N6-methyladenosine modified circPAK2 promotes lymph node metastasis via targeting IGF2BPs/VEGFA signaling in gastric cancer.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of cancer occurrence and progression, as well as promising biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, the potential mechanisms of circRNAs implicated in lymph node (LN) metastasis of gastric cancer remain unclear. Herein, we identify a novel N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modified circRNA, circPAK2, which is significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and metastatic LN tissues. Functionally, circPAK2 enhances the migration, invasion, lymphangiogenesis, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis of gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circPAK2 is exported by YTH domain-containing protein 1 (YTHDC1) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in an m6A methylation-dependent manner. Moreover, increased cytoplasmic circPAK2 interacts with Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 mRNA-Binding Proteins (IGF2BPs) and forms a circPAK2/IGF2BPs/VEGFA complex to stabilize VEGFA mRNA, which contributes to gastric cancer vasculature formation and aggressiveness. Clinically, high circPAK2 expression is positively associated with LN metastasis and poor prognosis in gastric cancer. This study highlights m6A-modified circPAK2 as a key regulator of LN metastasis of gastric cancer, thus supporting circPAK2 as a promising therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer.

Effect of carbon nanoparticle suspension injection versus indocyanine green tracer in guiding lymph node dissection during radical gastrectomy (FUTURE-01): a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Carbon nanoparticle suspension injection (CNSI) and indocyanine green (ICG) have both been applied intraoperatively to facilitate lymphatic mapping and postoperatively to sort lymph nodes (LNs) in gastric cancer patients. However, no study has compared the two tracers in gastric cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted from January 2022 to March 2023. Patients with potentially resectable gastric cancer (cT1-4a N0/+ M0) were randomized to the CNSI or ICG group. RESULTS: This study enrolled 96 patients. Ninety patients were in the modified intention-to-treat population, including 46 patients (32 males and 14 females; mean [SD] age, 57.4 [9.4] years) in the CNSI group and 44 patients (31 males and 13 females; mean [SD] age, 60.8 [8.8] years) in the ICG group. The mean (SD) number of retrieved LNs was 69.8 (21.9) and 53.6 (17.2) in the CNSI and ICG groups, respectively (P<0.001). The mean (SD) number of retrieved micro-LNs was 19.9 (13.3) and 11.6 (9.9) in the CNSI and ICG groups, respectively (P=0.001). The mean (SD) number of metastatic LNs was 8.1 (11.9) and 5.2 (9.2) in the CNSI and ICG groups, respectively (P=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with ICG, CNSI can increase the number of LNs detected, especially micro-LNs. Both tracers have high diagnostic value for detecting metastatic LNs. CNSI-guided lymphography may be a superior method for improving the accuracy of LN dissection.

Recurrent metastatic patterns and prognosis after radical surgery in patients with alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

Alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of gastric cancer associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the recurrent metastatic patterns and prognostic factors in AFPGC patients undergoing radical surgical resection. Data from 241 AFPGC patients diagnosed between January 2017 and January 2020 who underwent surgical resection were analyzed across multiple centers. Recurrence patterns, metastatic sites, and survival outcomes were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for recurrent metastasis, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). There is an annual increase in the proportion of AFPGC cases, rising from 3.45% in 2017 to 7.88% in 2023. Higher serum AFP level was associated with increased likelihood of lymph node metastasis (P=0.006), deeper invasion depth (P=0.000) and greater tumor diameter (P=0.036). Independent predictors of recurrent metastasis included T4 infiltration, lymph node metastasis, tumor diameter >5 cm, poorly differentiated-undifferentiated pathology, preoperative AFP>1000 ng/mL, and postoperative increasing trend in AFP levels. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 36.5% and 34.2%, respectively, with poorer survival linked to higher preoperative AFP levels and postoperative increasing trend in AFP level. Independent risk factors for poor OS and DFS included T4 infiltration, lymph node metastasis, poorly differentiated-undifferentiated pathology, preoperative AFP>1000 ng/mL, and postoperative increasing trend in AFP. Serum AFP level can serve as a potential predictive and prognostic biomarker. Identifying independent risk factors informs risk stratification and personalized treatment for AFPGC patients.

