Concurrent chemoradiotherapy using proton beams can reduce cardiopulmonary morbidity in esophageal cancer patients: a systematic review.

This systematic review was performed to investigate the superiority of proton beam therapy (PBT) to photon-based radiotherapy (RT) in treating esophageal cancer patients, especially those with poor cardiopulmonary function. The MEDLINE (PubMed) and ICHUSHI (Japana Centra Revuo Medicina) databases were searched from January 2000 to August 2020 for studies evaluating one end point at least as follows; overall survival, progression-free survival, grade ≥ 3 cardiopulmonary toxicities, dose-volume histograms, or lymphopenia or absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) in esophageal cancer patients treated with PBT or photon-based RT. Of 286 selected studies, 23 including 1 randomized control study, 2 propensity matched analyses, and 20 cohort studies were eligible for qualitative review. Overall survival and progression-free survival were better after PBT than after photon-based RT, but the difference was significant in only one of seven studies. The rate of grade 3 cardiopulmonary toxicities was lower after PBT (0-13%) than after photon-based RT (7.1-30.3%). Dose-volume histograms revealed better results for PBT than photon-based RT. Three of four reports evaluating the ALC demonstrated a significantly higher ALC after PBT than after photon-based RT. Our review found that PBT resulted in a favorable trend in the survival rate and had an excellent dose distribution, contributing to reduced cardiopulmonary toxicities and a maintained number of lymphocytes. These results warrant novel prospective trials to validate the clinical evidence.

Endoscopic imaging modalities for diagnosing the invasion depth of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.

Endoscopic diagnosis of the invasion depth of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an important determinant of the treatment strategy. The three endoscopic imaging modalities commonly used to predict the invasion depth of superficial ESCC in Japan are non-magnifying endoscopy (non-ME), magnifying endoscopy (ME), and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). However, which of these three modalities is most effective remains unclear. We performed a systematic review of the literature to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the three modalities for prediction of the invasion depth of superficial ESCC. We used Medical Subject Heading terms and free keywords to search the PubMed, Cochrane Central, and Ichushi databases to identify direct comparison studies published from January 2000 to August 2020. The results of direct comparison studies were used to compare the diagnostic accuracy of each modality. The primary outcome was defined as the proportion of overdiagnosis of pT1b-SM2/3 cancers, and the main secondary outcome was the proportion of underdiagnosis of pT1b-SM2/3 cancers. Other secondary outcomes were the sensitivity and specificity values of the modalities. Four articles were finally selected for qualitative evaluation. Although ME showed no significant advantages over non-ME in terms of sensitivity and specificity, it had a slightly lower proportion of overdiagnosis. EUS had sensitivity and specificity similar to those of non-ME and ME, but EUS had a higher proportion of overdiagnosis. Non-ME and ME are useful for the diagnosis of cancer invasion depth. EUS may increase overdiagnosis, and caution is required in determining its indications.

The potential for reducing alcohol consumption to prevent esophageal cancer morbidity in Asian heavy drinkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for esophageal cancer. In Asia, heavy drinkers are considered to have a higher risk of esophageal cancer than nondrinkers and light drinkers. However, no study has shown an association between alcohol reduction and the morbidity of esophageal cancer in Asian heavy drinkers. Therefore, this study investigated the significance of reducing alcohol consumption to prevent esophageal cancer in Asian heavy drinkers by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. The MEDLINE (PubMed) and ICHUSHI (Japana Centra Revuo Medicina) databases were searched from January 1995 to December 2020. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. I2 statistics were used to detect heterogeneity. This study included 21 articles in the qualitative synthesis. Light drinkers and heavy drinkers were categorized based on alcohol consumption amount as ≤ 25 ethanol g/day and ≥ 66 ethanol g/day, respectively, as described in many previous studies, and five cohort studies were eligible for this meta-analysis. The HR of esophageal cancer among heavy drinkers versus nondrinkers was 4.18 (95% CI 2.34-7.47, I2 = 74%). On the other hand, the HR of esophageal cancer among light drinkers was 1.82 compared with nondrinkers (95% CI 1.57-2.10, I2 = 0%). Heavy drinkers have a higher esophageal cancer incidence than light drinkers and nondrinker. It is possible that alcohol reduction may decrease the risk of esophageal cancer in Asian heavy drinkers.

Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of esophageal cancer in the Asian region: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The consumption of fruit and vegetables was reported to be associated with a reduced risk of esophageal cancer (EC) in many studies of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) from different regions worldwide. Therefore, to provide precise information to reduce the risk of EC in Asia, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted in the Asian region about fruit and vegetable consumption and the risk of EC. We searched the MEDLINE (PubMed) and ICHUSHI (Japana Centra Revuo Medicina) databases from January 2010 to December 2020. The summary relative risk (SRR) and 95% CI were calculated using a random-effects model. In addition, I2 statistics were used to detect heterogeneity. Twenty-two studies were eligible for meta-analysis (16 case-control studies and 6 cohort studies). The SRR for the lowest versus highest fruit consumption was 0.64 (95% CI 0.53-0.77, I2 = 82%). That for the lowest versus highest vegetable consumption was 0.61 (95% CI 0.50-0.74, I2 = 81%). Based on subgroup analysis, a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was significantly associated (SRR for fruit: 0.54; 95% CI 0.40-0.74, SRR for vegetable: 0.60; 95% CI 0.48-0.76) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 48% for fruit, I2 = 0% for vegetables). Egger's funnel plot asymmetry test demonstrated publication bias (P < 0.001 for fruit, P = 0.009 for vegetables). Fruit and vegetable consumption might be associated with a lower risk of EC in the Asian region. However, further substantial prospective studies with a validated FFQ and well-controlled important confounding factors are required to confirm the association.

Infrequent RAS mutation is not associated with specific histological phenotype in gliomas.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in driver genes such as IDH and BRAF have been identified in gliomas. Meanwhile, dysregulations in the p53, RB1, and MAPK and/or PI3K pathways are involved in the molecular pathogenesis of glioblastoma. RAS family genes activate MAPK through activation of RAF and PI3K to promote cell proliferation. RAS mutations are a well-known driver of mutation in many types of cancers, but knowledge of their significance for glioma is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to reveal the frequency and the clinical phenotype of RAS mutant in gliomas. METHODS: This study analysed RAS mutations and their clinical significance in 242 gliomas that were stored as unfixed or cryopreserved specimens removed at Kyoto University and Osaka National Hospital between May 2006 and October 2017. The hot spots mutation of IDH1/2, H3F3A, HIST1H3B, and TERT promoter and exon 2 and exon 3 of KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS were analysed with Sanger sequencing method, and 1p/19q codeletion was analysed with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. DNA methylation array was performed in some RAS mutant tumours to improve accuracy of diagnosis. RESULTS: RAS mutations were identified in four gliomas with three KRAS mutations and one NRAS mutation in one anaplastic oligodendroglioma, two anaplastic astrocytomas (IDH wild-type in each), and one ganglioglioma. RAS-mutant gliomas were identified with various types of glioma histology. CONCLUSION: RAS mutation appears infrequent, and it is not associated with any specific histological phenotype of glioma.

Giant cell tumor of bone - Analysis of 213 cases involving extra-craniofacial bones.

We elucidated clinicopathological characteristics of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in Japan, and significant clinicopathological factors for predicting local recurrence. Clinicopathological profiles of 213 patients with GCTB (100 male, 113 female) involving extra-craniofacial bones were retrieved. Pathological slides obtained at the initial surgery were reviewed. Fourteen pathological and five clinical features were statistically analyzed to disclose prognostic significance. Patient age ranged from 12-80 years (Average 38.7). Long bones were most frequently affected (86.4%), especially around the knee (62.9%). Histological features are basically similar to those previously reported. Within a follow-up period (24-316 months, average 106.1 months), the local recurrence rate is 29.1%. Metastasis has occurred in 9 patients. Cox regression analysis of representative clinicopathological features shows that younger age, higher mitotic count, smaller zones of stromal hemorrhage, considerable vascular invasion and absence of ischemic necrosis are significant predictors for local recurrence. Initial operative method (curettage) is a significant risk factor in univariate analysis but not by multivariate analysis (P = 0.053). Denosumab administration increases risk but not significantly (P = 0.053). Histone 3.3 G34W immunopositivity is not significant for predicting local recurrence.

