Antitumor effect of polyphyllin D on liver metastases of neuroblastoma.

PURPOSE: We previously reported that polyphyllin D, a main component of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Paris polyphylla, exhibited anticancer effects in vitro against human neuroblastoma cells. The aims of this investigation was to examine the presence or absence of in vivo anti-metastasis effects of polyphyllin D were to establish a liver metastasis model of neuroblastoma and to evaluate the anti-metastasis effects of polyphyllin D. METHODS: Subcutaneous and intraperitoneal tumors, and metastasis models were established in immune-deficient BALB/c nude and BALB/c Rag-2/Jak3 double-deficient (BRJ) mice using the human neuroblastoma cell lines IMR-32, LA-N-2, or NB-69. For evaluating polyphyllin D activity, we used a mouse model of liver metastasis with the IMR-32 cells line injected through the tail vein. We analyzed the livers number and area of liver tumors in of the phosphate buffer solution- and polyphyllin D-treated groups. RESULTS: Liver metastasis and intraperitoneal dissemination models were successfully established in immune-deficient BRJ mice using the three human neuroblastoma cell lines. In the liver metastasis, the model of IMR-32 cells, we found that polyphyllin D suppressed both the number and total area of metastatic foci the average number of metastatic foci, average focus areas, and number of cleaved caspase-3-positive cells were significantly lower in the polyphyllin D group (p = 0.016, 0.020, 0.043, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a mouse models of neuroblastoma metastasis and demonstrated for the first time that polyphyllin D has an antitumor effect on neuroblastoma liver metastases.

Arctigenin induces apoptosis in human hepatoblastoma cells.

PURPOSE: Arctigenin has been shown to have anti-tumor effects in various types of cancers. This study was conducted to verify these effects in the human-derived hepatoblastoma cell line, HUH-6 clone 5 (hereinafter, HUH-6). METHODS: Arctigenin was added to cultured HUH-6 cells, and cellular activity was evaluated by MTS assay. To determine the relationship between reduced cellular activity and apoptosis, we measured the activities of caspase 3/7, 8, and 9 and conducted flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI staining. RESULTS: The MTS assay revealed that cellular activity decreased after arctigenin treatment in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 4 µM). To investigate apoptosis induction, activity assays of caspase 3/7, 8, and 9 were performed. While caspase 3/7 and 8 exhibited high activity, caspase 9 showed no activity. Thus, apoptosis induction may have involved the action of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1). Flow cytometry conducted with Annexin V/PI staining revealed the occurrence of early apoptosis. CONCLUSION: We found that arctigenin has anti-tumor effects in HUH-6 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Arctigenin may have exerted its anti-tumor effect by inducing apoptosis via TNFR1, which recruits Complex IIa to activate caspase 8 and 3/7. These results may be useful for developing therapeutic agents for hepatoblastoma.

[A Case of Resected Pancreatic Metastasis of Rectal Cancer after Multiple Resections of Metastatic Lesions].

A 71-year-old man underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer 10 years prior. He underwent resection of liver metastasis once and that of lung metastases multiple times after the primary surgery. Computed tomography revealed a mass measuring 22mm in size in the pancreatic body 10 years after the rectal resection. We inspected it before surgery by performing EUS-FNA. On suspicion of metastasis of rectal cancer or primary pancreatic cancer, we performed distal pancreatectomy. The pancreatic tumor was diagnosed as metastasis of the rectal cancer. There were multiple metastases in the resected specimen that we were unable to indicate at the preoperative inspection. Resectable pancreatic metastasis from colorectal cancer is rare, but some patients with long-term survival have been reported. If a patient is tolerant to pancreatectomy and has no metastasis in other organs, the patient should be considered as a good candidate for pancreatectomy.

[A Case of Colostomy-Free and Long-Term Survival with 5-FU/CDDP for Local Recurrence of Anal Cancer after Chemoradiation Therapy].

