Analysis of the characteristics and outcomes of patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin treated with curative-intent surgery.

BACKGROUND: There are no previous studies on pseudomyxoma peritonei regarding the details of surgical procedures included in cytoreductive surgery and quantitative evaluation for peritoneal metastases by region in the abdominal cavity. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and procedural details involved in cytoreductive surgery, and survival outcomes of patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei originating from appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, and identify differences in the difficulty of cytoreductive surgery based on tumor location. METHODS: Patient characteristics and survival outcomes were studied through a retrospective review. The complete cytoreduction rate (i), the 5-year survival rate for patients with complete cytoreduction (ii), and an index as a complement (i × ii × 100) were described for patients who had tumors larger than 50 mm in one of the 13 regions of the abdominal cavity. RESULTS: A total of 989 patients were treated with curative-intent cytoreductive surgery. The median peritoneal cancer index was 18 (interquartile range, 6-29), with complete cytoreduction achieved in 702 patients (71%); the major complication rate was 17%. The median overall survival was 92.9 months, compared to 53.8 months for patients who underwent total gastrectomy and 30.4 months for those who underwent total colectomy. In the 13 abdominal regions, the index scores indicating cytoreduction difficulty were categorized into three risk groups: upper and mid-abdominal (>20), lateral abdominal (10-20), and small bowel (<10). CONCLUSIONS: Cytoreductive surgery offered favorable survival outcomes, even in cases involving total gastrectomy. The difficulty of achieving complete cytoreduction varied across abdominal regions and was classified into three levels.

Comparison of Cytoreductive Surgery and Resection of Isolated Peritoneal Metastases in Patients with Peritoneal Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the short and long-term outcomes of cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and resection of isolated peritoneal metastases in patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer in Japan. Methods: We included patients who had undergone surgery for peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer between 2013 and 2019. Data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained multi-institutional database and retrospective chart review. Patients were classified into cytoreductive surgery and resection of isolated peritoneal metastases groups based on the surgery they had undergone. Results: A total of 413 patients were eligible for analysis (257 and 156 patients in the cytoreductive surgery and resection of isolated peritoneal metastases groups, respectively). There was no significant difference in overall survival (hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals, 1.27 [0.81, 2.00]). Six cases (2.3%) of postoperative mortality were observed in the cytoreductive surgery group, whereas none were observed in the resection of the isolated peritoneal metastases group. Cases of postoperative complications were significantly higher in the cytoreductive surgery group (risk ratio 2.02 [1.18, 2.48]) than those in the resection of isolated peritoneal metastases group. Among patients with a high peritoneal cancer index (6 points or higher), the complete resection rate was 115/157 (73%) and 15/44 (34%) in the cytoreductive surgery and the resection of isolated peritoneal metastases groups, respectively. Conclusions: Cytoreductive surgery was not superior in providing long-term survival benefits for colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases; however, cytoreductive surgery provided a higher complete resection rate even in patients with a high peritoneal cancer index (6 points or higher).

[Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma with Peritoneal Recurrence Treated with Peritonectomy and Intraoperative Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy-A Case Report].

A 31-year-old man with a big epigastric mass from pancreas body was completely removed by distal pancreatectomy and segmental gastrectomy. Two years after oral administration of S-1 for 4 courses, peritoneal dissemination on the right subdiaphragmatic space was detected. Laparotomy revealed white colored round nodules were found scattered on the peritoneal surface, and the peritoneal cancer index(PCI)was 18. To achieve complete resection of peritoneal nodules, peritonectomy was performed. After complete removal of macroscopic peritoneal metastasis(PM), intraoperative hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy using 1 gr of gemcitabine and 60 mg of docetaxel was performed for 40 min with thermal dose of 41.5 min. Postoperative course was uneventful. Drug sensitivity test(HDRA method)showed that gemcitabine that gemcitabine showed the highest inhibition rate. The patient was treated with systemic gemcitabine chemotherapy. He is still alive without recurrence 18 months after peritonectomy plus intraoperative HIPEC. Pathological examination showed pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma(PACC)demonstrating positive for chymotrypsin. In conclusion, we present a PACC-case with PM successfully treated by a comprehensive treatment. Intraoperative HIPEC using gemcitabine may be effective for PACC patients with PM in treating residual micrometastasis after peritonectomy.

