Establishment of patient-derived tumor organoids to functionally inform treatment decisions in metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients tend to have modest benefits from molecularly driven therapeutics. Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) represent an unmatched model to elucidate tumor resistance to therapy, due to their high capacity to resemble tumor characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used viable tumor tissue from two cohorts of patients with mCRC, naïve or refractory to treatment, respectively, for generating PDTOs. The derived models were subjected to a 6-day drug screening assay (DSA) with a comprehensive pipeline of chemotherapy and targeted drugs against almost all the actionable mCRC molecular drivers. For the second cohort DSA data were matched with those from PDTO genotyping. RESULTS: A total of 40 PDTOs included in the two cohorts were derived from mCRC primary tumors or metastases. The first cohort included 31 PDTOs derived from patients treated in front line. For this cohort, DSA results were matched with patient responses. Moreover, RAS/BRAF mutational status was matched with DSA cetuximab response. Ten out of 12 (83.3%) RAS wild-type PDTOs responded to cetuximab, while all the mutant PDTOs, 8 out of 8 (100%), were resistant. For the second cohort (chemorefractory patients), we used part of tumor tissue for genotyping. Four out of nine DSA/genotyping data resulted applicable in the clinic. Two RAS-mutant mCRC patients have been treated with FOLFOX-bevacizumab and mitomycin-capecitabine in third line, respectively, based on DSA results, obtaining disease control. One patient was treated with nivolumab-second mitochondrial-derived activator of caspases mimetic (phase I trial) due to high tumor mutational burden at genotyping, experiencing stable disease. In one case, the presence of BRCA2 mutation correlated with DSA sensitivity to olaparib; however, the patient could not receive the therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Using CRC as a model, we have designed and validated a clinically applicable methodology to potentially inform clinical decisions with functional data. Undoubtedly, further larger analyses are needed to improve methodology success rates and propose suitable treatment strategies for mCRC patients.

Triple-layer Mesh Plasty for Re-recurrent Ventral Hernia in a Liver Transplant Patient: A Case Report.

Ventral hernias often occur in transplanted patients because of weakness of the abdominal wall, poor muscle mass, and ascitis. In this report we describe the case of a re-recurrent ventral hernia seen emergently in a liver transplant recipient, who was treated using a singular 3-layer approach by placement of an intraperitoneal mesh, stressing technical aspects of the plasty as well as the importance of a sublay technique in the reinforcement of a previous prosthetic plasty.

Incidence of neoplastic donors in Organizzazione Centro Sud Trapianti area during the 2003-2005 period.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of malignant tumors in cadaver donors and the possibility of neoplastic disease transmission to the recipients in the Organizzazione Centro Sud Trapianti (OCST) area. Among 1744 potential donors identified from 2003 to 2005, 125 (7.1%) showed an elevated malignant neoplastic risk. In 2003 a malignant tumor was diagnosed in 60 donors of mean age 59.6 +/- 19.9 years (median 62.5, M:36 F:24); in 2004, 33 donors of mean age, 61.4 +/- 15.9 years (median 63, M:19 F:14); in 2005, 32 donors of mean age of 62.8 +/- 15.5 years (median 65.5, M:20 F:12). Prostatic cancer was the most common tumor (23.2%). In 101 of 125 cases (80.8%) the tumor was diagnosed before organ retrieval, in 23 (18.4%) cases, during the donor operation but before the transplant, and in one case (0.8%) after transplantation. Each tumor was evaluated according to the histologic types and grades. From 12 of those donors with neoplasia, 24 organs were retrieved (10 livers, 11 kidneys, 3 hearts) transplanted in 23 recipients (one liver-kidney combined transplant). Three recipients died during the perisurgical period due to causes unrelated to the tumor and therefore were not considered in the follow-up evaluation. Among the remaining nine recipients who had a mean follow-up of 38.83 months (range 9-42), no donor-transmitted disease has become apparent by imaging control. A careful donor evaluation including histologic grading and strict application of Centro Nazionale Trapianti guidelines allowed us to use donors with malignant tumors in selected cases with an apparently reduced risk of transmitted neoplastic disease.

The marginal donor: a single-center experience in orthotopic liver transplantation.

The use of marginal donors has become more common worldwide due to the sharp increase in recipients with a consequent shortage of suitable organs. The definition of "marginal donor" has not been reached by all centers. We herein analyzed our single-center experience over the last 3 years in liver transplantation (OLT) to evaluate the outcomes of using a high percentage of so-called "marginal donors", according to the current classification from the National (Italian) Center of Transplantation (CNT). Among the 78 OLT performed in 77 patients from January 1, 2003 to October 31, 2005, donor livers were divided into three groups according to the CNT classification. We evaluated donor variables, cold ischemia time (CIT), warm ischemia time (WIT), MELD score, and length of hospital stay. Histologic graft steatosis was correlated with estimated steatosis by ultrasound. There were no differences among the three graft recipient groups concerning CIT, WIT, MELD score, and the length of hospital stay. Steatosis is indicated in all series as a definite variable for a higher risk of postoperative mortality. CIT is necessarily related to donor retrieval policy and organization. Donor age seemed also to be related to a possible increase in postoperative mortality, but there are significant variations in the definition of the age limit. We failed to observe a correlation between a higher mortality rate and any of the variables currently listed to define a "marginal donor." A shorter CIT seemed to positively influence the role played by the other variables identifying a "marginal liver." Finally, the use of HCV(+) or HBV(+) grafts did not lead to an increased mortality.

