (600-800 mg/day) were administered for 48 weeks. RESULTS: Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 37%, and treatment was discontinued in 9%. On univariate analysis of SVR-contributing factors, significant differences were noted in the white blood cell count, platelet count, fibrosis markers, and viral reduction within 2 weeks from therapy initiation. On multivariate analysis, the platelet count and the reduction in the HCV core antigen level at week 2 were independent factors. The positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) for SVR based on a 1-log or greater HCV-RNA level reduction at week 2 were 65% and 90%, respectively, and those based on HCV core antigen level at week 2 were 64% and 97%, respectively. PPV and NPV based on a 2-log or greater reduction of the RNA level were 86% and 67%, respectively, and those based on the core antigen level were 93% and 69%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of viral reduction at week 2 after therapy initiation is useful for predicting SVR to low-dose PEG-IFN plus ribavirin therapy.

A case of a giant glucagonoma with parathyroid hormone-related peptide secretion showing an inconsistent postsurgical endocrine status.

A 53-year-old woman was admitted because of a giant pancreatic tumor. Hypercalcemia and a high serum parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) level were observed. A hypoglycemic attack occurred during pancreatectomy, and the surgical specimen revealed a PTHrP-secreting glucagonoma. Liver metastases developed 1 and 5.5 years later, and bone metastases appeared 6 years after surgery. Her serum PTHrP concentrations remained normal after surgery, despite re-elevation of the serum glucagon concentration after recurrence. The clinical course of this case illustrates the process of development of neuroendocrine tumors secreting two or more hormones.

Clinical features and risk factors of extrahepatic seeding after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: To clarify the clinical features of and risk factors for extrahepatic seeding, a major complication following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Our prospective database of 351 nodules in 257 patients with HCC who had undergone RFA between April 2001 and April 2008 was reviewed. The following variables were assessed to identify the risk factors for extrahepatic seeding: age, sex, viral markers, Child-Pugh class, tumor size, number of tumors, RFA indication (tumor size ≤3 cm, number of tumors ≤3), tumor biopsy prior to RFA, degree of histological differentiation, tumor markers, tumor location, number of sessions, and combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 36.5 months, during which the rate of seeding after was 5.1% and the 5-year cumulative seeding rate was 8.4%. The survival rate after neoplastic seeding was 21% at 5 years. Univariate analysis of the risk factors for neoplastic seeding showed significant differences in tumor size, RFA indication, subcapsular lesion, number of sessions, tumor biopsy prior to RFA, and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin value. However, multivariate analysis showed that the only independent risk factor was RFA indication. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of patients with neoplastic seeding was poor. In particular, RFA performed for HCC not satisfying the RFA indication showed a high risk of seeding, and careful consideration should be given to the optimal treatment method and avoiding direct puncture of subcapsular tumors.

Assessment of gastroesophageal reflux disease by serodiagnosis of Helicobacter pylori-related chronic gastritis stage.

AIM: To evaluate the association of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori)-related chronic gastritis stage with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: Subjects underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a questionnaire using a frequency scale for symptoms of GERD (FSSG), and measurements of serum H.pylori-antibody and pepsinogen (PG) levels. They were classified into the following 4 groups in terms of H.pylori-related chronic gastritis stage: Group A (n = 219), H.pylori(-)PG(-); Group B (n = 310), H.pylori(+)PG(-); Group C (n = 279), H.pylori(+)PG(+); and Group D (n = 17), H.pylori(-)PG(+). RESULTS: Reflux esophagitis occurred in 30.6% of Group A, 14.5% of Group B, 6.8% of Group C, and 0% of Group D (P < 0.001). Scores for acid reflux symptoms decreased significantly with chronic gastritis stage (from Group A to D) (P < 0.05), while scores for dysmotility symptoms did not differ significantly. The prevalence of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) did not differ among groups. However, in subjects with GERD, the prevalence of NERD tended to increase with chronic gastritis stage (P = 0.081). CONCLUSION: Acid reflux symptoms and the prevalence of reflux esophagitis can be assessed by measuring both serum H.pylori-antibody and PG levels.

Assessment of hepatocellular carcinomas using conventional magnetic resonance imaging correlated with histological differentiation and a serum marker of poor prognosis.

