Clinical complete response after trastuzumab deruxtecan 6th-line treatment for postoperative gastric cancer recurrence: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Despite the recent developments in the treatment of advanced or recurrent gastric cancer, the median survival time remains shorter than 15 months. Herein, we report a case of postoperative gastric cancer recurrence in which a complete clinical response was achieved with trastuzumab deruxtecan as 6th-line treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old man underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) during follow-up after rectal cancer surgery. The CT revealed an enlarged perigastric lymph node. After further examination, the patient's condition was diagnosed as gastric cancer cT2N1H0P0M0 cStage IIA. The patient underwent distal gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection. The resulting pathological diagnosis was pT1bN3aH0P0 pStageIIB, HER2 score 3+. Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT 19 months postoperatively revealed para-aortic lymph node recurrence, thus systemic chemotherapy courses were planned. The primary treatment was a combination of S-1, cisplatin, and trastuzumab administered in 11 courses. However, there was an enlargement of the para-aortic lymph node which was evaluated as progressive disease. Systematic chemotherapy with various regimens was continued until the 5th-line treatment. However, therapeutic benefits were not achieved and lung metastasis was observed. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (TDXD) was initiated as 6th-line treatment. Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT at 4 months after the start of treatment showed marked shrinkage of the enlarged para-aortic lymph node and disappearance of the lung metastasis in the right upper lung lobe, which was evaluated as partial response (PR). The para-aortic lymph node metastasis was evaluated as PR with only a slight accumulation of SUV-Max 2.66 with a shrinking trend by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) performed after 1 year. Tumor markers CEA, CA19-9, and CA125 also improved significantly. PET-CT after 1 year and 4 months showed no lymph node enlargement or accumulation, indicating a complete response (CR). All tumor markers also normalized. The patient has maintained clinical CR without additional treatment to date. CONCLUSIONS: We report the apparent first case of postoperative gastric cancer recurrence successfully treated with TDXD, achieving clinical CR with TDXD as a 6th-line treatment.

Long-term outcomes of robot-assisted versus minimally invasive esophagectomy in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer: a propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) has gained popularity worldwide. Some studies have compared the long-term results of RAMIE and minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). However, there are no reports on the long-term outcomes of RAMIE in Japan. This study compared the long-term outcomes of RAMIE and MIE. METHODS: This retrospective study included 86 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent RAMIE or MIE at our hospital from June 2010 to December 2016. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed, incorporating co-variables such as confounders or risk factors derived from the literature and clinical practice. These variables included age, sex, body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking history, American Society of Anesthesiologists stage, comorbidities, tumor location, histology, clinical TNM stage, and preoperative therapy. The primary endpoint was 5-year overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints were 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence rates. RESULTS: Before PSM, the RAMIE group had a longer operation time (min) than the MIE group (P = 0.019). RAMIE also exhibited significantly lower blood loss volume (mL) (P < 0.001) and fewer three-field lymph node dissections (P = 0.028). Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo: CD ≥ 2) were significantly lower in the RAMIE group (P = 0.04), and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter than the MIE group (P < 0.001). After PSM, the RAMIE and MIE groups consisted of 26 patients each. Blood loss volume was significantly smaller (P = 0.012), postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 2) were significantly lower (P = 0.021), and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) in the RAMIE group than those in the MIE group. The median observation period was 63 months. The 5-year OS rates were 73.1% and 80.8% in the RAMIE and MIE groups, respectively (P = 0.360); the 5-year DFS rates were 76.9% and 76.9% in the RAMIE and MIE groups, respectively (P = 0.749). Six of 26 patients (23.1%) in each group experienced recurrence, with a median recurrence period of 41.5 months in the RAMIE group and 22.5 months in the MIE group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with MIE, RAMIE led to no differences in long-term results, suggesting that RAMIE is a comparable technique.

