Clinical impact of high-quality testing for peritoneal lavage cytology in pancreatic cancer.

In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, the importance of peritoneal lavage cytology, which indicates unresectability, remains controversial. This study sought to determine whether positive peritoneal lavage cytology (CY+) precludes pancreatectomy. Furthermore, we propose a novel liquid biopsy using peritoneal lavage fluid to detect viable peritoneal tumor cells (v-PTCs) with TelomeScan F35, a telomerase-specific replication-selective adenovirus engineered to express green fluorescent protein. Resectable cytologically or histologically proven PDAC patients (n = 53) were enrolled. CY was conducted immediately following laparotomy. The resulting fluid was examined by conventional cytology (conv-CY; Papanicolaou staining and MOC-31 immunostaining) and by the novel technique (Telo-CY; using TelomeScan F35). Of them, 5 and 12 were conv-CY+ and Telo-CY+, respectively. All underwent pancreatectomy. The two double-CY+ (conv-CY+ and Telo-CY+) patients showed early peritoneal recurrence (P-rec) postoperatively, despite adjuvant chemotherapy. None of the three conv-CY+ Telo-CY- patients exhibited P-rec. Six of the 10 Telo-CY+ conv-CY- patients (60%) relapsed with P-rec. Of the remaining 38 double-CY- [conv-CY-, Telo-CY-, conv-CY± (Class III)] patients, 3 (8.3%) exhibited P-rec. Although conv-CY+ status predicted poor prognosis and a higher risk of P-rec, Telo-CY was more sensitive for detecting v-PTC. Staging laparoscopy and performing conv-CY and Telo-CY are needed to confirm the indication for pancreatectomy.

Long-Term Feasibility of Rescue Reconstruction for Isolated Bile Ducts With Using Cystic Duct in Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The isolated bile duct is sometimes observed in the right liver graft of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Even though, as a rescue option, it is known to use the recipient's cystic duct (CyD) for duct-to-duct anastomosis, the long-term feasibility of rescue duct-to-CyD (D-CyD) anastomosis remains unclear. METHODS: We prospectively collected data in the right liver-LDLT cohort and compared rescue D-CyD anastomosis (n = 4) with standard duct-to-hepatic duct (D-HD, n = 45) anastomosis (D-CyD group, n = 4). RESULTS: The observation period was over 5 years (range, 68-171 mo) after LDLT. The D-CyD group included the following anastomosis procedures: anastomosis between the intrahepatic bile duct of the graft and the CyD of the recipient and anastomosis between the posterior HD and the CyD. Surgical outcomes between the 2 groups are similar, excluding the time for the biliary reconstruction (D-CyD, 116 ± 13 min vs D-HD, 57 ± 3 min). During the period, one recipient in the D-CyD group exhibited postoperative biliary stricture and biliary stone, and 6 recipients underwent those complications in the D-HD group (D-CyD, 25.0% vs D-HD, 13.3%) All recipients in the D-CyD group are presently alive and have not experienced liver dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that rescue D-CyD anastomosis for an isolated bile duct in a right liver LDLT is acceptable as a life-saving option in terms of long-term feasibility.

Simple Detection and Culture of Circulating Tumor Cells from Colorectal Cancer Patients Using Poly(2-Methoxyethyl Acrylate)-Coated Plates.

Here we aimed to establish a simple detection method for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood sample of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients using poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA)-coated plates. Adhesion test and spike test using CRC cell lines assured efficacy of PMEA coating. A total of 41 patients with pathological stage II-IV CRC were enrolled between January 2018 and September 2022. Blood samples were concentrated by centrifugation by the OncoQuick tube, and then incubated overnight on PMEA-coated chamber slides. The next day, cell culture and immunocytochemistry with anti-EpCAM antibody were performed. Adhesion tests revealed good attachment of CRCs to PMEA-coated plates. Spike tests indicated that ~75% of CRCs from a 10-mL blood sample were recovered on the slides. By cytological examination, CTCs were identified in 18/41 CRC cases (43.9%). In cell cultures, spheroid-like structures or tumor-cell clusters were found in 18/33 tested cases (54.5%). Overall, CTCs and/or growing circulating tumor cells were found in 23/41 CRC cases (56.0%). History of chemotherapy or radiation was significantly negatively correlated with CTC detection (p = 0.02). In summary, we successfully captured CTCs from CRC patients using the unique biomaterial PMEA. Cultured tumor cells will provide important and timely information regarding the molecular basis of CTCs.