PURPOSE: To establish a method of assessing the malignant potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: For 69 nodules [12 Edmondson (Ed)-I, 48 Ed-II, 9 Ed-III] in 54 HCC patients, signal intensity patterns and enhancement patterns of gadopentate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) dynamic studies were correlated with histological differentiation and serum lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP-L3) level, which is an indicator of poor prognosis. RESULTS: Hypointensity on T1-weighted imaging was seen in 17, 72, and 89% of Ed-I, Ed-II, and Ed-III HCCs, respectively (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging was seen in 42, 88, and 89% (P < 0.005). Tumor stain during the arterial phase of Gd dynamic MRI was seen in 75, 86, and 89%. Tumor stain washout during the portal phase was seen in 43% of Ed-II and 100% of Ed-III HCCs (P < 0.005). In the Ed-II and Ed-III HCCs, hypointensity on T1-weighted imaging was seen in 65% of AFP-L3-negative HCCs and 90% of AFP-L3-positive HCCs (P = 0.071). Washout of tumor stain during the portal phase was seen in 39% of AFP-L3-negative HCCs and 75% of AFP-L3-positive HCCs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although hyperintensity of tumor on T2-weighted imaging and arterial hypervascularity of tumor are considered to be useful for differential diagnosis between well differentiated HCCs and moderately/poorly differentiated HCCs, hypointensity of tumor on T1-weighted imaging and tumor stain washout during the portal phase of Gd-DTPA dynamic MRI reflected poorer histological differentiation of HCCs and correlated with AFP-L3 levels.

Assessment of malignant potential of small hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma using B-mode ultrasonography.

AIM: Evaluation of malignant potential is important to determine the treatment strategy for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study was to establish a method of assessing the malignant potential of small hypervascular HCC using B-mode ultrasonography. METHODS: One hundred and thirteen arterial hypervascular HCC nodules under 3 cm diagnosed by biopsy or surgical resection (20.5 ± 6.3 mm) were classified into two groups ultrasonographically: type 1 with (n = 27) and type 2 without (n = 86) a halo. Type 2 was categorized into three subgroups: type 2a, homogenous hyperechoic (n = 9); type 2b, hypoechoic with a smooth margin (n = 35); and type 2c, hypoechoic with an irregular or unclear margin (n = 42). RESULTS: The mean diameter of type 2a nodules was significantly smaller than that of other HCC types (P < 0.05). Overall, moderately differentiated HCC was the predominant histological type, except for type 2a, all of which were well-differentiated HCC. The percentage of poorly differentiated HCC was significantly higher in type 2c nodules (19%) than in other HCC types (P < 0.01). The percentage of Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive α-fetoprotein (AFP-L3) positivity was significantly higher in type 2c nodules (55%) than in other HCC types (P < 0.01). Classification on B-mode ultrasonography was correlated with the histological differentiation and serum level, an indicator of a poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: The malignant potential of type 2a is the lowest and that of type 2c is the highest, both histologically and serologically. Assessment of the malignant potential of small, hypervascular HCC is possible by B-mode ultrasonography.

Elevated risk of colorectal adenoma with Helicobacter pylori-related chronic gastritis: a population-based case-control study.

This study investigated correlations between Helicobacter pylori infection or chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and risk of colorectal adenoma in a population-based case-control study. Subjects comprised asymptomatic, middle-aged, male Japanese factory workers who participated in an annual health check-up program, including cancer screening with colonoscopy. We selected 239 colorectal adenoma cases based on histological evaluation and 239 age-matched adenoma-free controls, and evaluated colorectal adenoma risk according to stage of H. pylori-related chronic gastritis as determined by serum tests for H. pylori antibody titer and pepsinogen. Subjects with colorectal adenoma were more likely to be smokers and have hypercholesterolemia. H. pylori infection was a risk factor for adenoma as a whole (crude odds ratio [OR]: 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-3.55). Analysis of distal adenoma cases showed that adenoma risk was significantly increased in the presence of H. pylori infection, but there was no further increase in risk with CAG. In contrast, proximal adenoma risk increased stepwise with the presence and progression of H. pylori-related chronic gastritis and showed a maximal and significant increase with CAG (crude OR: 4.51, 95% CI: 1.43-14.2). Subjects with more extensive and severe gastritis showed still higher risk not only for proximal but also for distal adenoma. H. pylori-related chronic gastritis is likely to be involved in the development of colorectal neoplasms, and its progression appears to increase the risk, particularly for proximal adenomas. Knowing the H. pylori-related chronic gastritis stage will probably be useful for evaluation of risk for colorectal neoplasia.

Novel risk markers for gastric cancer screening: Present status and future prospects.