Malignant Melanoma Arising from Esophageal Melanosis and Synchronous with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is a rare disease. However, its exact etiology and progression from melanosis to malignant melanoma have not been elucidated due to its rarity. CASE REPORT We report a case of esophageal melanosis that progressed to malignant melanoma and was synchronous with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. A male patient in his 60s was diagnosed with right hypopharyngeal cancer. Cervical dissection and chemoradiation therapy were performed. Esophageal melanosis was discovered using gastrointestinal endoscopy during a pre-treatment screening 2 years later and revealed a 0-Ia tumor in the middle thoracic esophagus, coinciding with the esophageal melanosis site. A biopsy revealed malignant melanoma. We performed thoracoscopic total thoracic esophagectomy. The resected specimen showed a 0-Ia lesion, and the invasion depth of the esophageal malignant melanoma was submucosal (pT1b-SM3), N0, Stage I. A 0-IIc lesion was found in the resected specimen [squamous cell carcinoma in situ, intraepithelial mucosal (pTis/T1a-EP), N0, Stage 0]. The patient has been recurrence-free for 18 months post-surgery without postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and is still receiving outpatient followup. CONCLUSIONS The close relationship between esophageal melanosis and primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus has implicated the melanosis as the origin of the malignant melanoma. The coexistence of esophageal melanosis and esophageal cancer warrants improved patient followup, including biopsy and multiple endoscopic examinations after esophageal melanosis diagnosis.

Clinicopathological Features of Remnant Gastric Cancer After Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Remnant gastric cancer (RGC) encompasses all cancers arising from the remnant stomach. Various studies have reported on RGC and its prognosis, but no consensus on its surgical treatment and postoperative management has been reached. Moreover, the correlation between the clinicopathological characteristics and long-term outcomes of RGC remains unclear. This study investigated the clinicopathological factors associated with the long-term survival of RGC patients. METHODS: The medical records (March 1993-September 2020) of 104 RGC patients from Tokyo Medical University Hospital database were analyzed. Of these 104 patients, the medical records of 63 patients who underwent surgical curative resection were analyzed using R. Kaplan-Meier plots of cumulative incidence of RGC were made. Differences in survival rates were compared using the log-rank test. Prognostic factors were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression analysis (P < .05). RESULTS: Of the 104 RGC patients, 63 underwent total remnant stomach excision. The median time from the first surgery to the total excision was 10 years. The 5-year survival rate of the 63 RGC patients was .55 ((95% CI); .417-.671). The clinicopathological factors that were significantly associated with the long-term outcome of the RGC patients were tumor diameter (≥3.5 cm), presence or absence of combined resection of multiple organs, tumor invasion (deeper than T2), TNM stage, and postoperative morbidity. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that tumor invasion depth was the only independent prognostic factor for RGC patients [HR (95% CI): 5.49 (2.629-11.5), P ≤ .005]. CONCLUSIONS: Among prognostic factors, tumor invasion depth was the only independent factor affecting RGC's long-term outcome.

[A Case of Goblet Cell Adenocarcinoma Incidentally Diagnosed after Appendectomy That Required Additional Bowel Resection with Lymph Nodes Dissection].

A 54-year-old male presented to the clinic, complaining of dull lower abdominal pain that started a day ago. There was a tenderness on right lower quadrant on palpation and abdominal computed tomography(CT)showed that dilated appendix with a diameter of 12 mm. The patient was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and laparoscopic appendectomy was performed on the same day. The tip of the appendix was swollen and looked purple, gangrenous appendicitis findings were identified. However, histopathology detected GCA on resected appendix with positive surgical margin and additional tumor resection was indicated. Laparoscopic ileocecal resection with D3 lymph nodes dissection was performed 24 days after the first surgery. Resected specimen showed that the stump of the appendix was palpable as a mass in the orifice of the appendix and histopathology revealed the remnant of the appendiceal GCA. No lymph nodes tumor metastasis was identified. Chromogranin A and synaptophysin were positive and Ki-67 was approximately 50%. According to the guideline of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer, oral 5-fluorouracil therapy was performed for half a year after the second surgery and the patient remains still healthy without recurrence 1 year after the surgery. Here, we experienced a rare case of GCA of the appendix that was detected incidentally after appendectomy for acute appendicitis.

[A Case of Monomorphic Epitheliotropic Intestinal T-Cell Lymphoma Causing Perforation of the Small Intestine].

Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma(MEITL)is very rare and aggressive subtype of lymphoma with poor prognosis. A 60-year-old man complaining of abdominal pain was underwent partial resection of the jejunum for panperitonitis with a small intestinal perforation. The histopathological and immunohistochemical findings led to the diagnosis of MEITL. Postoperative course was uneventful. One month after the operation, the patient was scheduled for 6 courses of CHOP regimens. He presented with bowel obstruction twice during the 3 courses of CHOP. As the recurrence of MEITL could not be ruled out, diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. Laparoscopic findings revealed no recurrence and adhesive small bowel obstruction. The patient was followed closely without treatment after 6 courses of CHOP. The patient has been alive without recurrence 18 months after the resection. We reported a case of monomorphic epithelial intestinal T- cell lymphoma causing jejunal perforation.