We report a case of colostomy-free, long-term survival following 5-FU/CDDP for the local recurrence of anal cancer after chemoradiation therapy(CRT). The patient was a 48-year-old woman who was diagnosed with cStage ⅢA anal cancer. She was treated with CRT(5-FU/MMC plus 59 Gy)and achieved a complete response upon treatment completion. A local recurrence was detected on the left-side wall of her rectum after 6 months. We recommended abdominoperineal resection but the patient refused operation. The patient was treated with chemotherapy consisting of 5-FU(1,000mg/m / 2/day)on days 1-5 and CDDP(100mg/m / 2/day)on day 2. Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy appeared following the completion of 5 courses. Therefore, the dose was reduced to 60%. Twenty-five courses of this treatment were continued and chemotherapy was completed. The patient has been alive with no sign of recurrence for 6 years and 8 months from the initial treatment. CRT for anal cancer is becoming a standard therapy but local recurrence is possible. In these cases, abdominoperineal resection is required. Chemotherapy with 5-FU/CDDP in cases of recurrence can be a colostomy-free option.

Evaluation of Ki-67 as prognostic factor for pediatric neuroblastoma and the possibility of molecular-targeted drugs with VEGF and PDGFR.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric malignant solid tumor characterized as refractory cancer with poor prognosis. The Mitosis-Karyorrhexis Index (MKI) is a prognostic factor but is prone to observer bias. The usefulness of MKI with Ki-67, as a marker of malignancy, was investigated. The efficacy of molecular-targeted therapeutic agents with fewer side effects in tumors has been studied. Molecular-targeted therapy targets include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), involved in tumor angiogenesis; c-Kit, receptor of Kit/stem cells involved in tumor growth, vasculature, and lymphangiogenesis; platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR); and B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF), involved in the RAS protein-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Therefore, expression profiles of these factors and growth inhibitory effects of molecular-targeted drugs against NB were investigated. METHODS: Ten frozen NB tissue samples collected from January 1993 to December 2017 were evaluated immunohistochemically for Ki-67 and VEGF. c-Kit, PDGFR, and BRAF expression levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; relationships between these factors and clinicopathological parameters of NB were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight patients with NB showed no amplification of MYCN (MYCN proto-oncogene, bHLH transcription factor). There were two cases of ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB). More NB cells were positive for Ki-67 than for GNB cells. VEGF expression was observed in all NB specimens and was stronger in stage IIB and higher. No BRAF or c-Kit activity was observed; PDGFR activity was greater in NB than in GNB (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, Ki-67 may help evaluate NB malignancy. As the first therapy for NB prevents amplification of MYCN, agents targeting PDGFR as well as VGFG can inhibit NB cell proliferation.

Long-term results of splenomegaly after surgery for biliary atresia in the native liver.

BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare disorder characterized by obstructive jaundice in infants, shortly after birth. Postoperatively, some patients exhibit portal hypertension and progressive liver fibrosis. Splenomegaly is a symptom of portal hypertension. We aimed to investigate splenomegaly as a marker for complications of portal hypertension and the relationship between splenomegaly and liver fibrosis in the long-term native liver (NL). METHODS: Between 1977 and 2018, 71 patients underwent hepaticojejunostomy. We included 54 patients (34 NL group, 20 liver transplant (LT) group) who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Spleen volume (SV), total bile acids, hyaluronic acid, type IV collagen, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRi) were measured. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test, regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Total bile acids, hyaluronic acid, type IV collagen, and APRi increased in NL patients with a large SV at >25 years. SV and type IV collagen were correlated with NL for >25 years (r = 0.79 [P = 0.006], y = 1.1 - [0.03 × type IV collagen] [P = 0.008]). In the ROC curve analysis, the cutoff value for type IV collagen was 165 ng/mL (P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that SV as a prognostic index for End-Stage Liver Disease may be useful in biliary atresia. Long-term follow-up is necessary because the clinical course may be favorable in childhood but worsen during adulthood.

A new murine ileostomy model: recycling stool prevents intestinal atrophy in the distal side of ileostomy.