Initial identification of populations at high risk of gastric cancer (GC) is important for endoscopic screening of GC. As serum pepsinogen (PG) test-positive subjects with progression of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) show a high likelihood of future cancer development, this population warrants careful follow-up observation as a high-risk GC group. By combining the PG test with Helicobacter pylori (HP) antibody titers, the HP-related chronic gastritis stage can be classified, thus identifying not only a GC high-risk group but also a low-risk group. Among PG test-negative patients without CAG, those with high serum PG II levels and HP antibody titers are thought to have severe gastric mucosal inflammation and the risk of diffuse-type GC is also high. Meanwhile, in gastric mucosae obtained by endoscopic biopsy, HP infection induces aberrant DNA methylation in CpG islands in multiple gene regions and the extent of methylation clearly correlates with GC risk. By quantifying aberrant DNA methylation in suitable gene markers, we can determine the extent of the epigenetic field for cancerization. These novel concepts and risk markers will have many clinical applications in gastrointestinal endoscopy, including more efficient endoscopic GC screening and a strategic approach to metachronous multiple GCs after endoscopic treatment.

Diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis by combined, contrast-enhanced sonography and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration.

A 79-year-old woman complaining of epigastric pain was examined by her local physician, who found an abdominal mass and referred the patient to our department. Abdominal plain computed tomography revealed a mass, 50 mm in size, with slight calcification on the ventral side of the head of the pancreas. On abdominal ultrasound, the mass lesion consisted of an aggregation of hypoechoic masses, with a heterogeneous hyperechoic region at its center. On contrast ultrasonography, only the hyperechoic region was stained. (18)F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) revealed FDG accumulation in the same region. It was difficult to differentiate between a malignant pancreatic tumor and an inflammatory disease on imaging, but since QuantiFERON TB2G testing was positive, pancreatic tuberculosis was suspected, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) was performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Samples from the hypoechoic region consisted of necrotic tissue, while those from the hyperechoic region consisted of pancreatic tissue together with granulation tissue. BCG immunostaining was positive, and a diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis was made. If EUS-FNA is performed on stained areas seen on contrast ultrasonography, this will probably enable a more accurate diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis with low invasiveness.

Preventive effects of etodolac, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, on cancer development in extensive metaplastic gastritis, a Helicobacter pylori-negative precancerous lesion.

The present study investigated the preventive effects of etodolac, a selective cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, on metachronous cancer development after endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer. Among 267 early gastric cancer patients who underwent endoscopic resection, 47 patients with extensive metaplastic gastritis were selected based on endoscopic findings and our previously described criteria of serum pepsinogen (PG) test-positive and Helicobacter pylori antibody-negative conditions. Nonrandomized etodolac treatment (300 mg/day) was administered to 26 patients (Group A), while the remaining 21 patients were untreated (Group B). No significant differences in age, sex distribution, lifestyle factors or extent of metaplastic gastritis at baseline were identified between groups. Patients were followed for metachronous cancer development with endoscopy every 6-12 months for up to 5 years. Mean (standard deviation) follow-up period was 4.2 (0.9) years. In Group B, 5 cancers developed (incidence rate = 6,266/100,000 person-years), significantly more than the 1 cancer in Group A (incidence rate = 898/100,000 person-years; p < 0.05). Long-term etodolac treatment did not influence the extent of metaplastic gastritis as revealed by endoscopic findings or by serum PG levels, but effectively reduced metachronous cancer development in patients with extensive metaplastic gastritis. These results strongly suggest that chemoprevention of cancer in the metaplastic stomach is possible by controlling COX-2 expression.

Diffuse intrahepatic recurrence after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for solitary and small hepatocellular carcinoma.

Two patients developed segmental, diffuse intrahepatic recurrence after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat a primary, solitary, and small (2.5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the size of the HCC, levels of the tumor markers (α-fetoprotein, α-fetoprotein-L3%, and des-γ-carboxyprothrombin) were all elevated before RFA, and tumors in both patients were contiguous with a major branch of the portal vein. Tumor biopsies of both patients revealed moderately differentiated HCC but diagnostic imaging showed an area of reduced tumor blood flow, suggesting a poorly differentiated component. Since early detection of post-RFA malignancies by standard ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography was difficult, the most sensitive indicator of recurrence in these two patients was the elevated tumor markers. The diffuse intrahepatic recurrence was thought to be caused by increased intratumoral pressure during RFA, resulting in the dissemination of cancer cells through the contiguous portal vein. The clinical course of these tumors indicate that the choice of RFA should be carefully considered when treating specific subtype of HCC that is adjacent to main portal vein branch and involves a possible poorly differentiated component and that surgical resection or combinations of RFA with other treatment modalities such as transcatheter arterial chemoembolization should be considered as alternative treatment strategies.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori prevents cancer development in subjects with mild gastric atrophy identified by serum pepsinogen levels.