Significance of Zinc Replacement Therapy After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Recently, a decrease in serum zinc levels and the need for zinc preparations have been reported in the perioperative period of gastrointestinal surgery. In this study, we examined treatment outcomes among patients supplemented with zinc after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and evaluated the significance of zinc replacement therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2020 to April 2021, 56 patients who received zinc acetate hydrate (50 mg/day) from postoperative day 3 after PD in our department were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' characteristics and preoperative as well as postoperative data, including serum zinc levels and surgical results at 1 month were reviewed. RESULTS: Preoperative zinc deficiency was present in 86.1% (46/56) of the patients. Moreover, despite zinc supplementation, 17.8% (10/56) of patients had postoperative zinc deficiency. A comparison between the low zinc level group (Zn <80 µg/dl) and the normal zinc level group (Zn ≥80 µg/dl) after surgery showed siginificant differences among patients with malignant diseases (vs. benign diseases, p=0.044), those undergoing open surgery (vs. minimally invasive surgery, p=0.036), and those with intraoperative blood loss ≥346 ml (vs. <346 ml: p=0.041) in the univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that zinc deficiency was significantly associated with open surgery [odds ratio (OR)=15.885, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.77-142.01, p=0.013] and intraoperative blood loss (OR=9.329, 95% CI=1.50-57.74, p=0.016). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing open PD for pancreatic cancer, zinc preparations of 50 mg may not be sufficient and further supplementation may be necessary.

Use of Polyglycolic Acid Sheets for the Prevention of Pancreatic Fistula after Laparoscopic Gastrectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) indications have been extended to advanced gastric cancer requiring expansive lymph node dissection. Despite the huge benefits of this minimally invasive surgery, major complications such as postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remain a concern. With technical advances in surgical procedures, the treatment outcomes of gastric cancer surgery have improved. However, effective methods for preventing POPF have not yet been established. Herein, we examined the usefulness of polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets for preventing POPF after LG. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 142 patients who underwent curative LG at our institution between January 2017 and August 2022. The 142 patients were divided into 2 groups; PGA group (n = 61): the site of lymph node dissection at the superior margin of the pancreas and pancreatic head was covered with PGA sheets, and nPGA group (n = 81): the site was not covered. We retrospectively compared the short-term surgical outcomes including POPF incidence. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the background factors between the 2 groups and in the incidence of Grade II or higher postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification. However, the incidence of CD Grade II or higher POPF was significantly lower in the PGA group than in the nPGA group (.0% vs 2.3%, respectively, P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: There was no POPF in any of the 61 patients in the PGA group. This outcome suggests that POPF incidence may be reduced by covering the lymph node dissection site with PGA sheets after LG.

Long-term surgical outcomes of gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma and mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) and mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN) are extremely rare subtypes of gastric cancer. MiNEN is a mix of carcinomatous components and neuroendocrine neoplasm in the same lesion. NEC and MiNEN have a poor prognosis, are difficult to diagnose, and have no established treatment. Herein, we assessed the clinicopathological characteristics and long-term surgical outcomes of gastric NEC and MiNEN patients in our hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 1538 patients pathologically diagnosed with gastric cancer and who underwent curative surgical resection at our institution between January 1999 and October 2021. Of these patients, 25 (1.6%) were pathologically diagnosed with neuroendocrine neoplasms. From these 25 patients, we retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes of 13 (0.8%) patients pathologically diagnosed with NEC or MiNEN. RESULTS: The NEC and MiNEN patients consisted of 11 men and 2 women [mean age, 74 (62-84) years]. The preoperative histological diagnoses were NEC (n = 4) and adenocarcinoma (n = 9). The final pathological diagnoses were large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC; n = 7) and MiNEN (n = 6). Total gastrectomy was the most common surgical procedure (9/13, 69.2%), followed by distal gastrectomy (3/13, 23.1%) and proximal gastrectomy (1/13, 7.7%). Immunohistochemical staining showed 8 CD56-positive patients. All 13 patients were positive for chromogranin A and synaptophysin. The mean Ki-67 value was 64.8 (0-95)%, and the mean mitotic score was 107.9 (0-400). Nine patients survived without recurrence postresection. The median postresection overall survival time was 68.7 (8.0-129) months. The 5-year survival rate was 0.75 ([95% CI] 0.408-0.912). CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment outcomes of NEC and MiNEN patients were relatively favorable. Although evidence concerning the effectiveness of surgery alone is meager, radical resection as part of multidisciplinary treatment including chemotherapy can potentially improve prognosis.