Development and validation of nomogram models for predicting overall survival and cancer-specific survival in gastric cancer patients with liver metastases: a cohort study based on the SEER database.

OBJECTIVE: To establish nomogram models for predicting the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of gastric cancer liver metastasis (GCLM) patients. METHODS: Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for 5,451 GCLM patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were analyzed. The cohort was divided into a training set (3,815 cases) and an internal validation set (1,636 cases). External validation included 193 patients from the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University and 171 patients from the People's Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, spanning 2016-2018. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified eight independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS in GCLM patients, including age, histological type, grade, tumor size, surgery, chemotherapy, bone metastasis, and lung metastasis. Two nomogram models were developed based on these factors and evaluated using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. RESULTS: Internal validation showed that the nomogram models outperformed the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system in predicting 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year OS and CSS in GCLM patients (1-year OS: 0.801 vs. 0.593, P < 0.001; 1-year CSS: 0.807 vs. 0.598, P < 0.001; 2-year OS: 0.803 vs. 0.630, P < 0.001; 2-year CSS: 0.802 vs. 0.633, P < 0.001; 3-year OS: 0.824 vs. 0.691, P < 0.001; 3-year CSS: 0.839 vs. 0.692, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study developed and validated nomogram models using SEER database data to predict OS and CSS in GCLM patients. These models offer improved prognostic accuracy over traditional staging systems, aiding in clinical decision-making.

Transcriptomics-based liquid biopsy panel for early non-invasive identification of peritoneal recurrence and micrometastasis in locally advanced gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop a novel six-gene expression biomarker panel to enhance the early detection and risk stratification of peritoneal recurrence and micrometastasis in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). METHODS: We used genome-wide transcriptome profiling and rigorous bioinformatics to identify a six-gene expression biomarker panel. This panel was validated across multiple clinical cohorts using both tissue and liquid biopsy samples to predict peritoneal recurrence and micrometastasis in patients with LAGC. RESULTS: Through genome-wide expression profiling, we identified six mRNAs and developed a risk prediction model using 196 samples from a surgical specimen training cohort. This model, incorporating a 6-mRNA panel with clinical features, demonstrated high predictive accuracy for peritoneal recurrence in gastric cancer patients, with an AUC of 0.966 (95% CI: 0.944-0.988). Transitioning from invasive surgical or endoscopic biopsy to noninvasive liquid biopsy, the model retained its predictive efficacy (AUC = 0.963; 95% CI: 0.926-1.000). Additionally, the 6-mRNA panel effectively differentiated patients with or without peritoneal metastasis in 95 peripheral blood specimens (AUC = 0.970; 95% CI: 0.936-1.000) and identified peritoneal micrometastases with a high efficiency (AUC = 0.941; 95% CI: 0.874-1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a novel gene expression biomarker panel that significantly enhances early detection of peritoneal recurrence and micrometastasis in patients with LAGC. The RSA model's predictive capability offers a promising tool for tailored treatment strategies, underscoring the importance of integrating molecular biomarkers with clinical parameters in precision oncology.