A case of medulloblastoma in a patient with fetal ventricular enlargement.

Medulloblastoma is the second-most common malignant tumor in children. Medulloblastoma has been categorized into four distinct molecular subgroups: WNT, sonic hedgehog (SHH), group 3, and group 4. We report on a male child with medulloblastoma, in whom an enlarged ventricle was diagnosed in utero. Magnetic resonance imaging showed cyst formation in the cerebellar hemisphere initially, with tumor growth being indicated later. Tumor resection was performed when the boy was 12 months old. The histological findings showed extensive nodularity. Further genetic analysis revealed the tumor to be SHH type. This is the first description of a medulloblastoma observed from the fetal stage. Our findings in this case indicate that cyst formation may be the pre-neoplastic lesion of SHH-subtype medulloblastomas.

Factors Influencing Sitting Ability During the Acute Post-Stroke Phase: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: Sitting ability during the acute phase after stroke is a useful indicator of functional outcomes; however, factors that affect this ability have not been evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and evaluate factors that affect sitting ability in the acute phase after stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter prospective cohort study included hemispheric stroke patients who underwent an inpatient rehabilitation program after acute stroke from five acute care hospitals. The effect of age, sex, lesion side, etiology, consciousness disorder, stroke and dementia history, stroke-related complications, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, hemiparalysis, turn-over movement from the supine position and sit-up movement, and Scale for Contraversive Pushing on the "remain sitting" item in the revised version of the Ability of Basic Movement Scale at the time of acute hospital discharge were investigated. Factors affecting sitting ability were identified using binomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We included 293 stroke patients. Age (odds ratio: 0.943, 95% confidence interval: 0.910-0.977, p=0.001), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (odds ratio: 0.862, 95% confidence interval: 0.811-0.916, p<0.001), and Scale for Contraversive Pushing score (odds ratio: 0.543, 95% confidence interval: 0.419-0.705, p<0.001) were identified as independent predictors of sitting ability at the time of hospital discharge (median; 23.0 days). CONCLUSIONS: Older patients and those with high Scale for Contraversive Pushing and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores experienced difficulties in regaining sitting ability. These results may guide physical therapy for patients with impaired sitting ability due to hemispheric stroke.

Analysis of prognostic factors in patients with lymph node recurrence after radical esophagectomy: importance of locoregional therapy.

PURPOSE: Lymph node (LN) recurrence is frequently encountered in esophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of various factors, including loco-regional treatment of LN-only recurrence, on the survival rate. METHODS: Among 941 patients who underwent curative resection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in 2003-2016, we retrospectively reviewed 117 patients (12.4%) who developed LN-only recurrence. RESULTS: One, 2, 3, and 4 or more metastatic LNs were found in 72, 22, 6, and 17 patients, respectively, after a median disease-free interval of 8.4 months (range 1.1-62.0). Among all cases, recurrence was out of the surgical field in 53 cases (45.3%). Recurrent LNs were controlled by loco-regional treatment in 29 (43.9%) and by chemotherapy alone in 3 patients (7.0%). The 3-year survival rates of patients who did and did not achieve local control were 53.2% and 5.2%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed significant relationships between post-recurrence survival rate and pStage I-II at initial surgery, no history of radiotherapy, recurrence in ≤ 2 LN, and loco-regional treatment of LN recurrence. Multivariate analysis identified recurrence in ≤ 2 LN (HR 0.3169, 95% CI 0.1023-0.5314, p = 0.0038) and loco-regional treatment (HR 0.1973, 95% CI 0.0075-0.3871, p = 0.0416) as the only two significant and independent prognostic factors of survival. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence limited to ≤ 2 LN and loco-regional treatment (chemoradiotheapy or surgery) for LN recurrence were associated with favorable survival of patients with history of radical esophagectomy followed by LN recurrence. Our results emphasize the importance of local control of LN recurrence regardless of location.