A longitudinal cohort study was conducted in Helicobactor pylori-infected middle-aged Japanese males to evaluate the preventive effects of H. pylori eradication on the development of gastric cancer according to the extent of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). The extent of CAG was monitored by baseline serum pepsinogen (PG) levels. We followed 3,656 subjects with persistent H. pylori infection and 473 subjects with successful H. pylori eradication for cancer development for a mean (SD) of 9.3 (0.7) years. Groups with and without extensive CAG were categorized based on PG test-positive criteria to detect extensive CAG of PG I

Gastric acid reduction leads to an alteration in lower intestinal microflora.

To clarify the alterations in lower intestinal microflora induced by gastric acid reduction, the dynamics of 12 major genera or groups of bacteria comprising the microflora in feces and colonic contents were examined by quantitative real-time PCR in proton pump inhibitor-treated rats and in asymptomatic human subjects with hypochlorhydria. In both rat and human experiments, most genera or groups of intestinal microflora (facultative and obligate anaerobes) proliferated by gastric acid reduction, and marked and significant increases in the Lactobacilli group and Veillonella, oropharyngeal bacteria, were observed. In rats, potent gastric acid inhibition led to a marked and significant increase of intestinal bacteria, including the Bacteroidesfragilis group, while Bifidobacterium, a beneficial bacterial species, remained at a constant level. These results strongly indicate that the gastric acid barrier not only controls the colonization and growth of oropharyngeal bacteria, but also regulates the population and composition of lower intestinal microflora.

Risk of gastric cancer in asymptomatic, middle-aged Japanese subjects based on serum pepsinogen and Helicobacter pylori antibody levels.

A total of 5,209 asymptomatic, middle-aged subjects, whose serum pepsinogen (PG) and Helicobacter pylori antibody levels had been assessed, were followed for 10 years. Subjects with positive serum H. pylori antibodies (>50 U/mL) had an increased cancer risk (HR = 3.48, 95% CI = 1.26-9.64). Risk of gastric cancer increased as the antibody level increased; the H. pylori-positive group with antibody levels >500 U/mL had the highest incidence rate (325/100,000 person-years). Cancer development also increased with a reduced serum PG I level or a reduced PG I/II ratio; the risk was significantly elevated with serum PG I level or=30 ng/mL (HR = 3.81, 95% CI = 1.10-13.21). Using H. pylori antibody and PG levels, subgroups with an especially high or low cancer incidence rate could be identified. H. pylori-negative or indeterminate subjects with low PG level (PG I 500 U/mL and a low PG level were among the subgroups with a high cancer incidence rate (over 400/100,000 person-years). In contrast, H. pylori-negative subjects with a PG I level >70 ng/mL or a PG I/II ratio >3.0 had the lowest risk; none of these subjects developed cancer. Thus, serum PG levels and/or H. pylori antibody levels can be used to predict the risk of cancer in individuals with H. pylori-related gastritis from the general population.

Cancer high-risk subjects identified by serum pepsinogen tests: outcomes after 10-year follow-up in asymptomatic middle-aged males.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer screening using the pepsinogen filter test is receiving wide recognition in Japan owing to convenience, freedom from discomfort or risk, efficiency, and economy. Because the long-term outcomes of cancer development in extensive atrophic gastritis detected by pepsinogen test are unclear, test-positive and test-negative subjects were investigated in a longitudinal cohort study. METHODS: Subjects comprised 5,209 middle-aged men with measured serum pepsinogen levels who were followed for 10 years. Cancer development based on "atrophy-positive" and "atrophy-negative" criteria used for cancer screening was investigated. RESULTS: During the study, 63 cases of cancer developed in the cohort, representing an incidence rate of 125 per 100,000 person-years. Pepsinogen test screening using the most widely used atrophy-positive criterion (pepsinogen I, < or =70 ng/mL; pepsinogen I/II ratio, < or =3.0) displayed 58.7% sensitivity, 73.4% specificity, and 2.6% positive predictive value. Cancer incidence rate was 276 per 100,000 person-years for the atrophy-positive group and 70 per 100,000 person-years for the atrophy-negative group. Incidence rate was higher in groups fulfilling stricter positive criteria detecting more extensive atrophy, reaching 424 per 100,000 person-years. In addition, 9.2% of atrophy-negative subjects with pepsinogen I of >70 ng/mL and pepsinogen I/II ratio of < or =3.0 (reflecting putative inflammation-based high pepsinogen II level) are at high risk for cancer, particularly diffuse-type cancer, with a cancer incidence rate comparable with atrophy-positive subjects (216 per 100,000 person-years). CONCLUSION: Atrophy-positive subjects by pepsinogen filter test, particularly those fulfilling stricter criteria, and atrophy-negative subjects with low pepsinogen I/II ratio reflecting putative extensive active inflammation constitute populations at high risk for gastric cancer, requiring thorough endoscopic examination.

