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.

A feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure for treatment of incarcerated inguinal hernia in children: our preliminary outcome and review of the literature.

The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) for incarcerated inguinal hernia (IIH) repair. 6 single-incision LPEC procedures were performed for IIH repair and 60 procedures were performed for reducible inguinal hernia (RIH) in the same period of time in one hospital. The laparoscope and one pair of grasping forceps were placed through the same umbilical incision. In IIH repair, the herniated organ was gently pulled using the grasping forceps with external manual pressure. If it was difficult to reduce the herniated organ with one pair of forceps, another pair of forceps were inserted through a multi-channel port without extending the umbilical incidion. Using the LPEC needle, the hernia orifice was closed extraperitoneally. We performed a retrospective analysis to compare the outcomes of single-incision LPEC for IIH repair or reducible inguinal hernia. All procedures were completed by single-incision without open conversion. A multi-channel port with another pair of forceps was needed in three cases. The operation time and the length of stay were significantly longer with IIH repair than with RIH repair. There were no major complications and there was no evidence of early recurrence in any patient. In conclusion, single-incision LPEC with a multi-channel port is feasible and safe for IIH repair.

Accessory scrotum with perineal lipoma diagnosed prenatally: case report and review of the literature.

We report a case of accessory scrotum (AS) in the perineal region with peduncular lipoma, diagnosed prenatally. A male fetus of 31 weeks' gestation was referred to our department with a perineal mass. Prenatal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass of 1.0 × 1.2 cm located posterior to the scrotum. No other abnormalities were noted during pregnancy. The patient was delivered vaginally at 38 weeks of gestation. On physical examination, a soft peduncular mass with a rugged and pigmented swelling was located between the normally developed scrotum and the anus. There were no specific symptoms or any other associated congenital anomalies. We completely excised the mass at one month of age. A histological examination revealed lipoma, with tissue suggestive of scrotum, so a definite diagnosis of AS was made. AS is a rare congenital anomaly of the scrotum. We review the literature.

[Recurrent gastric volvulus resolved surgically after therapeutic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy].

A 20-year-old man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) with recurrent gastric volvulus underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Four months later, he developed vomiting and consciousness disturbance. CT revealed gastric volvulus recurrence along the gastrostomy axis. Endoscopic repositioning failed and fistula perforation necessitated emergency surgery. The upper position of the stomach was twisted counter-clockwise and revolved on the gastrostomy axis sliding between the lower stomach and abdominal wall. The fistula showed necrotic perforation and was thus resected. The anterior stomach wall was fixed to the abdominal wall at 3 triangular points. Thereafter, gastric volvulus did not recur. PEG is reportedly effective for preventing gastric volvulus, but there are rare cases of postgastrostomy recurrence. This successfully managed case provides valuable clinical insights.

[A case showing a complete response by weekly paclitaxel associated with severe empyema and mediastinal abscess caused by reduction of a recurrent lung metastatic tumor originating from adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction after primary operation].

The patient was a 57-year-old man who presented with cancer of the esophagogastric junction. He underwent total gastrectomy, lower esophagectomy, distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy with para-aortic lymphnode dissection by the transthoracoabdominal approach. He was given a daily dose of 100 mg of S-1 as adjuvant chemotherapy. About one year after the operation, lung metastasis was recognized by enhanced CT examination. He began weekly paclitaxel as second-line chemotherapy. Paclitaxel was infused once a week. About two weeks after the first infusion therapy, he was admitted to our hospital with fever and dyspnea. A chest enhanced CT revealed remarkable empyema and mediastinal abscess. Chest drainage and mediastinal drainage were performed.After one month of drainage, the empyema and mediastinal abscess had improved. The metastastic tumor of the lung disappeared at the time of discharge. CR has been maintained for more than a year without chemotherapy.This case suggests that remarkable reduction of the tumor induced by chemotherapy may have caused the empyema and mediastinal abscess.

[A Case of gastric endocrine cell carcinoma successfully treated by FU plus irinotecan(CPT-11)adjuvant therapy against recurrent metastases].

A case of gastric endocrine cell carcinoma successfully treated by FU (5-FU/UFT) +irinotecan (CPT-11) adjuvant therapy against recurrent metastases is reported with some discussion. A 69-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with severe anemia. He was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer, T3N1H0P0M0, Stage IIIa. Total gastrectomy with pancreato-splenectomy with D2 lymph node dissection was done for curative resection. The pathological diagnosis was gastric endocrine cell carcinoma because Grimelius and Chromogranin A stained positive histologically. Seven months after operation, recurrent liver metastases with tumor embolism of the portal vein were revealed by enhanced CT examination. FU (5-FU/UFT) +CPT-11 was done as the first-line adjuvant chemotherapy. Metastatic lesion of the liver and portal vein tumor embolism was decreased. Tumor marker CA19-9 level was also decreased and within normal limits. This therapy was evaluated as a partial response (PR) in twelve months and the patient died three years and eight months after operation. Gastric endocrine cell carcinoma is known as a potentially highly malignant tumor. But in our case FU+CPT-11 controlled growth of the recurrent tumor. Based on this finding, we recommend adjuvant chemotherapy by FU+CPT-11 for gastric endocrine cell carcinoma.