Rubicon can predict prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Despite previous therapeutic studies on autophagy in cancer, its role in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains controversial, especially regarding its effect on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and both combined. We focused on RUN domain Beclin-1 interacting and cysteine-rich-containing protein (Rubicon) to reveal its contribution to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: To evaluate the clinical significance of Rubicon, immunohistochemistry was performed, and Rubicon expression was analyzed across 81 specimens resected from patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. A gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line was established followed by Rubicon expression and autophagy flux estimation. Finally, gemcitabine sensitivity, invasion ability, and cell viability were evaluated using Rubicon-targeting small interfering RNA. RESULTS: Rubicon expression in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma samples after chemoradiotherapy revealed significantly worse overall survival and recurrence-free survival in the Rubicon-high expression group than in the Rubicon-low expression group (overall survival: median [years] 2.02 vs. 3.21, p = 0.0359; recurrence-free survival: median [years] 0.90 vs. 1.90, p = 0.0146). In vitro, gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines exhibited higher Rubicon expression and lower autophagy flux than the parental cell line (p < 0.01). Transduction with small interfering RNA downregulated the expression without affecting gemcitabine sensitivity, but it reduced invasion ability and cell viability (p < 0.01) in the gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line. CONCLUSIONS: High Rubicon expression is a significant, unfavorable prognostic factor in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Downregulation of Rubicon expression improves invasion ability and cell viability in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

[A Case of Two-Stage Operation for Esophageal Cancer with Sarcoidosis].

A 69-year-old man with dysphagia was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. He had undergone pancreatic tail and partial transverse colon resection for pancreatic cancer, and right hilar lymph node biopsy and partial lower lobe resection for the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)scan showed no change over time in lymph node enlargement in the mediastinum, so metastasis of esophageal cancer was considered to be negative. Therefore, the diagnosis of advanced esophageal cancer, Mt, type 2, T2N0M0, cStage Ⅱ, was made, and surgery was performed after 2 courses of DCF therapy. Because of the adhesions in the thoracic cavity and possible problems with elevation of the gastric tube and blood flow due to resection of the pancreatic tail, it was decided to perform two-stage operation. Although imaging studies over time, as in the present case, can help in the diagnosis, it is difficult to distinguish whether enlarged lymph nodes are reactive changes or metastases. In this study, we experienced a case of thoracic esophageal cancer complicated by sarcoidosis with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes.

Surgical Outcome of Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Patients with a History of Roux-en-Y Reconstruction after Tumor Removal.

BACKGROUND: The need for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) after Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstruction after tumor removal is expected to increase in future, but current studies on outcome are sparse. This surgery is challenging, due to intraabdominal adhesions and/or anatomical changes introduced by the previous abdominal surgery. Here, we investigated the surgical outcomes of PD after RY reconstruction following tumor removal. METHODS: We enrolled 283 patients that underwent PD. Surgical outcomes for PD were compared between patients with or without a history of RY reconstruction after tumor removal. Outcomes were also compared between two different surgical procedures for the post-PD reconstruction. RESULTS: Among 283 patients, 11 had a history of RY reconstruction after tumor removal (3.9%). Among these, RY reconstructions had been performed where the small intestine was anastomosed to a remnant stomach after distal gastrectomy (n = 2), to remnant stomach after proximal gastrectomy (n = 1), to the esophagus after total gastrectomy (n = 6), or to the hepatic duct after extrahepatic bile duct resection (n = 2). Surgical outcomes were not significantly different between cases with and without RY reconstructions. We identified two different reconstruction procedures after removing the periampullary tumor during PD. The surgical outcomes were not significantly different between these two reconstruction groups. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical outcome of PD was not significantly affected by a history of RY reconstruction. Similarly, the type of reconstruction performed during PD did not significantly affect the outcome. These results could be useful when planning PD in patients with a history of RY reconstruction after tumor removal.