OBJECTIVES: Proximal stoma creation in neonates results in growth failure and distal intestinal atrophy. "Recycling stool" consists of stool injection from the proximal limb to the distal limb of a stoma. Because this method may prevent distal bowel atrophy and increase body weight, we investigated the effects of recycling stool upon distal intestinal mucosa by generating an ileostomy model in rats. METHODS: An ileostomy was created 5 cm proximal to the cecum in male Wistar/ST rats. Discharged stool or saline was injected into the distal limb, twice per day for 7 days. The intestinal adaptation was assessed by measuring the villus height and counting goblet cell number. Proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by Ki67 and TUNEL immunostaining. RESULTS: The ratios of the height of the distal villi (D) to the that of proximal villi (P) were 0.97 (median [range] of D and P length: 421 [240-729] µm and 436 [294-638] µm, P<0.05) in the stool-injected group and 0.81 in the saline-injected group (442 [315-641] µm and 548 [236-776] µm, P<0.05). Compared with the saline-injected group, the stool-injected group showed elevated numbers of goblet cells (3.6 [2.0-7.6] vs. 4.9 [2.4-7.5] cells/100-µm villus length) and Ki67-positive cells (26.8% [13.8%-35.4%] vs. 40.1% [31.2%-45.7%]), along with a reduced number of apoptotic cells (5.0 [2.0-14.0] vs. 4.0 [1.0-9.0] cells/100-µm villus length). CONCLUSIONS: Recycling stool prevented distal intestinal atrophy; this experimental design may facilitate further studies concerning alternative methods to prevent intestinal atrophy and growth failure.

[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 breast reconstruction surgery using flap of latissimus dorsi after neoadjuvant chemotherapy].

We performed breast reconstruction surgery with mastectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)for a patient with NAC indication desiring breast conservation. The case was a 34-year-old single woman. In March, 2007, she was aware of a lump in her left breast and visited our hospital. The diagnosis was solid-tubular carcinoma 3 cm in diameter from close examination. We performed preoperative chemotherapy with EC(epirubicin 90 mg/m(2), cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2))x4, followed by 3w-paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2)x4, and then performed mastectomy with axillary dissection and breast reconstruction surgery using the flap of latissimus dorsi at the same time. Pathologically, pCR was provided. We thought that there are many advantages to both treatment of breast cancer and the cosmetic characteristics. The patient was very satisfied. But further cumulative examinations are awaited because there is not much evidence at present.

Virtual CO2 MDCT pancreatography: a new feasible technique for minimally invasive pancreatectomy in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Less invasive pancreatic head resection, such as duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) has been introduced for the treatment of pancreatoduodenal lesions, especially for benign conditions, for reducing surgical stress and maintaining exocrine and endocrine function of the residual pancreas in consideration of postoperative quality of life (QOL). METHODOLOGY: We investigated the feasibility of a new technique employing three-dimensional (3D) virtual pancreatography using multi-detector CT (MDCT) with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas as a negative contrast agent for detection of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas requiring minimally invasive surgery. Branch IPMN is subjected in this study. RESULTS: Contrast-enhanced MDCT scan of the abdomen diagnosed 4- to 20-mm multilocular septated cysts in the head-uncinate process of the pancreas. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) showed multiple cystic lesions in the head-uncinate process with mild dilatation in the remaining pancreatic duct. For localizing diagnosis of these small and multiple pancreatic cysts, we placed an endoscopic pancreatic stent (EPS), and MDCT with injection of CO2 via EPS was examined for the virtual CO2 pancreatography, consisting of OsiriX software system employing 3D virtual anatomic reconstruction with CO2 gas as a negative contrast agent. Virtual CO2 MDCT pancreatography demonstrated that all cystic lesions of the pancreas were contained within the area of the head-uncinate process of the pancreas. We performed DPPHR, and surgical margin of the patient's remnant pancreas was determined as non-malignant by intraoperative histology. There was no residual pancreatic cyst and tumor after surgery. The resected tumor was diagnosed as branch duct type intraductal papillary mucinous adenocarcinoma. According to our minimally invasive DPPHR obtained by virtual CO2 pancreatography, the pancreatic endocrine and exocrine functions of this patient were maintained at almost the same levels as those in his preoperative status. With respect to preservation of the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas, DPPHR is a highly effective surgical procedure due to limited surgical resection. CONCLUSIONS: Our new technique of virtual CO2 MDCT pancreatography is a feasible procedure for preservation of the remnant pancreatic function. This is the first report of virtual CO2 pancreatography providing minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.

The Utility of Diagnostic Laparoscopic Biopsy for Mesenteric and Retroperitoneal Lymph Nodes.