[A case of groove pancreatitis (segmental form) presented with obstructive jaundice associated with pancreatobiliary maljunction].

A 52-year-old-man was admitted to our hospital for obstructive jaundice. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage (PTCD) and endscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were performed, and pointed out stenosis of lower common bile duct (CBD) and pancreatobiliary maljunction. Brushing cytology of this lesion was negative for malignancy. CT and MRI revealed chronic inflammatory change in groove lesion with no mass formation suggesting tumor. So we diagnosed groove pancreatitis (segmental form) associated with pancreatobiliary maljunction, and operation (resection of the bile duct and biliary reconstruction by Roux-en-Y) was done. Resected specimen was revealed stenosis of the bile duct formed by fibrous tissue with no malignancy compatible to groove pancreatitis pathologically. This is first reported case of groove pancreatits associated with pancreatobiliary maljunction.

[A resected case of squamous cell carcinoma of the breast successfully treated by FU plus cisplatin (CDDP) adjuvant therapy against recurrent metastases].

A resected case of squamous cell carcinoma associated with ductal carcinoma in the hemilateral breast successfully treated by FU plus cisplatin (CDDP) adjuvant therapy against recurrent metastases is reported with some discussion. A 42-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of right breast tumor. By physical examination, mammography, ultrasound examination and aspirated cytology, we diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of the right breast. Before operation SCC antigen was elevated. Standard mastectomy was performed, and SCC antigen was decreased within normal range. Then, a standard regimen of chemotherapy using docetaxel with anti-hormonal therapy by LH-RH analog and tamoxifen was done as first-line adjuvant therapy. Four months after operation the SCC antigen level was elevated again, and recurrence of cancer (skin and liver metastases) was recognized. Next, we tried 5-FU/UFT plus CDDP for squamous cell carcinoma of other organs such as the esophagus. These anti-tumor drugs proved effective, and no metastasis of the skin was detected thereafter, and liver metastatic lesion was decreased in ten months. The SCC antigen level was within the normal range again. Additionally, when metastases redeveloped, TS-1 plus CDDP controlled growth of tumors in seven months. Based on the present findings,we recommend adjuvant chemotherapy by FU plus CDDP for squamous cell carcinoma of the breast.

Overexpression of gamma-glutamyltransferase in transgenic mice accelerates bone resorption and causes osteoporosis.

We previously identified gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) by expression cloning as a factor inducing osteoclast formation in vitro. To examine its pathogenic role in vivo, we generated transgenic mice that overexpressed GGT in a tissue-specific manner utilizing the Cre-loxP recombination system. Systemic as well as local production of GGT accelerated osteoclast development and bone resorption in vivo by increasing the sensitivity of bone marrow macrophages to receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand, an essential cytokine for osteoclastogenesis. Mutated GGT devoid of enzyme activity was as potent as the wild-type molecule in inducing osteoclast formation, suggesting that GGT acts not as an enzyme but as a cytokine. Recombinant GGT protein increased receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand expression in marrow stromal cells and also stimulated osteoclastogenesis from bone marrow macrophages at lower concentrations. Thus, GGT is implicated as being involved in diseases characterized by accelerated osteoclast development and bone destruction and provides a new target for therapeutic intervention.

Urinary gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) as a potential marker of bone resorption.

We recently identified gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) as a novel bone-resorbing factor. The present study was undertaken to determine whether GGT is a marker of bone resorption in two genetic models of hyper- and hypo-function of osteoclasts, as well as in postmenopausal women with accelerated bone resorption, using type I collagen N-telopeptide (NTX) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) as established biochemical markers. Urinary excretion of GGT, corrected for creatinine, was found to be increased in osteoprotegerin (OPG)-deficient osteoporotic mice as well as in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (67-83 years of age); in both cases the urinary level decreased after treatment of patients or mice with alendronate, a selective inhibitor of bone resorption, concomitantly with a reduction in DPD and NTX. Conversely, in osteopetrotic op/op mice, urinary GGT increased in parallel with DPD after induction of osteoclasts with M-CSF injection. Constant infusion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) also increased urinary GGT along with DPD. In a survey of 551 postmenopausal women (50-89 years of age) at their regular health checkup, urinary GGT excretion exhibited a high correlation with DPD (rho = 0.49, p < 0.0001). The calculated sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing elevated bone resorption, as determined by a DPD value higher than 7.6 nM/mM Cr, were 61% and 92%, respectively, when a cut-off value of 40 IU/g Cr was assigned for urinary GGT. Since GGT activity can be measured inexpensively in large numbers in a very short time, the measurement of urinary level may provide a convenient and useful method for mass screening to identify those with increased bone turnover and hence at increased risk for bone fracture.