Recurrence of initially localized appendiceal mucinous neoplasms after radical resection: survey analysis and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (AMN) is a rare tumor that may be successfully treated by appendectomy. However, some patients develop recurrence as pseudomyxoma peritonei. The present study investigated the recurrence rate after radial resection for AMN. METHODS: A survey on AMN was sent to 171 institutions, and 286 cases were analyzed. The risk of recurrence was assessed according to clinical parameters. Recurrence rates were compared with data from the literature. RESULTS: There were 250 cases in the low-grade group and 36 in the high-grade group, with perforation being detected in 50 cases. After a median follow-up period of 30 months, recurrence was detected in 17 cases, including 12 with high-grade histology and 10 with perforation. Two patients with low-grade histology and no perforation developed recurrence. Independent prognostic factors for recurrence were high-grade histology (p = 0.0001, RR = 8.56) and perforation (p = 0.0168, RR = 3.45). Four groups were classified by histology and perforation: group A: high-grade, perforation ( +), group B: high-grade, perforation (-), group C: low-grade, perforation ( +), group D: low-grade, perforation (-). Five-year recurrence rates in groups A, B, C, and D were 46.7, 25.9, 13.3, and 1.5%, respectively. All cases of recurrence were detected within 3 years, except for two in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence in cases with low-grade histology and no perforation was rare; however, a postoperative survey for at least 3 years is required. In contrast, cases with high-grade histology or perforation need to be monitored using a similar approach to colon cancer. Prophylactic CRS + HIPEC may be considered.

The Development of Peritoneal Metastasis from Gastric Cancer and Rationale of Treatment According to the Mechanism.

In the present article, we describe the normal structure of the peritoneum and review the mechanisms of peritoneal metastasis (PM) from gastric cancer (GC). The structure of the peritoneum was studied by a double-enzyme staining method using alkaline-phosphatase and 5'-nucreotidase, scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistological methods. The fundamental structure consists of three layers, mesothelial cells and a basement membrane (layer 1), macula cribriformis (MC) (layer 2), and submesothelial connective tissue containing blood vessels and initial lymphatic vessels, attached to holes in the MC (layer 3). Macro molecules and macrophages migrate from mesothelial stomata to the initial lymphatic vessels through holes in the MC. These structures are characteristically found in the diaphragm, omentum, paracolic gutter, pelvic peritoneum, and falciform ligament. The first step of PM is spillage of cancer cells (peritoneal free cancer cells; PFCCs) into the peritoneal cavity from the serosal surface of the primary tumor or cancer cell contamination from lymphatic and blood vessels torn during surgical procedures. After PFCCs adhere to the peritoneal surface, PMs form by three processes, i.e., (1) trans-mesothelial metastasis, (2) trans-lymphatic metastasis, and (3) superficial growing metastasis. Because the intraperitoneal (IP) dose intensity is significantly higher when generated by IP chemotherapy than by systemic chemotherapy, IP chemotherapy has a great role in the treatment of PFCCs, superficial growing metastasis, trans-lymphatic metastasis and in the early stages of trans-mesothelial metastasis. However, an established trans-mesothelial metastasis has its own interstitial tissue and vasculature which generate high interstitial pressure. Accordingly, it is reasonable to treat established trans-mesothelial metastasis by bidirectional chemotherapy from both IP and systemic chemotherapy.

Rationale of Treatment for Peritoneal Metastasis.