Clinical calculator based on CT and clinicopathologic characteristics predicts short-term prognosis following resection of microsatellite-stabilized diffuse gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: Although microsatellite stability/Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (MSS/EMT) subtypes have been reported in multiple cancer prognosis studies, strong confounding factors between MSS/EMT (usually with Lauren's diffuse phenotype) and diffuse gastric cancer (GC) may obscure the independent prognostic value of diffuse GC. Additionally, recent studies suggest a strong correlation between mural stratification based on CT and diffuse GC. This study aims to investigate potential prognostic factors of MSS diffuse GC using mural stratification and to develop a risk assessment model. METHODS: This retrospective study included 131 patients with MSS diffuse GC who underwent radical surgery. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify model predictors and construct a nomogram for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) risks. The model's performance was evaluated using ROC, accuracy, and C-index. Internal validation of the model was conducted using the bootstrap resampling method. RESULTS: Among 131 cases, 60 cases (45.8%) exhibited grade 2 mural stratification, which correlated with a poorer tumor prognosis and a more invasive phenotype. Furthermore, a nomogram for predicting OS and RFS prognosis was established based on multivariate results (age, extranodal invasion, mural stratification, and/or P53). The nomogram demonstrated excellent performance, with an AUC of 0.859 (95% CI 0.794-0.924) for OS and 0.859 (95% CI 0.789-0.929) for RFS. Internal validation using 1000 bootstrap samples yielded AUC values of 0.845 and 0.846 for OS and RFS, respectively. CONCLUSION: Grade 2 mural stratification based on CT imaging revealed a more aggressive invasive phenotype, characterized by increased LN metastasis, higher rates of peritoneal metastasis, and a poorer short-term prognosis. Furthermore, the CT phenotype-based nomogram demonstrates favorable discrimination and calibration, enabling convenient individual short-term prognostic evaluation following resection of MSS diffuse GC.

Nomogram models for predicting overall and cancer-specific survival in early-onset gastric cancer patients: a population-based cohort study.

To develop nomogram models for predicting the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC) patients. A total of 1077 EOGC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were included, and an additional 512 EOGC patients were recruited from the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, serving as an external test set. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors. Based on these factors, two nomogram models were established, and web-based calculators were developed. These models were validated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Multivariate analysis identified gender, histological type, stage, N stage, tumor size, surgery, primary site, and lung metastasis as independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS in EOGC patients. Calibration curves and DCA curves demonstrated that the two constructed nomogram models exhibited good performance. These nomogram models demonstrated superior performance compared to the 7th edition of the AJCC tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification (internal validation set: 1-year OS: 0.831 vs 0.793, P = 0.072; 1-year CSS: 0.842 vs 0.816, P = 0.190; 3-year OS: 0.892 vs 0.857, P = 0.039; 3-year CSS: 0.887 vs 0.848, P = 0.018; 5-year OS: 0.906 vs 0.880, P = 0.133; 5-year CSS: 0.900 vs 0.876, P = 0.109). In conclusion, this study developed two nomogram models: one for predicting OS and the other for CSS of EOGC patients, offering valuable assistance to clinicians.

Real-world effectiveness of a new powered stapling system with gripping surface technology on the intraoperative clinical and economic outcomes of gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Surgical staplers have been widely used to facilitate surgeries, and this study aimed to examine the real-world effectiveness of a new powered stapling system with Gripping Surface Technology (GST) on intraoperative outcomes of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHOD: The data were extracted from the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University's (FHHMU) medical records system. Participants (N = 121 patients) were classified into the GST (n = 59) or non-GST group (n = 62), based on the use of the GST system. The intraoperative outcomes such as bleeding were assessed by reviewing video records. T-tests, Chi-square tests, and Mann-Whitney-U tests were used to compare the baseline characteristics between groups. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted for adjusting outcomes to study the effect of variables. RESULTS: Compared with the non-GST group, the GST group had significantly lower risks for intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative anastomosis intervention rate, intraoperative suture, and intraoperative pression (aORs: 0.0853 (p < 0.0001), 0.076 (p = 0.0003), 0.167 (p = 0.0012), and 0.221 (p = 0.0107), respectively). The GST group also consumed one fewer cartridge than the non-GST group (GST:5 vs non-GST: 6, p = 0.0241). CONCLUSION: The use of the GST system was associated with better intraoperative outcomes and lower cartridge consumption in Chinese real-world settings.

MicroRNA-431-5p inhibits angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and lymph node metastasis by affecting TGF-ß1/SMAD2/3 signaling via ZEB1 in gastric cancer.