BACKGROUND Ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of intra-abdominal lymph nodes is minimally invasive; however, percutaneous procedures are often difficult to perform because of the location and size of the lymph nodes. In many cases, this approach may result in insufficient specimens necessary to evaluate histopathology. In such cases, laparoscopic biopsy is useful to obtain adequate specimens, regardless of the location and size of the lymph nodes. Additionally, laparoscopic biopsy is an approach that can avoid the possible complications associated with a laparotomy. CASE REPORT Between 2013 and 2016, a series of 11 patients underwent laparoscopic biopsy of mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. All patients received a definitive histopathological diagnosis via laparoscopic biopsy. The median postoperative hospital stay was four days (range 3-13 days), and all patients were able to resume oral intake on postoperative day 1. No case was converted to laparotomy, and no major perioperative complication occurred, except for wound infection in one patient. CONCLUSIONS Diagnostic laparoscopic biopsy for mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymph nodes is safe and reliable.

Application of a Z-Shaped Umbilical Incision and a Saline-Cooled Radiofrequency Device to Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery for a Huge Liver Cyst: Report of a Case.

When compared with other diseases, few authors have reported on single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for liver cysts. We herein describe our experience with SILS for a huge liver cyst with the application of an umbilical Z-shaped incision using a gel port and a high-density monopolar saline-cooled radiofrequency device with a successful outcome. An 80-old-year woman was diagnosed with a huge liver cyst with abdominal pain. She underwent percutaneous drainage of the liver cyst and injection of both absolute ethanol and an antimicrobial agent into the liver cyst at the previous hospital. Because of re-expansion of the liver cyst and symptom recurrence, we performed SILS for the liver cyst. An umbilical Z-shaped incision was made for gel port placement. After aspiration of the cystic fluid and dissection of the thin cystic wall by laparoscopic coagulating shears, the thick cystic wall was divided using an endoscopic linear stapler to avoid bleeding and bile leakage. After wide fenestration, a high-density monopolar saline-cooled radiofrequency device was applied for the ablation of the remnant membrane of the cystic wall. All maneuvers could be performed only through the gel port. The patient was discharged 4 days after surgery and was satisfied with the cosmetic results. This case shows that the application of an umbilical Z-shaped incision using a gel port and a high-density monopolar saline-cooled radiofrequency device is useful for the accomplishment of SILS for a huge liver cyst.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-producing undifferentiated carcinoma of the colon mimicking a pulmonary giant cell carcinoma: a case showing overexpression of CD44 along with highly proliferating nestin-positive tumor vessels.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing tumors are known for their aggressive behavior. Only four cases of G-CSF-producing colorectal carcinoma have been previously reported. Herein, we present a case of an undifferentiated carcinoma of the descending colon showing G-CSF production and giant cell carcinoma morphology in a 93-year-old woman. A tumor with a diameter of 80 mm was identified in the descending colon via computed tomography. Descending colectomy was performed involving the abdominal wall where tumor invasion was observed. The white blood cell count, which was elevated before resection, decreased to normal levels after intervention. However, local recurrence at the resected site was detected 39 days after surgery. Upon recurrence, increased white blood cell counts and serum G-CSF were seen. The patient died because of respiratory failure 98 days after colectomy. By using immunohistochemistry, G-CSF expression was detected in tumor cells in the resected specimen, along with overexpression of CD44 and highly proliferating nestin-positive tumor vessels. The poor clinical outcome of this patient is consistent with previous reports that the expression of these three molecules predict poor prognosis. While G-CSF can be a therapeutic target considering its auto/paracrine function to induce tumor growth via the G-CSF receptor, CD44 and nestin may also be possible candidate therapeutic targets. Further studies are required to assess the efficacy of treatments targeting these three molecules.

Randomized controlled trial on timing and number of sampling for bile aspiration cytology.

BACKGROUND: The issue on timing and number of bile sampling for exfoliative bile cytology is still unsettled. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with cholangiocarcinoma undergoing resection after external biliary drainage were randomized into two groups: a 2-day group where bile was sampled five times per day for 2 days; and a 10-day group where bile was sampled once per day for 10 days (registered University Hospital Medical Information Network/ID 000005983). The outcome of 87 patients who underwent laparotomy was analyzed, 44 in the 2-day group and 43 in the 10-day group. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. Positivity after one sampling session was significantly lower in the 2-day group than in the 10-day group (17.0 ± 3.7% vs. 20.7 ± 3.5%, P = 0.034). However, cumulative positivity curves were similar and overlapped each other between both groups. The final cumulative positivity by the 10th sampling session was 52.3% in the 2-day group and 51.2% in the 10-day group. We observed a small increase in cumulative positivity after the 5th or 6th session in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Bile cytology positivity is unlikely to be affected by sample time.