In 1998, the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International(PSOGI)proposed a novel treatment referred to as comprehensive treatment(COMPT). COMPT involves the complete removal of macroscopic tumors(cytoreductive surgery: CRS) and eradication of micrometastasis(MM)with neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)plus intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC). This article provides a rationale for curative COMPT. Additionally, based on our experience, the selection criteria for treatment will be clarified. RATIONALE: The residual cancer cell burden is lowest immediately following CRS, and intraoperative HIPEC plays a crucial role in the treatment of patients with peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM). COMPT will fail if the number of the MM remaining after CRS exceeds the limit of complete eradication by intraoperative HIPEC(threshold). However, if the residual number of MM is less than the threshold, patients will respond positively to treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To validate the direct effect of HIPEC, laparoscopic HIPEC(LHIPEC)was performed, and changes in the peritoneal cancer index(PCI)were then evaluated. Complete cytoreduction and HIPEC carried out based on the concept of COMPT was performed in 171 gastric cancer(GC)patients with PCI≤12, 183 colorectal cancer(CRC)with PCI≤21 and 460 pseudomyxoma peritonei(PMP)patients with PCI≤28. The postoperative survivals rates were then analyzed. RESULTS: After 1 cycle of LHIPEC, PCIs in GC and PMP were significantly reduced by 1.85 and 2.7 1 month after LHIPEC. However, PCI of CRC increased. Positive cytology at LHIPEC became negative in 57.6%, 42.9% and 60.9% of patients with GC, CRC and PMP, respectively. Median survival time(MST)for GC and CRC was 21.2 and 71.5 months, respectively MST of PMP was not reached. MST of PMP was not reached. Ten-year survival rates were 12.6%, 21.7% and 81.6%, respectively. Grade 5 complications for each disease were 0.8%, 1.0% and 1.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Complete cytoreductive surgery combined with intraoperative HIPEC may improve the long-term survival of patients with PSM who have PCIs less than the threshold levels, by keeping the mortality rates after CRS plus intraoperative HIPEC within acceptable levels.

A case of pancreaticoduodenectomy and partial hepatic resection as repeat cytoreductive surgery for recurrent pseudomyxoma peritonei.

BACKGROUND: For recurrent pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), repeat cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can provide survival benefits if patients are carefully selected. We describe a case of pancreaticoduodenectomy and partial liver resection (HPD) as the repeat CRS for a recurrent tumor that infiltrated the pancreatic head around the hepatic hilum. This is the first report of HPD for recurrent PMP. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 58-year-old male without comorbidities. In 2001, he was diagnosed with PMP at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In 2004, CRS, including total peritoneal resection, pyloric gastrectomy, splenectomy, and right hemicolectomy with HIPEC was performed (peritoneal cancer index (PCI) = 28). In 2008, the first repeat CRS with HIPEC was performed (PCI = 14). In 2016, fourth repeat CRS, including partial hepatectomy with HIPEC for recurrence of the round ligament of the liver, was performed. In 2017, a tumor of 5 cm in size was observed from the hepatic hilum to the pancreatic head, which infiltrated the main pancreatic duct. Other tumors 2 cm in size were observed (PCI = 7). We performed the fifth repeat CRS, including HPD. The adhesions of the small intestine from around the liver to the lower abdomen were detached for the reconstruction of pancreatojejunostomy and cholangiojejunostomy. The uncinate approach was applied for the pancreatic head resection because it was difficult to identify the cranial part of the pancreas due to adhesions in the hepatoduodenal ligament and the omental bursa. We approached to the origin of the extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle by resecting a part of the liver around the hepatic hilum using transhepatic hilar approach. A complete cytoreduction was achieved. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was a recurrence of PMP, which is equivalent to peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis. He was discharged on the 22nd postoperative day without major postoperative complications. The patient survived without recurrence four years after HPD. CONCLUSIONS: Even for recurrence around the hepatic hilum and the pancreatic head, repeat CRS can be safely performed by applying the techniques of hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery.

Successful treatment with metronidazole and paromomycin for fulminant amoebic colitis during cytotoxic chemotherapy in a patient with small-cell lung cancer.

