Significance of glycolytic metabolism-related protein expression in colorectal cancer, lymph node and hepatic metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Most cancer cells display high rates of glycolysis with production of lactic acid, which is then exported to the microenvironment by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of MCT expression in a comprehensive series of primary CRC cases, lymph node and hepatic metastasis. METHODS: Expressions of MCT1, MCT4, CD147 and GLUT1 were studied in human samples of CRC, lymph node and hepatic metastasis, by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: All proteins were overexpressed in primary CRC, lymph node and hepatic metastasis, when compared with non-neoplastic tissue, with exception of MCT1 in lymph node and hepatic metastasis. MCT1 and MCT4 expressions were associated with CD147 and GLUT1 in primary CRC. These markers were associated with clinical pathological features, reflecting the putative role of these metabolism-related proteins in the CRC setting. CONCLUSION: These findings provide additional evidence for the pivotal role of MCTs in CRC maintenance and progression, and support the use of MCTs as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in primary and metastatic CRC.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm-Case report of a rare pancreatic tumor.

INTRODUCTION: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare pancreatic tumor. Most patients are female within the second or third decade of life with only a small minority concerning children. Frequently described as low malignant potential tumors, surgical resection remains the main treatment. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The authors present a case of a SPN diagnosed in a 17-year-old Caucasian girl with vomiting and abdominal pain localized to the right upper quadrant. CT scans and MRI scans showed the presence of a well-defined tumor arising from the pancreatic head with 14cm of greater diameter. Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was performed and histopathology confirmed a SPN with complete resection and no evidence of malignancy. DISCUSSION: SPN are usually found incidentally hence the importance of an accurate radiologic diagnosis. Symptoms may be present such as abdominal pain or vomiting due to compression, namely in large tumors. A surgical approach is usually indicated aiming complete resection, with tumor size not predicting resectability. CONCLUSION: Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas are extremely rare and usually have an excellent long-term prognosis after surgical resection.

Giant recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma initially presenting as inguinal hernia: Review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Liposarcomas comprise around 15% of soft tissue tumors. These tumors of mesodermal origin arise as single tumors, present one histologic type and diverse locations (including the retroperitoneum). Diagnosis of liposarcomas of retroperitoneum is difficult because of this unspecific presentation and in 50-100% of the cases there is recurrence from residual tissue. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 86 year old male patient was admitted in 1996 due to a right and voluminous inguinal hernia. During the herniaplasty, a right paratesticular tumor was isolated and removed. The histologic exam revealed a well-differentiated liposarcoma. A CT scan was performed and a large abdominal mass was detected. The patient underwent a laparotomy and an incomplete resection of the tumor was achieved. After the surgery the patient remained asymptomatic during a long period. Nine years later, the patient underwent another laparotomy with partial removal of the giant recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this publication is to report the recurrence of giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma, which is an unusual presentation in surgery today. Furthermore, we would like to emphasize the long-term survival of this patient despite partial resection and the possibility of performing a re-resection in this type of cases.