[A Case of Unresectable Gallbladder Cancer with Relatively Good Prognosis Treated with Upfront Surgery Followed by Systemic Chemotherapy].

A female patient in her 60s was diagnosed with advanced gallbladder cancer invading the hilar plate. Exploratory laparoscopic examination showed limited peritoneal dissemination. Despite endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, it was difficult to treat infectious cholangitis. To initiate chemotherapy, it was imperative to control the infection; hence, we chose to perform extended right hepatectomy, extrahepatic bile duct resection, lymph node dissection, and cholangiojejunostomy. We have been able to continue systemic chemotherapy for more than 2 years after surgery, and the patient did not experience infectious cholangitis. She has survived for almost 2 years and 8 months post-diagnosis.

[A Case of Conversion Surgery Following Combined Chemotherapy with Molecular Targeting Agent for Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases].

A 76-year-old woman complaining of constipation was diagnosed with advanced rectosigmoid colon cancer with unresectable liver metastases. We performed a laparoscopic high-anterior resection due to the obstruction. The patient then received a capecitabine plus oxaliplatin(CapeOX)plus cetuximab(Cmab)combination chemotherapy. After 7 cycles of CapeOX with Cmab, the multiple liver metastases had reduced remarkably in size. Therefore, a liver metastases resection was performed. The patient underwent 6 cycles of postoperative CapeOX with Cmab therapy and has survived 7 years with no recurrence after the primary surgery.

[A Case of Scirrhous Gastric Carcinoma Diagnosed by Staging Laparoscopy].

We report a case of scirrhous gastric carcinoma diagnosed by staging laparoscopy and discuss some literature reviews. A 60-year-old man was referred because of a choking sensation and weight loss, and gastroendoscopy revealed thickening of the entire circumference of the wall at the gastric cardia. Scirrhous gastric carcinoma was suspected, and biopsy was performed at many points and times by endoscopic examination, but the histologic findings revealed no malignant features. We performed staging laparoscopy, peritoneal washing cytology, and biopsy of the nodules in the abdominal wall. He was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination and has received chemotherapy. Staging laparoscopy is a useful method for diagnosis and determination of the management of scirrhous gastric carcinoma.

[A Case of Rectal Cancer with Multiple Liver Metastases Curatively Resected after Systemic Chemotherapy].

A 61-year-old man complainingof bloody stool was diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer with multiple liver metastases (cT3[A]N1M1a[H2], cStage Ⅳ). We introduced bevacizumab combined systemic chemotherapy prior to radical surgery and confirmed tumor shrinkage in both the primary tumor and liver metastases following systemic chemotherapy. We performed laparoscopic lower-anterior resection, and then the patient underwent liver metastases resection. The histologic evaluation was Grade 2. This was a pathologically curative resection, and the patient has been disease-free since the last operation.

[Two Cases of Hepatic Encephalopathy after Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer].

We reported 2 cases of hepatic encephalopathy after chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer. Case 1: A 49-year-old male was diagnosed advanced sigmoid colon cancer with peritoneal dissemination, multiple liver metastasis and multiple osseous metastasis. After resection of primary lesion, we administered mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab combination therapy. He was in comatose(Japan coma scale 200)3 days after 2 courses of administration of this regimen. Case 2: A 57-year-old female was diagnosed advanced rectal cancer with multiple huge liver metastasis and multiple osseous metastasis. We administered mFOLFOX6 plus panitumumab combination therapy. She was in comatose(Japan coma scale 100)3 days after 10 courses of administration of this regimen. In both cases, radiographic imaging showed no abnormal sign and blood examination revealed a high level of serum ammonia. We diagnosed their disturbance of consciousness as a symptom of hepatic encephalopathy. Branched-chain amino acid infusion rapidly improved disturbance of consciousness. We must consider the symptom, hepatic encephalopathy in patients receiving chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer.