We report the case of a 64-year-old man with advanced small-cell lung cancer who developed fulminant amoebic colitis during cytotoxic chemotherapy. During the first cycle of carboplatin/etoposide treatment, febrile neutropenia and grade 4 neutropenia developed. Because diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stool were observed, abdominal computed tomography was performed, showing intussusception, and extensive colectomy and colostomy were performed. Histopathology of the colon revealed gastrointestinal necrosis and perforation due to Entamoeba histolytica infection. Amoebiasis improved after treatment with metronidazole and paromomycin. The second cycle of carboplatin/etoposide with dose reduction was completed, resulting in a partial response to small-cell lung cancer. The results of this case suggest that paromomycin is an additional option for amoebiasis during cytotoxic chemotherapy, and persistent diarrhea during cytotoxic chemotherapy should alert clinicians to consider the development of amoebiasis.

The role of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis: a systematic review including evidence from Japan.

The prognosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis is poor. However, the emergence of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) as a treatment option has prolonged survival and it can even potentially cure patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Randomized controlled studies and other observational studies indicated that this combined therapy potentially improved the prognosis of patients with colon, gastric, and ovarian cancers with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Even in rarer diseases, such as pseudomyxoma peritonei and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, CRS + HIPEC markedly improved the prognoses over those with conventional treatment. Based on the accumulated evidence, clinical guidelines recommend CRS + HIPEC for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. However, several issues still need to be overcome. A standard method for HIPEC has not yet been established. Furthermore, the criteria employed for patient selection need to be clarified to achieve real benefits. The peritoneal cancer index, chemo-sensitivity and several biological markers are considered to be key factors.

Laparoscopic resection of abdominal cystic lymphangioma derived from lesser omentum: Case report.

RATIONALE: Cystic lymphangiomas are uncommon congenital malformations that originate from lymphatic channels. Lymphangiomas frequently appear in the head, neck, and axillary regions of children. Abdominal cystic lymphangiomas are extremely rare, having a reported incidence of 1 in 20,000 to 250,000. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 50-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital with a cough that had persisted for several weeks. Abdominal ultrasonography incidentally revealed a multilocular cystic lesion in the lesser curvature of the stomach. DIAGNOSIS: Preoperative findings indicated that the lesion was cystic lymphangioma. However, the possibility of a pancreatic tumor could not be completely excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopy revealed a multilocular cyst in the lesser curvature of the stomach. The gastrocolic ligament was divided, and the body and tail of the pancreas was exposed in the omental bursa, showing that the cystic lesion was not derived from the pancreas but from the lesser omentum. Although it was located directly beside the left gastric artery, the cyst was enucleated and totally resected laparoscopically without sacrificing the artery. OUTCOMES: The cystic lesion was histopathologically diagnosed as an abdominal cystic lymphangioma originating from the lesser omentum. The patient was discharged on the postoperative day 4 without complications. LESSONS: Preoperative imaging cannot completely distinguish abdominal cystic lymphangiomas from other types of cystic tumors. Because cystic lymphangiomas have the potential to grow, invade vital structures, and develop life-threatening complications, laparoscopic assessment followed by total resection is considered a useful treatment strategy for peripancreatic cystic lesions.

Surgical management for peritoneal carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin with a high-tumor burden.

PURPOSE: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) is the active treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin. However, surgical management is sometimes difficult in patients with a high-tumor burden. METHODS: A high-tumor burden was defined as a peritoneal cancer index (PCI) ≥ 28. Among 49 patients receiving CRS + HIPEC, 29 had a PCI ≥ 28. RESULTS: Complete cytoreduction (CC-0/1) was achieved in 20 of the 29 patients with a PCI ≥ 28 and in all 20 patients with a PCI < 28. Among the patients achieving CC-0/1, gastrectomy or total colectomy was performed more frequently, the hospital stay was longer and postoperative complications were more frequent in those with a PCI ≥ 28 than in those with a PCI < 28. If CC-0/1 was achieved, the overall survival was comparable between patients with a PCI ≥ 28 and a PCI < 28. However, the recurrence-free survival was significantly worse for patients with a PCI ≥ 28 than for those with a PCI < 28 (5-year survival: 73.7% vs. 5.9%). Patients with recurrence who underwent repeat CRS showed a better overall survival than those without repeat CRS. Among patients with a PCI ≥ 28, a performance status (PS) of 2/3 was a significant prognostic factor (hazard ratio = 5.132). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a high-tumor burden undergoing CRS + HIPEC, postoperative complications were more frequent, and the recurrence rate was higher than in those without a high-tumor burden. Repeat CRS improved the survival of patients with recurrence. The PS was a key indicator when selecting patients suitable for aggressive resection.