Continuous ghrelin infusion attenuates the postoperative inflammatory response in patients with esophageal cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to clarify whether ghrelin infusion is useful for suppressing inflammatory responses after esophagectomy. METHODS: A phase I study of ghrelin administration after esophagectomy was performed in 20 patients with esophageal cancer. The anti-inflammatory effect of ghrelin was compared with 20 consecutive patients who did not receive ghrelin infusion. Additionally, 10 patients with intermittent infusion for 10 days were compared with 10 patients with continuous infusion for 5 days. The primary endpoint was the duration of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Secondary endpoints included postoperative complications, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and growth hormone (GH) levels. RESULTS: No adverse events of ghrelin administration occurred. Patients with ghrelin infusion had higher plasma ghrelin levels on postoperative day (POD) 3 (p = 0.003) and shorter SIRS duration (p = 0.007) than patients without ghrelin infusion. Although SIRS duration was similar (p = 0.19), patients with continuous ghrelin infusion had significantly higher plasma ghrelin (p < 0.001) and GH levels (p = 0.002) on POD 3 than patients with intermittent ghrelin infusion. Serum CRP and IL-6 levels on POD 3 tended to be lower in the continuous infusion versus intermittent infusion group. CONCLUSIONS: Ghrelin was safely administered after esophagectomy and may reduce excess postoperative inflammatory responses. Continuous infusion is better for this purpose than intermittent infusion.

[A Case of Advanced Gastric Cancer with Umbilical Metastasis, Pyloric Stenosis, and Peritoneal Dissemination Underwent Palliative Surgery after Chemotherapy].

A 62-year-old woman was diagnosed with gastric cancer, Type 4, cT4b(LN, mesentery of transverse colon), N1 M1H0P1CY1, cStage ⅣB. S-1 and L-OHP(SOX)were administered for 4 courses and clinical response was SD. She interrupted the treatment because of practicing folk therapy. She had an emergency hospitalization due to pyloric stenosis, vomiting, and an umbilical tumor with pain. She was treated with 1 course of mFOLFOX6(5-FU, L-OHP, l-LV)followed by palliative surgery(laparoscopy assisted distal gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y reconstruction, resection of umbilical tumor, and bypass for transverse colon stenosis due to dissemination). The pathological diagnosis was L, Circ, Type 4, 126×89 mm, por> sig, pT4b(SI, mesentery of transverse colon), pN3a(12/13), H0P1CY1, pStageⅣ, and metastatic umbilical tumor. Following surgery, oral administration of mFOLFOX6 is continued. Umbilical metastasis(Sister Mary Joseph's nodule)is associated with poor prognosis, however, appropriate management including symptom control by palliative surgery and continuation of chemotherapy may lead a better prognosis.

Characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients with diffuse gliomas: a multi-institutional cohort study by Kansai Molecular Diagnosis Network for CNS Tumors.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the current state of clinical practice and molecular analysis for elderly patients with diffuse gliomas and aims to elucidate treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with glioblastomas. METHODS: We collected elderly cases (≥ 70 years) diagnosed with primary diffuse gliomas and enrolled in Kansai Molecular Diagnosis Network for CNS Tumors. Clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed retrospectively. Various factors were evaluated in univariate and multivariate models to examine their effects on overall survival. RESULTS: Included in the study were 140 elderly patients (WHO grade II: 7, III: 19, IV: 114), median age was 75 years. Sixty-seven patients (47.9%) had preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status score of ≥ 80. All patients underwent resection (gross-total: 20.0%, subtotal: 14.3%, partial: 39.3%, biopsy: 26.4%). Ninety-six of the patients (68.6%) received adjuvant treatment consisting of radiotherapy (RT) with temozolomide (TMZ). Seventy-eight of the patients (75.0%) received radiation dose of ≥ 50 Gy. MGMT promoter was methylated in 68 tumors (48.6%), IDH1/2 was wild-type in 129 tumors (92.1%), and TERT promoter was mutated in 78 of 128 tumors (60.9%). Median progression-free and overall survival of grade IV cases was 8.2 and 13.6 months, respectively. Higher age (≥ 80 years) and TERT promoter mutated were associated with shorter survival. Resection and adjuvant RT + TMZ were identified as independent factors for good prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: This community-based study reveals characteristics and outcomes of elderly glioma patients in a real-world setting. Elderly patients have several potential factors for poor prognosis, but resection followed by RT + TMZ could lengthen duration of survival.

Peritoneal Seeding after Gastric Perforation during Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Since the risk of cancer cells seeding the peritoneum after perforation during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is unclear, we retrospectively examined peritoneal relapse after gastric perforation during ESD for gastric cancer at a single institution. METHODS: Of 876 patients who underwent ESD for early gastric cancer between January 2002 and December 2015, 22 patients (2.5%) experienced gastric perforation during ESD at the Osaka National Hospital in Osaka, Japan. Clinical data from these 22 patients were reviewed for information on pathology, clinical course, and evidence of peritoneal dissemination. RESULTS: Patients were followed for a median of 55 (range 2-108) months. Two patients had peritoneal seeding following perforation during ESD. Multivariate analysis to explore the influence of clinical factors on the peritoneal seeding revealed that an intra-abdominal fluid collection on the CT imaging just after ESD, tumor location at the upper lesion of stomach, and pathologically marginal invasion were independently associated with an incidence of peritoneal relapse. CONCLUSION: Although rare, we should recognize the possibility of cancer cells seeding the peritoneum after perforation during gastric ESD.

Histological changes of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after preoperative chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to analyze the clinical and histological effects of chemotherapy in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC). METHODS: We analyzed tumor samples from five patients with cT1bN1M0 who underwent subtotal esophagectomy following two courses of a new triplet chemotherapy regimen including docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF). To assess the histological effects of chemotherapy, resected specimens were analyzed by macroscopic examination, hematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining (p53, Ki-67 and cytokeratin) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. RESULTS: All five patients had a pathological T stage of T0/1a-LPM/1a-MM/1b (1/2/1/1) and histological grade of grade1a/1b/2/3 (1/1/2/1). Endoscopic examination revealed substantial shrinkage of lugol-voiding lesions (LVLs) in all cases. One case showed complete LVL disappearance, and resected specimen examination confirmed pathological complete response (pCR). IHC and PAS staining revealed that most initial LVLs were PAS-negative. Obvious viable cells were confirmed in two cases. The other three cases exhibited nuclear atypia and strong expression of p53 and Ki-67 in the basal layer of mucosa or lamina propria mucosae, even though the superficial layer of mucosa showed no obvious LVLs with PAS-positive. p53-positive lesions were also observed in Ki-67-positive. This indicated discordance between the endoscopic findings and histopathological evaluation. CONCLUSION: DCF chemotherapy alone had a substantial therapeutic effect on SESCC in all cases. However, despite the normal appearance of the mucosal surface, viable cancer cells remained below the basal layer of mucosa. Careful attention should be paid when diagnosing clinical CR, or securing a resection margin of SESCC after DCF chemotherapy.

Chondroblastoma of extra-craniofacial bones: Clinicopathological analyses of 103 cases.