Living donor liver transplantation: early single-center experience.

Adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT) is an accepted procedure to overcome the organ shortage. The advantages of ALDLT must be balanced against the first concern of donor safety. We analyzed the results of our early experience among a series of eight ALDLT performed between April 2001 and October 2003. All patients were listed as United Network for Organ Sharing UNOS status 2b and 3. Transplant recipients consisted of four men and four women. The living donors included four sons, three daughters, and one son-in-law (ages 20 to 45 years). One donor was anti-HBc-positive and negative for hepatitis B virus-DNA by polymerase chain reaction analysis in serum and in liver tissue. GR/WR >0.8 and fatty liver <10% were considered suitable for the hepatectomy. Residual left lobe volume was at least 33%. No exogenous blood and blood products were transfused into the donors and a cell-saver device was used in all donors (blood loss 490 +/- 160 mL). All procedures were right lobe hepatectomy; in one case the middle hepatic vein was withdrawn with the right graft. The mean ischemia time was 1.5 +/- 0.5 hours. All donors survived the procedure. Median hospital stay was 8.5 +/- 2.1 days in all donors but one who had a long stay because of drug-related hepatitis. One graft was lost and one donor aborted because of preoperative overestimated volumetry. Complications were experienced by two donors (25%). Five recipients (62.5%) experienced major complications; one patient underwent retransplantation because of donor graft loss. Two biliary and two vascular complications (33.3%) occurred in three patients. No perioperative death occurred. Two patients died at 9 and 10 months after transplant because of heart and respiratory failure in the first case and tumor recurrence in the second. One-year actuarial survival is 75%. ALDLT using right lobe has gained acceptance to overcome the organ shortage. Donor selection criteria must be stringent with respect to residual donor hepatic volume, steatosis, and liver function.

Antifungal prophylaxis with liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin in high-risk patients after liver transplantation: impact on fungal infections and immune system.

Antifungal prophylaxis may be required in high-risk patients undergoing liver transplantation and for that reason we aimed to verify its role and its related impact on the graft. From January 2006 throughout 2012, 250 liver transplants were evaluated and 54 patients identified as being at higher risk were randomly selected to undergo the following schedule: 28 patients received liposomal amphotericin B and 26 received caspofungin. We evaluated, throughout 12 months, renal and liver function tests, bacterial and fungal infection episodes, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, as well as the Th1 and Th2 cytokine network. Differences were analyzed according to non-parametric tests (two-tailed p values). Neither of the groups showed episodes of invasive fungal infection during the 12 months follow-up; however, patients receiving prophylaxis with liposomal amphotericin B had reduced episodes of bacterial infections coupled with an improved immune system response compared with those receiving caspofungin. Finally, a reduced stay in the ICU was also observed. In conclusion, even if the results of liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin prophylaxis strategies did not differ in terms of invasive fungal infection rate, patients receiving prophylaxis with liposomal amphotericin B had a reduced ICU stay and an improved Th2 status, as well as a reduced number of post-transplant bacterial infections. Further studies are required to better address and evaluate these findings.

Significantly improved survival time in pigs with complete liver ischemia treated with a novel bioartificial liver.

Aim of the study was to evaluate treatment efficacy and safety of a scaled-up version of our porcine hepatocytes based BAL system in pigs with complete liver ischemia (LIS). Thirty-one pigs underwent total devascularization of the liver (LIS) by termino-lateral porta-caval shunts and sutures around the bile duct, the common hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries and their accessory branches. The hepato-duodenal ligament was completely transected. Four experimental groups were studied: the first control group (LIS Control, n = 10) received glucose infusion only, the second control group (LIS Plasmapheresis, n = 8) was connected to a centrifugal plasma-separator with a bottle representing the bioreactor volume, the third control group (LIS Empty-BAL, n = 5) received BAL treatment without cells, and the treated group (LIS Cell-BAL, n = 8) was connected for a maximum period of 24 hours to our scaled-up BAL seeded with around 14 billion viable primary porcine hepatocytes. BAL treatment significantly prolonged life in large animals (approximately 35 kg) with complete LIS (Controls, mean +/- SEM: 33.1 +/- 3 h, Cell-BAL: 51.1 +/- 3.4 h; p = 0.001; longest survivor 63 h). In addition, blood ammonia and total bilirubin levels decreased significantly, indicating metabolic activity of porcine hepatocytes in the bioreactor. No significant differences were noticed among the three control groups, indicating that there was no device effect and that the plasmapheresis procedure was well tolerated. No important adverse effects were observed.