S-1 plus cisplatin versus S-1 alone for first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer (SPIRITS trial): a phase III trial.

BACKGROUND: Phase I/II clinical trials of S-1 plus cisplatin for advanced gastric cancer have yielded good responses and the treatment was well tolerated. In this S-1 Plus cisplatin versus S-1 In RCT In the Treatment for Stomach cancer (SPIRITS) trial, we aimed to verify that overall survival was better in patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with S-1 plus cisplatin than with S-1 alone. METHODS: In this phase III trial, chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced gastric cancer were enrolled between March 26, 2002, and Nov 30, 2004, at 38 centres in Japan, and randomly assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin or S-1 alone. In patients assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin, S-1 (40-60 mg depending on patient's body surface area) was given orally, twice daily for 3 consecutive weeks, and 60 mg/m(2) cisplatin was given intravenously on day 8, followed by a 2-week rest period, within a 5-week cycle. Those assigned to S-1 alone received the same dose of S-1 twice daily for 4 consecutive weeks, followed by a 2-week rest period, within a 6-week cycle. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival, proportions of responders, and safety. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00150670. FINDINGS: 305 patients were enrolled; seven patients were ineligible or withdrew consent, therefore, 148 patients were assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin and 150 patients were assigned to S-1 alone. Median overall survival was significantly longer in patients assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin (13.0 months [IQR 7.6-21.9]) than in those assigned to S-1 alone (11.0 months [5.6-19.8]; hazard ratio for death, 0.77; 95% CI 0.61-0.98; p=0.04). Progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin than in those assigned to S-1 alone (median progression-free survival 6.0 months [3.3-12.9] vs 4.0 months [2.1-6.8]; p<0.0001). Additionally, of 87 patients assigned S-1 plus cisplatin who had target tumours, one patient had a complete response and 46 patients had partial responses, ie, a total of 54% (range 43-65). Of 106 patients assigned S-1 alone who had target tumours, one patient had a complete response and 32 had partial responses, ie, a total of 31% (23-41). We recorded more grade 3 or 4 adverse events including leucopenia, neutropenia, anaemia, nausea, and anorexia, in the group assigned to S-1 plus cisplatin than in the group assigned to S-1 alone. There were no treatment-related deaths in either group. INTERPRETATION: S-1 plus cisplatin holds promise of becoming a standard first-line treatment for patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Potent induction therapy with interferon and ribavirin combination therapy does not achieve a higher sustained virological response rate in chronic hepatitis C with genotype 1b and high hepatitis C virus RNA level.

AIMS: To compare twice-daily interferon (IFN)-beta administration and once-daily IFN-alpha-2b administration as induction therapy in ribavirin combination therapy in chronic hepatitis C with a high viral load of genotype-1b hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS: Sixty-one chronic hepatitis patients with a high viral load of genotype-1b HCV were randomly divided into three groups: group A was given IFN-beta 6 MU induction therapy twice daily for 2 weeks; group B was given IFN-alpha-2b 6 MU induction therapy once daily for 2 weeks; and group C was given no induction therapy. All three groups were then given IFN-alpha-2b 6 MU 3 days/week for the rest of the 24-week study period. Ribavirin was given for the entire 24-week study period. RESULTS: Although the cumulative HCV-RNA negative rates tended to be higher in group A than in group B, the differencewas not significant. The HCV-RNA negative rate at week 2 was significantly higher in groups A and B than in group C (P < 0.05). The sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 16% overall, 21% for groups A and B, and 5% for group C; the SVR rate of groups A plus B tended to be higher than that of group C (P = 0.093). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between the effects of the two induction therapies; potent induction therapy does achieve higher early viral clearance but not a higher SVR rate.

Serum pepsinogen and gastric cancer screening.

Since the 1990's, the test for serum pepsinogen as a marker for chronic atrophic gastritis has been incorporated into gastric cancer screening programs, on a trial basis, to identify people at high risk for gastric cancer. The addition of the serum test to the cancer screening program has been shown to improve the detection rate of cancer and pepsinogen testing is useful in detecting early-stage gastric cancers arising from atrophic gastric mucosa, which macroscopically tend to be elevated and histologically differentiated. Furthermore, the cost for the detection of a single cancer case is much less than that for conventional screening. Thus, with the introduction of pepsinogen testing, complimenting barium X-ray, a more efficient screening system is available.