Accumulating evidence suggests that lymphangiogenesis plays a crucial role in lymphatic metastasis, leading to tumor immune tolerance. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. In this study, miR-431-5p was markedly downregulated in both gastric cancer (GC) tissues and plasma exosomes, and its expression were correlated negatively with LN metastasis and poor prognosis. Mechanistically, miR-431-5p weakens the TGF-ß1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway by targeting ZEB1, thereby suppressing the secretion of VEGF-A and ANG2, which in turn hinders angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and lymph node (LN) metastasis in GC. Experiments using a popliteal LN metastasis model in BALB/c nude mice demonstrated that miR-431-5p significantly reduced popliteal LN metastasis. Additionally, miR-431-5p enhances the efficacy of anti-PD1 treatment, particularly when combined with galunisertib, anti-PD1 treatment showing a synergistic effect in inhibiting GC progression in C57BL/6 mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that miR-431-5p may modulate the TGF-ß1/SMAD2/3 pathways by targeting ZEB1 to impede GC progression, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis, making it a promising therapeutic target for GC management.

Myosteatosis predicts postoperative complications and long-term survival in robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: Robotic gastrectomy is increasingly utilized for gastric cancer, but high morbidity remains a concern. Myosteatosis or low skeletal muscle density reflecting fatty infiltration, associates with complications after other cancer surgeries but has not been evaluated for robotic gastrectomy. METHODS: This retrospective study analysed 381 patients undergoing robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer from September 2019 to October 2022. Myosteatosis was quantified on preoperative computed tomography (CT) images at lumbar 3 (L3). Propensity score matching addressed potential confounding between myosteatosis and non-myosteatosis groups. Outcomes were postoperative complications, 30 days mortality, 30 days readmissions and survival. RESULTS: Myosteatosis was present in 33.6% of patients. Myosteatosis associated with increased overall (47.7% vs. 26.5%, p < 0.001) and severe complications (12.4% vs. 4.9%, p < 0.001). After matching, myosteatosis remained associated with increased overall complications, major complications, intensive care unit (ICU) transfer and readmission (all p < 0.05). Myosteatosis independently predicted overall [odds ratio (OR) = 2.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.57-5.20, p = 0.001] and severe complications (OR = 4.81, 95% CI: 1.51-15.27, p = 0.008). Myosteatosis also associated with reduced overall (85.0% vs. 93.2%, p = 0.015) and disease-free survival (80.3% vs. 88.4%, p=0.029). On multivariate analysis, myosteatosis independently predicted poorer survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.32-6.08, p=0.012] and disease-free survival (HR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.01-3.30, p=0.032). CONCLUSION: Preoperative CT-defined myosteatosis independently predicts increased postoperative complications and reduced long-term survival after robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Assessing myosteatosis on staging CT could optimize preoperative risk stratification.

Impact of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and prognosis in patients undergoing robotic gastric cancer surgery: A propensity score matching study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, defined as decreased muscle mass and function, correlates with postoperative morbidity and mortality in cancer surgery. However, sarcopenia's impact specifically following robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer has not been clearly defined. This study aimed to determine the influence of sarcopenia on short- and long-term clinical outcomes after robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 381 gastric cancer patients undergoing robotic gastrectomy. Sarcopenia was diagnosed by preoperative computed tomography (CT) body composition analysis. Propensity score matching created 147 pairs of sarcopenia and nonsarcopenia patients for comparison. Outcomes included postoperative complications, survival, inflammatory markers, length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) transfer, and readmissions. RESULTS: Sarcopenia patients exhibited significantly higher rates of overall (53.7% versus 21.1%, P < 0.001), serious (12.9% versus 4.1%, P = 0.007), and grade III-IV complications compared to nonsarcopenia pairs after matching. Sarcopenia independently predicted reduced 3-years overall (HR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.19-5.40, P = 0.016) and disease-free survival (HR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.09-3.66, P = 0.026). Sarcopenia patients also showed heightened postoperative leukocyte, neutrophil, platelet, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) levels alongside suppressed lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR). CONCLUSION: Preoperative sarcopenia is correlated with increased postoperative complications and poorer long-term survival in gastric cancer patients undergoing robotic gastrectomy. Sarcopenia assessment can optimize preoperative risk stratification and perioperative management in this population.

Study protocol of a phase II clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant intraperitoneal and systemic albumin-bound paclitaxel combined with camrelizumab and S-1 in the treatment of patients with exfoliative cell-positive gastric cancer.