Repeat cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for recurrent peritoneal carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of repeat cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) in the management of recurrent peritoneal carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin. METHODS: Data were retrieved on 42 patients who underwent CRS + HIPEC; 29 repeat surgical procedures were performed in 13 patients. RESULTS: Complete cytoreduction was achieved in 12 of 13 patients by the second CRS. Repeat recurrence was detected in 11 patients, eight of whom underwent a third CRS. The peritoneal cancer index decreased from initial CRS to repeat CRS but was still higher than 18 in nine patients at the second CRS. Preoperative chemotherapy was given to three patients with early recurrence. Grade 3-5 morbidity and 90-day mortality were not significantly different between initial and repeat CRS. Five-year survival rates after first and second CRS were 75.5 and 67.7%, respectively. Complete cytoreduction at second CRS was a significant prognostic factor. Among patients with recurrence after the second CRS, patients who underwent a third CRS showed a better prognosis than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat CRS is oncologically beneficial, and the morbidity rate was as high as that of initial CRS. Complete cytoreduction was the key to successful long-term results. Although further recurrence was common, aggressive resection was useful, even in cases of diffuse recurrence.

Chondrolipoma of the breast as a rare variant of myofibroblastoma: an immunohistochemical study of two cases.

Chondrolipoma of the breast is a very rare tumor whose histogenesis remains obscure. We report two cases (56-year-old and 43-year-old women) and present the results of an immunohistochemical study which strongly suggests that this tumor is a variant of myofibroblastoma. The tumors predominantly consisted of lipoma-like, mature adipose tissue, and many islands of hyaline cartilage. A proliferation of spindle cells associated with the deposition of collagen fibers was also seen. On immunohistochemical examination, spindle cells showed cytoplasmic reactivity for vimentin, desmin, bcl-2, and α-smooth muscle actin, as well as nuclear reactivity for estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR). Chondrocytes were immunoreactive for ER, PgR, S-100 protein, and Sox9. The nuclei of adipocytes, chondrocytes, and spindle cells were not immunoreactive for Rb (retinoblastoma) protein. The immunoreactivity of spindle cells for muscle markers indicates myofibroblastic differentiation, and the lack of the nuclear expression of Rb protein suggests the close relationship of this tumor with myofibroblastoma and spindle cell lipoma. The immunoreactivity of chondrocytes for ER and PgR suggests that they are derived from metaplasia of hormone-sensitive spindle cells. These findings support the concept that chondrolipoma of the breast could be a lipomatous variant of myofibroblastoma associated with cartilaginous metaplasia and that it should be added to members of the "13q/Rb family of tumors."

Indications for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in elderly patients with peritoneal malignancy.

PURPOSE: A combination of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) is effective for some peritoneal malignancies. However, the indications for elderly patients remain unclear, with substantial postoperative morbidity and mortality being problematic. MATERIALS: Clinical data were analyzed in 42 patients undergoing CRS + HIPEC for peritoneal malignancy. The primary tumor was located in the appendix in 32 cases and elsewhere in 10 cases. Operative results and survival data were compared between patients aged ≥70 and <70 years. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were older than 70 years. Elderly patients had a higher peritoneal cancer index (32.0 vs. 21.5), higher CA19-9 level (189.0 vs. 28.1), and higher frequency of grade 4-5 complications (5/9 vs. 2/26) than the younger patients. Grade 4-5 respiratory failure occurred in three elderly patients. There was a significant difference of postoperative survival between the elderly patients and younger patients, with 5-year survival rates being 41.3 and 74.2%, respectively (p = 0.0166). The poor prognosis of elderly patients was related to the higher frequency of grade 4-5 complications. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients were referred for treatment with more advanced disease than younger patients. An age ≥70 years was associated with more frequent grade 4-5 complications and worse survival. Performing CRS + HIPEC in elderly patients should be considered carefully due to the risk of severe complications, especially respiratory failure.