Telbivudin as prophylaxis for hepatitis B virus recurrence after liver transplantation: a case series in single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) represents a severe condition that requires prophylaxis with specific immunoglobulin and lamivudine. Few studies have addressed the efficiency of other effective antiviral drugs posttransplantation or their impact on early renal function after transplantation. Herein, we have reported experience among seven transplanted patients prescribed Telbivudin (600 mg/d) while on the waiting list followed by treatment for 3 months after OLT. METHODS: Our series consisted of men with HBV-related end-stage liver disease. Once the patient started antiviral treatment, the viral load decreased rapidly while on the waiting list. All patients were evaluated for liver and renal functions immunosuppressive drug trough levels, CPK before (T0), as well as at 1 month (T1), and 3 months after liver transplant (T3). RESULTS: All patients received a CNI-based regimen. Their mean creatinine clearance (MDRD) was 72.5 mL/min at T0, 69.2 mL/min at T1, and 71.0 mL/min at T3. Neither CPK or serum transaminase levels increased throughout the study. Once HBV-DNA was cleared while on the waiting list, it remained negative throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Telbivudin prophylaxis for HBV was safe and effective without any significant deleterious effect on liver or renal function tests after liver transplantation.

Hepatitis B prophylaxis in hepatitis B-negative recipients transplanted with donor grafts positive for hepatitis B core antibodies.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Use of grafts from hepatitis B (HBV) core antibody (HBcAb(+)) individuals is a routine transplant practice. Herein, we have reported the results of 20 HBV-negative patients transplanted with a HBcAb-positive liver grafts in order to access the efficacy of HBV prophylaxis using immunoglobulin (IE) and antiviral drugs. METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2009, we performed 168 liver transplantations including 38 HBcAb-positive grafts (22.6%) in 18 cases of HBV-positive recipients and 20 HBV-negative recipients. Histological data obtained from these last 20 grafts during retrieval showed an Ishak 1 score in three and no fibrosis in the other cases. HBV prophylaxis included infusion of 10,000 UI IG during the anhepatic phase and every 24 hours for the first 7 days irrespective of the antibody titer as well as lamivudin (100 mg) administered daily. Once discharged, outpatient management provided modulated IG infusions according to when the antibody titer was lower than 400 UI. RESULTS: No patient displayed an HBV infection. The overall survival was 80%. Two patients died within the first month after transplantation due to septic complications; one patient succumbed at 24 months after transplantation because of a lymphoproliferative malignancy and another died due to an aggressive hepatitis C virus recurrence at 6 months post transplant. CONCLUSION: By using appropriate anti-HBV prophylaxis, HBcAb-positive grafts can be used safely for HBcAb-negative recipients.

Prevention of pulmonary complications by 6-methylprednisolone in major abdominal surgery.

Methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) was compared in a randomized, double blind study to placebo in the prevention of respiratory complications in patients submitted to abdominal (vascular, pancreatic or hepatic) surgery. Two out of 42 (4.8%) patients treated with MPSS and 9 patients out of 40 (22.5%) who received placebo experienced a pulmonary complication (p less than 0.05) The results indicate that methylprednisolone could prevent the onset of respiratory complications in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Role of immunosuppression in recurrence after liver transplantation for diethylnitrosamine-induced tumors in rats.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the world's most common malignant diseases, with an increasing incidence related to liver cirrhosis. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of immunosuppression in recurrence in rats transplanted after liver tumor induction by diethylnitrosamine (DENA), which has proved to be a reliable carcinogen. In 14-week-old Lewis rats weighing 200 g, tumors were induced by the oral administration (5 mg/100 ml in drinking water ad libitum) of DENA for 13 weeks. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) was performed after 4 weeks' latency. In the Lewis/Lewis rats weighing 200 g, tumors sporin A (CsA) treatment, median survival was 199-days with no recurrence or metastasis. In the BN/Lewis group with no CsA (5 ats) median survival was 144 days. All rats died due to rejection. In the other BN/Lewis group (10 rats), OLT was followed by CsA administration (7.5 mg/kg). Median survival was 161 days. In three rats (218 days), there was liver tumor recurrence; in two rats (137.5 days), kidney and lung metastases were found. The remaining rats died of septic complications. In the Lewis/Lewis + CsA group (10 rats), median survival was 131 days with 5 recurrencies and/or metastases. Two rats are still surviving at 84 and 88 days. Our results suggest that the DENA model is reliable; it proved to have a similar carcinologic pattern to HCC in man. Moreover, immunosuppression seems to play an important role in determining recurrence. Further studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of chemotherapy agents pre- and post-transplantation.