Laparoscopic Resection of a Jejunal Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp that Caused Occult Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Diagnosed via Capsule Endoscopy and Double-Balloon Enteroscopy: A Case Report.

An inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) is a mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. IFPs in the small intestine are the most frequently detected with symptoms, such as abdominal pain and tarry stool due to intussusception. Accordingly, few studies have reported jejunal IFP as a cause of occult gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) diagnosed via both of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). A 68-year-old woman presented with a progression of anemia and a positive fecal occult blood test result. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and total colonoscopy findings were unremarkable. CE revealed a tumor with bleeding in the jejunum. DBE also revealed a jejunal polypoid tumor. Bleeding from the tumor seemed to have caused anemia. The patient underwent partial laparoscopic resection of the jejunum, including resection of the tumor. The tumor was histopathologically diagnosed as IFP. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of laparoscopic resection of jejunal IFP with OGIB diagnosed via CE and DBE preoperatively.

[A Patient Underwent Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Reconstruction of Replaced Right Hepatic Artery].

A 78 year-old man was diagnosed as a pancreatic cancer in department of gastroenterology in our hospital. Enhanced computed tomography demonstrated an aberrant right hepatic artery(ARHA)arising from superior mesenteric artery(SMA). We conducted sub-stomach preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy(SSPPD- II A-1). As the preoperative diagnosis, right hepatic artery(RHA)was arising from SMA and running through the tumor, and we resected the ARHA with the tumor and reconstructed RHA to gastroduodenal artery(GDA). Pathological diagnosis was non invasive tumor with neither lymph node metastasis nor invasion of the vasculature. We report a case of the patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with reconstruction of aberrant right hepatic artery.

[A Case Report of Inguinal Malignant Lymphoma after Surgery for Hepatocellular Carcinoma].

An 81-year-old woman was followed up for hepatitis C from 1994. Sheh ad a previous history of hypertension and appendicitis. In October 2014, the patient underwent subsegmentectomy(S8)and cholecystectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)(T2N0M0, Stage II ). From December 2015, the patient had taken ledipasvir-sofosbuvir orally for hepatitis C virus (HCV). In January 2016, we confirmed HCV-RNA shade transformation. In September 2016, enhanced CT showed a mass in theright lower quadrant of her abdomen. Shehad a hard 3 cm mass in thesameplaceon physical exam. PET-CT showed no significant abnormality except for the mass in the right lower quadrant of her abdomen. Therefore, we identified the differential diagnosis as a lymph node metastasis of HCC, an abdominal wall primary tumor, or a malignant lymphoma. We resected theinguinal malignant lymphoma to confirm thediagnosis. Examination of tissuefrom theinguinal malignant lymphoma indicated diffuselargeB -cell lymphoma. We report an interesting case of an inguinal malignant lymphoma in a patient with chronic HCV who had experienced hepatectomy.

[A Case of Appendiceal Mucinous Cystadenoma Treated Using Laparoscopic Appendectomy].

A 73 year-old woman who was treated for breast cancer and visited our hospital regularly was suspected of having a mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix. Malignancy could not be determined using abdominal computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or colonoscopy. Even if mucinous cystadenoma is benign, there is the possibility that the tumor will rupture, discharge its contents, and cause pseudomyxoma peritonei. We performed laparoscopic appendectomy. According to the histopathological results, the tumor was diagnosed as a low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. We report a case of mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix treated using laparoscopy-assisted appendectomy and discuss the case with literature reviews.