A case of pseudomyxoma peritonei: visualization of septa using diffusion-weighted images with low b values.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare disease with neoplastic growth of mucin-secreting cells in the peritoneal cavity, resulting in mucinous ascites. The septum of intra-abdominal fluid collection is a key imaging finding characteristic to PMP. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), multi-b value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a method used to obtain an accurate apparent diffusion coefficient. The clinical utilities of DWI using lower b values as diagnostic imaging are rarely highlighted. This report describes a case of PMP in which DWI using b values of 100 and 500 s/mm(2) exclusively visualized many thick septa with low signal intensity in peritoneal effusion. The septa could not be recognized in DWIs with b values of zero or 1000 s/mm(2), as with ultrasonography, computed tomography, and conventional MRI. A discrepancy between DWI using lower b values and other MRI sequences or imaging modalities indicates a specific capability of DWI using low b values: the ability to visualize septa of intra-abdominal fluid collection much thicker than in real cases. Results for this case suggest that DWI using low b values might present clinical potential for the preoperative diagnosis of PMP.

Clinical Report on the First Prototype of a Photoacoustic Tomography System with Dual Illumination for Breast Cancer Imaging.

Photoacoustic tomography is a recently developed imaging modality that can provide high spatial-resolution images of hemoglobin distribution in tissues such as the breast. Because breast cancer is an angiogenesis-dependent type of malignancy, we evaluated the clinical acceptability of breast tissue images produced using our first prototype photoacoustic mammography (PAM) system in patients with known cancer. Post-excisionally, histological sections of the tumors were stained immunohistochemically (IHC) for CD31 (an endothelial marker) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) (a marker of hypoxia). Whole-slide scanning and image analyses were used to evaluate the tumor microvessel distribution pattern and to calculate the total vascular perimeter (TVP)/area for each lesion. In this clinical study, 42 lesions were primarily scanned using PAM preoperatively, three of which were reported to be benign and were excluded from statistical analysis. Images were produced for 29 out of 39 cancers (visibility rate = 74.4%) at the median depth of 26.5 (3.25-51.2) mm. Age, menopausal status, body mass index, history of neoadjuvant treatment, clinical stage and histological tumor angiogenesis markers did not seem to affect the visibility. The oxygen saturation level in all of the measured lesions was lower than in the subcutaneous counterpart vessels (Wilcoxon test, p value<0.001), as well as in the counterpart contralateral normal breast region of interest (ROI) (Wilcoxon test, p value = 0.001). Although the oxygen saturation level was not statistically significant between CAIX-positive vs. -negative cases, lesional TVP/area showed a positive correlation with the oxygen saturation level only in the group that had received therapy before PAM. In conclusion, the vascular and oxygenation data obtained by PAM have great potential for identifying functional features of breast tumors.

Photoacoustic mammography: initial clinical results.

PURPOSE: Photoacoustic tomography can image the hemoglobin distribution and oxygenation state inside tissue with high spatial resolution. The purpose of this study is to investigate its clinical usefulness for diagnosis of breast cancer and evaluation of therapeutic response in relation to other diagnostic modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a prototype machine for photoacoustic mammography (PAM), 27 breast tumor lesions, including 21 invasive breast cancer (IBC), five ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and one phyllodes tumor, were measured. Nine out of twenty-one IBC patients had received primary systemic therapy (PST). RESULTS: Eight out of twelve IBC without PST were visible. Notably, detection was possible in all five cases with DCIS, whereas it was not in one case with phyllodes tumor. Seven out of nine IBC with PST were assigned as visible in spite of decreased size of tumor after PST. The mean value of hemoglobin saturation in the visible lesions was 78.6 %, and hemoglobin concentration was 207 µM. The tumor images of PAM were comparable to those of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that PAM can image tumor vascularity and oxygenation, which may be useful for diagnosis and characterization of breast cancer.