Background: Currently, gastric cancer with positive lavage cytology without gross peritoneal dissemination (GC-CY1) is a special type of metastatic form with poor prognosis. Consensus guidelines on treatment strategies for patients with GC-CY1 have not been established. This study involves a single-arm, prospective, phase II clinical trial to examine the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant intraperitoneal and systemic (NIPS) albumin-bound paclitaxel combined with Camrelizumab and S-1 in the treatment of GC-CY1 patients. Methods/design: This is a prospective single-center exploratory study, and the primary endpoints of the trial are R0 resection rate and conversion rate of abdominal free cancer cells (FCCs), with secondary endpoints of 3-year progression-free survival (PFS); 3-year overall survival (OS); objective remission rate (ORR); disease control rate (DCR); safety and TRG classification. Discussion: This study is the first to apply NIPS albumin-bound paclitaxel combined with Camrelizumab and S-1 to the conversion therapy of GC-CY1 patients. It is speculated that this combination of regimens will increase the negative conversion rate of FCCs by 20%, which will provide innovative insights into conversion treatment ideas for GC-CY1 patients to be managed in a more comprehensive and optimized manner. Clinical trial registration: http://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT05410847.

Neoadjuvant docetaxel, oxaliplatin plus capecitabine versus oxaliplatin plus capecitabine for patients with locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma: long-term results of a phase III randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine (DOX regimen) is rarely used in Eastern countries and its efficacy and safety in advanced gastric cancer have not been reported. In this open-label, randomized, controlled trial, the authors aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using the DOX and oxaliplatin plus capecitabine (XELOX) regimens, in comparison to surgery alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred patients younger than 60 years with potentially resectable advanced gastric cancer (cT3-4, Nany, M0) were enrolled in this randomized controlled clinical trial between November 2014 and June 2018. The primary endpoint of the study was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate. Secondary endpoints included 3-year overall survival (OS), 3-year disease-free survival. RESULTS: In total, 280 patients (93 in the DOX group, 92 in the XELOX group, and 95 in the surgery group) were included in the per-protocol analysis. The DOX group demonstrated a significantly higher pCR rate compared to the XELOX group (16.1 vs. 4.3%, P =0.008). For patients with intestinal type, the DOX group exhibited significantly higher rates of both pCR and major pathological response compared to the XELOX group ( P =0.007, P <0.001). The 3-year OS rates of the DOX group, the XELOX group and the surgery group were 56.9, 44.6, and 34.7%, respectively. The 3-year disease-free survival rates were 45.2, 40.2, and 28.4%, respectively. The neoadjuvant DOX regimen demonstrated a significant improvement in the 3-year OS of patients compared to the neoadjuvant XELOX regimen ( P =0.037). CONCLUSION: The neoadjuvant DOX regimen has shown the potential to increase the pCR rate and improve the prognosis of patients with advanced gastric cancer who are under 60 years old.

Prediction of occult peritoneal metastases or positive cytology using CT in gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Accurate prediction of preoperative occult peritoneal metastasis (OPM) is critical to selecting appropriate therapeutic regimen for gastric cancer (GC). Considering the clinical practicability, we develop and validate a visible nomogram that integrates the CT images and clinicopathological parameters for the individual preoperative prediction of OPM in GC. METHODS: This retrospective study included 520 patients who underwent staged laparoscopic exploration or peritoneal lavage cytology (PLC) examination. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression results were used to screen model predictors and construct nomograms of OPM risk. The performance of the model was detected by using ROC, accuracy, and C-index. The bootstrap resampling method was considered internal validation of the model. The Delong test was used to evaluate the difference in AUC between the two models. RESULTS: Grade 2 mural stratification, tumor thickness, and the Lauren classification diffuse were significant predictors of OPM (p < 0.05). The nomogram of these three factors (compared with the original model) showed a higher predictive effect (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of the model was 0.830 (95% CI 0.788-0.873), and the internally validated AUC of 1000 bootstrap samples was 0.826 (95% CI 0.756-0.870). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 76.0%, 78.8%, and 78.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CT phenotype-based nomogram demonstrates favorable discrimination and calibration, and it can be conveniently used for preoperative individual risk rating of OPM in GC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In this study, the preoperative OPM prediction model based on CT images (mural stratification, tumor thickness) combined with pathological parameters (the Lauren classification) showed excellent predictive ability in GC, and it is also suitable for clinicians to use rather than limited to professional radiologists. KEY POINTS: • Nomogram based on CT image analysis can effectively predict occult peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer (training area under the curve (AUC) = 0.830 and bootstrap AUC = 0.826). • Nomogram model combined with CT features performed better than the original model (established using only clinicopathological parameters) in differentiating occult peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer.