We elucidated clinicopathological characteristics of chondroblastoma (CB) in Japan, and reliable clinicopathologic parameters predicting local recurrence and/or metastasis. Clinicopathological profiles of 103 CB (80 male, 23 female) in extra-craniofacial bones were retrieved. Numerical scoring of nine pathological and five radiological features was statistically analyzed to determine prognostic significance. Age ranged 8-61 years (average 19.6 years). Frequently involved sites were femur, tibia, calcaneus, patella and humerus. Radiologically, tumors were 2-80 mm (average 31.1 mm) in size. Marginal sclerosis and calcification were common. Histologically, pink cartilage, mitoses, and chicken-wire calcification were often seen. Within a follow-up period [2-260 months (average 53.5 months)], the local recurrence rate was 15.5%. No patient had metastasis. Recurrence was most frequently observed at the femur. By log-rank analysis, only cyst formation in images was significant for predicting recurrence free survival (RFS). By Cox hazard analysis with representative clinico-radiological and pathological features, only age (≥16 years) and cyst formation were significant predictors for RFS. Pathological features were not significant in both uni- and multivariate analyses.

[A Case of Retroperitoneal Cavernous Hemangioma Difficult to Differentiate from Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma].

We report a case of retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma. A 77-year-old woman complaining of nausea was admitted to a different hospital in September 2013. Computed tomography (CT) detected a retroperitoneal mass in the left pararenal space. Three years later, repeated CT showed that the tumor had gradually grown in size. On dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the tumor demonstrated radiographic signs of a liposarcoma. Resection of the mass with left nephrectomy was performed in June 2016, and histopathology showed cavernous hemangioma. Clinical diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma is difficult, and imaging modalities, including CT and MRI, may not be conclusive. The final diagnosis in most cases is established through surgery. This is the 29th case of retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma to be reported in Japan.

[A Case of Recurrent Breast Cancer with Adrenal Metastasis Resected Using Laparoscopic Surgery].

We report a case of recurrent breast cancer with involvement of the right adrenal grand, which was resected using laparoscopic surgery. The patient was a 41-year-old woman who underwent duct-lobular segmentectomy for ductal carcinoma in situ. Histopathology showed microinvasion, and tested positive for ER and PR, but negative for HER2, so we applied radiation to the remaining breast and administered tamoxifen. After 9 months, local recurrence was detected and quadrantectomy with axillary lymph node dissection was performed. One year and 10 months later, local recurrence was again detected and a tumorectomy was performed. The adjuvant therapy was changed to an LH-RH analog plus anastrozole and it was administered effectively for 5 years. Left ileal metastasis appeared in the 2nd month after completion of the adjuvant chemotherapy, so radiation was applied and an LH-RH analog plus exemestane administration was started. Three years passed without recurrence, but a right adrenal tumor appeared on computed tomography. The tumor grew over 6 months, so laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed. Histopathologically, the tumor tested positive for ER and PR, and negative for HER2 so we diagnosed metastasis of breast cancer, and administered an LH-RH analog plus exemestane. The patient's disease has not progressed in the 3 months since surgery.

[A Case of Recurrent Esophagogastric Junction Cancer Responding to Trastuzumab].

We report a case of recurrent esophagogastric junction cancer successfully treated with chemotherapy including trastuzumab. A 66-year-old man reporting black stool was examined, and through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was found to have a tumor at the esophagogastric junction. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery of the esophagus with 3-field lymph node dissection was performed. The final diagnosis was adenocarcinoma(tub1-pap-muc), pT3N3M0, pStage III C. The tumor was at the squamo-columnar junction and classified as Siewert type II . Following surgery, 6 months of adjuvant therapy with S-1 was administered. Computed tomography(CT)confirmed metastases in the lung, liver, and recurrence in the reconstructed stomach. In spite of chemoradiotherapy(FP plus RT)and weekly PTX, these metastases had grown. Pathological examinationshowed overexpressionof humanepidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2), and treatment with CPT- 11 plus trastuzumab was initiated at postoperative 15 months. A partial response was achieved 3 months later. The lesions in the lung, liver, and reconstructed stomach were controlled with this therapy, but he died from meningeal seeding at postoperative 20 months. These findings suggest that inclusion of trastuzumab in chemotherapy regimens is effective for recurrent HER2-positive esophagogastric junction cancers.