Photodynamic detection and management of intraperitoneal spreading of primary peritoneal papillary serous carcinoma in a man: report of a case.

As a peritoneal surface malignancy, primary peritoneal papillary serous carcinoma (PPPSC) almost always occurs in women. Our search of the literature found only two previous case reports of men with PPPSC, both with very short survival. We report the case of a 63-year-old man with PPPSC, treated effectively with cytoreductive surgery and docetaxel-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy following six cycles of docetaxel-based laparoscopic neoadjuvant intraperitoneal and cisplatin-based systemic chemotherapy. Furthermore, we detected intraoperative intraperitoneal spreading of the tumor after the oral administration of 5-amino levulinic acid (5-ALA). The patient remains in good health without ascites 18 months after his diagnosis. Thus, primary peritoneal papillary serous carcinoma should be managed by intraperitoneal chemotherapy combined with peritonectomy procedures. Moreover, the intraoperative detection of the intraperitoneal spreading of the tumor after administering oral 5-ALA shows that this is an exciting and promising diagnostic technique, which needs to be confirmed by further studies.

Solitary metastatic gallbladder malignant melanoma originated from the nasal cavity: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Solitary gallbladder metastasis of malignant melanoma is rare and generally originates from skin melanoma. We report a case of gallbladder metastasis from a malignant melanoma of the nasal mucosa that was surgically treated. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 77-year-old Japanese woman diagnosed with malignant melanoma of the left sinonasal cavity three years ago underwent follow-up PET-CT and FDG uptake was detected only at the gallbladder. The nasal melanoma had been stable for the last 1.5 years after chemoradiation and her general condition was good. Cholecystectomy was performed with partial liver resection. Lymphadenectomy of the hepatoduodenal ligament was also performed. The tumor was soft and whitish, and was microscopically diagnosed as a poorly differentiated malignant melanoma that was not similar to the nasal cavity melanoma. No further metastasis is observed for more than 13 months after surgery. DISCUSSION: In the literature, cutaneous melanoma is described as the origin of most metastatic gallbladder melanomas; however, no skin lesion was evident in this case. We believe that the poorly differentiated compartment of the nasal melanoma had metastasized to the gallbladder. CONCLUSION: For patients with melanomas and gallbladder tumors, the possibility that metastasis could occur should be considered when selecting optimal treatment. Even when original melanoma is present, surgical treatment for gallbladder metastasis may be useful depending on the patient's conditions.

Survey on the incidence and management of pseudomyxoma peritonei in Japan.

PURPOSE: Pseudomyxoma peritonei(PMP)is a rare condition characterized by massive ascites accumulation due to mucinous tumor dissemination in the peritoneal cavity. More recently, Sugarbaker has defined radical cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy as standardized therapy for PMP. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of PMP and the recent therapeutic approaches for this condition in Japan. METHODS: Questionnaires answered by PMP patients between 2006 and 2010 were evaluated in this study. The study included 1, 084 gastroenterological surgery and gynecology institutions in Japan. RESULTS: Data from 379 institutions were analyzed(response rate: 35. 0%). The mean number of diffuse PMP cases at a single institution in 5 years was 0. 78. Of 266 diffuse cases, surgery was performed in 232 cases(87. 2%)and chemotherapy was administered in 138 cases(51. 9%). However, complete cytoreduction was achieved in only 31 of 232 operated cases(13. 4%)and intraperitoneal chemotherapy was administered to only 45 of 138 patients receiving chemotherapy( 32. 6%). CONCLUSION: Despite the limited data, our results suggest that PMP occurs rarely in Japan, similar to the trend reported in Western countries. Further, the Sugarbaker procedure was not widely used in Japanese institutions.