Clinical implications of micro lymph node metastasis for patients with gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node size is considered as a criterion for possible lymph node metastasis in imageology. Micro lymph nodes are easily overlooked by surgeons and pathologists. This study investigated the influencing factors and prognosis of micro lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer. METHODS: 191 eligible gastric cancer patients who underwent D2 lymphadenectomy from June 2016 to June 2017 in the Third Surgery Department at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Specimens were resected en bloc and the postoperative retrieval of micro lymph nodes was carried out by the operating surgeon for each lymph node station. Micro lymph nodes were submitted for pathological examination separately. According to the results of pathological results, patients were divided into the "micro-LNM (micro lymph node metastasis)" group (N = 85) and the "non micro-LNM" group (N = 106). RESULTS: The total number of lymph nodes retrieved was 10,954, of which 2998 (27.37%) were micro lymph nodes. A total of 85 (44.50%) gastric cancer patients had been proven to have micro lymph node metastasis. The mean number of micro lymph nodes retrieved was 15.7. The rate of micro lymph node metastasis was 8.1% (242/2998). Undifferentiated carcinoma (90.6% vs. 56.6%, P = 0.034) and more advanced Pathological N category (P < 0.001) were significantly related to micro lymph node metastasis. The patients with micro lymph node metastasis had a poor prognosis (HR for OS of 2.199, 95% CI = 1.335-3.622, P = 0.002). For the stage III patients, micro lymph node metastasis was associated with shorter 5-year OS (15.6% vs. 43.6%, P = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: Micro lymph node metastasis is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Micro lymph node metastasis appears to be a supplement to N category in order to obtain more accurate pathological staging.

Safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic distal gastrectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted distal gastrectomy (RADG) has been used in the minimally invasive surgical treatment of gastric cancer, but the research on advanced gastric cancer (AGC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has not been reported. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of RADG versus laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) after NAC for AGC. METHODS: This was a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis from February 2020 and March 2022. Patients who underwent RADG or LDG for AGC (cT3-4a/N +) following NAC were enrolled and a propensity score-matched analysis was performed in a 1:1 manner. The patients were divided into RADG group and LDG group. The clinicopathological characteristics and short-term outcomes were observed. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, 67 patients each in the RADG and LDG groups. RADG was associated with a lower intraoperative blood loss (35.6 vs. 118.8 ml, P = 0.014) and more retrieved lymph nodes (LNs) (50.7 vs. 39.5, P < 0.001), more extraperigastric (18.3 vs. 10.4, P < 0.001), and suprapancreatic LNs (16.33 vs. 13.70, P = 0.042). The RADG group showed lower VAS scores at postoperative 24 h (2.2 vs 3.3, P = 0.034), earlier ambulation (1.3 vs. 2.6, P = 0.011), aerofluxus time (2.2 vs. 3.6, P = 0.025), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (8.3 vs. 9.8, P = 0.004). There were no significant differences in the operative time (216.7 vs.194.7 min, P = 0.204) and postoperative complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: RADG may be a potential therapeutic option for patients with AGC after NAC considering its advantages in perioperative period compared with LDG.

A New Online Dynamic Nomogram: Construction and Validation of a Predictive Model for Distant Metastasis Risk and Prognosis in Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common sarcoma of the digestive tract, among which patients with distant metastases tend to have a poor prognosis. This study aimed to develop a model for predicting distant metastasis in GIST patients and to develop two models for monitoring overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in GIST patients with metastasis. This would allow us to develop an optimal, individualized treatment strategy. METHODS: We reviewed demographic and clinicopathological characteristics data from 2010 to 2017 of patients diagnosed with GIST in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The data of the external validation group was reviewed from the Forth Hospital of Hebei Medical University. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to confirm the independent risk factors for distant metastasis in the GIST patients, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS in the GIST patients with distant metastasis. Subsequently, three web-based novel nomograms were developed, which were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: Of the 3639 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 418 (11.4%) had distant metastases. The risk factors for distant metastasis in GIST patients included sex, primary site, grade, N stage, tumor size, and mitotic count. For OS, the independent prognosis factors for GIST patients with metastasis included age, race, marital, primary site, chemotherapy, mitotic count, and metastasis at the lung, and for CSS, age, race, marital, primary site, and metastasis at the lung were the independent prognosis factors. Three web-based nomograms were constructed based on these independent factors, respectively. The ROC curves, calibration curves, and DCA were performed in the training, testing, and validation sets which confirmed the high accuracy and strong clinical practice power for the nomograms. CONCLUSION: Population-based nomograms can help clinicians predict the occurrence and prognosis of distant metastases in patients with GIST, which may be helpful for clinicians to formulate clinical management and appropriate treatment strategies.

Sarcopenia: Molecular regulatory network for loss of muscle mass and function.

Skeletal muscle is the foundation of human function and plays a key role in producing exercise, bone protection, and energy metabolism. Sarcopenia is a systemic disease, which is characterized by degenerative changes in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. Therefore, sarcopenia often causes weakness, prolonged hospitalization, falls and other adverse consequences that reduce the quality of life, and even lead to death. In recent years, sarcopenia has become the focus of in-depth research. Researchers have suggested some molecular mechanisms for sarcopenia according to different muscle physiology. These mechanisms cover neuromuscular junction lesion, imbalance of protein synthesis and breakdown, satellite cells dysfunction, etc. We summarize the latest research progress on the molecular mechanism of sarcopenia in this review in order to provide new ideas for future researchers to find valuable therapeutic targets and develop relevant prevention strategies.

Comparison of short-term efficacy and safety between total robotic and total 3D laparoscopic distal radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol: a propensity score matching study.

BACKGROUND: The application of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol in gastrointestinal surgery has been widely accepted. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of ERAS in total robotic distal gastrectomy (TRDG) versus 3D total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (3D-TLDG) for gastric cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 73 patients underwent TRDG and 163 patients who received 3D-TLDG. The propensity score was used for matching analysis according to a 1:1 ratio, so that there was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups. The short-term effect and safety of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The TRDG group had a less intraoperative bleeding (30.21 ± 13.78 vs. 41.44 ± 17.41 ml, P < 0.001), longer intraoperative preparation time (31.05 ± 4.93 vs. 15.48 ± 2.43 min, P < 0.001), shorter digestive tract reconstruction time (32.67 ± 4.41 vs. 39.78 ± 4.95 min, P < 0.001), shorter postoperative ambulation time (14.07 ± 8.97 vs. 17.49 ± 5.98 h, P = 0.007), shorter postoperative anal exhaust time (1.78 ± 0.79 vs. 2.18 ± 0.79 days, P = 0.003), shorter postoperative hospital stay (7.74 ± 3.15 vs. 9.97 ± 3.23 days, P < 0.001), lower postoperative pain score (P = 0.006) and higher hospitalization cost (89,907.15 ± 17,147.19 vs. 125,615.82 ± 11,900.80 RMB, P < 0.001) than the 3D-TLDG group. CONCLUSION: TRDG and 3D-TLDG under ERAS protocol are safe and feasible. Compared with 3D-TLDG, the TRDG has better intraoperative bleeding control effect and greater advantages in digestive tract reconstruction. After the combination of ERAS protocol, TRDG also has certain advantages in the recovery process of patients after surgery.