[A Case of Combined Modality Therapy for Progressive Esophagus Cancer with Perforation Due to Preoperative Chemotherapy].

A nearby doctor sensed incongruity in deglutition as a chief complaint from a 56-year-old man. A middle intrathoracic esophagus cancer was subsequently diagnosed and referred to our department. We started FP therapy based on the preoperative chemotherapy guidelines, but perforation of esophageal cancer developed. We conducted chest drainage, and attempted to improve the patient's overall status with antibiotic medical treatment and hyperalimentation; single-stage operations were performed. As tumor invaded the left pleura, surgery occurred for R2 resection of the left lung. Subsequently, we started nivolumab therapy because we give DCF therapy and detected a liver metastasis and we continue it now and survive.

Comparison of Intracorporeal Trapezoidal-shaped Gastroduodenostomy and Delta-shaped Anastomosis After Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Single-center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic/robotic distal gastrectomy (LDG/RDG) as a treatment for early gastric cancer has become increasingly and widely accepted for its minimal invasiveness and proportionate outcomes. Over the years, in addition to the LDG/RDG technique and the lymphadenectomy and gastrectomy procedures, various reconstruction methods have been developed and further improved upon. In particular, the number of minimally invasive intracorporeal anastomosis reconstruction techniques has been increasing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 445 patients with gastric cancer who underwent reconstruction following LDG/RDG via either trapezoidal-shaped gastroduodenostomy (TAPESTRY; n=126) or delta-shaped anastomosis (DSA; n=319) at our hospital between April 2012 and May 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Short-term surgical outcomes, including the operation time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and complications, were compared between the 2 groups. Anastomosis-related complications, namely leakage, bleeding, stricture, and delayed gastric emptying, were monitored and graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: All operations were either performed or supervised by qualified surgeons. Patients' characteristics in the TAPESTRY group and the DSA group were biased in terms of the surgical approach, but they were well-balanced after propensity score matching. Overall anastomosis-related complications (Clavien-Dindo grade II or above) within 30 days after surgery in the TAPESTRY group were comparable with those in the DSA group, either all patients (1.5% vs. 5.0%, P=0.115) or after propensity score-matching analysis (2.1% vs. 6.5%, P=0.134). There were no records of reoperation or mortality during hospitalization in either group. CONCLUSIONS: TAPESTRY was performed safely, with a low rate of anastomosis-related complications. These findings suggest that trapezoidal-shaped gastroduodenostomy could be a feasible option for reconstruction in patients undergoing LDG/RDG.

Assessment of the use of computed tomography colonography in early detection of peritoneal metastasis in patients with gastric cancer: A prospective cohort study.

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is one of the most frequent forms of gastric cancer recurrence. In this study, we aimed to use computed tomography (CT) colonography (CTC) to detect signs of PM earlier in patients in whom PM was suspected but not yet diagnosed. CTC was used to evaluate patients with clinical symptoms or general CT findings that were suspicious but not sufficient to confirm PM. In total, 18 patients with suspected PM were enrolled. Ten patients (55.6%) had PM on CTC. Abnormal colonic deformities were identified at locations other than those of the lesions detected by general CT in seven patients. The sensitivity and specificity of CTC for the detection of PM were 83.3% and 100%, respectively. The median overall survival after CTC was 201 days in the CTC-positive group, which was significantly shorter than that in the CTC-negative group (945 days, p = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, a positive CTC finding was the only factor independently associated with survival (p = 0.005). According to our experience with 18 patients, CTC can be an alternative to conventional imaging for early detection of PM. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm and validate these findings. University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR): Registration number: UMIN000044167.

[Duodenal Stent Placement against Anastomotic Stenosis after Esophageal Cancer Resection-A Case Report].

A 53-year-old man was diagnosed as esophageal cancer, and esophagectomy was performed. Anastomotic stenosis was caused due to lymphorrhea and anastomotic leakage after surgery. Dilation was performed, though stenosis did not improved, we placed esophageal stent across the stenotic lesion. Pharyngitis occurred after indwelling esophageal stent, we hence removed the stent. Passage disorder was developed, we placed duodeneal stent which is more flexible. Stenosis is now palliated after placing duodeneal stent. Duodeneal stent could be an option for the tratment of anastomotic stenosis after esophageal surgery.

[Combined Modality Therapy for HER2-Positive Progressive Stomach Cancer Metastasis Achieving Treatment Response-A Case Report].

The patient was a 73-year-old man whose chief complaint was a 1-month history of anorexia and weight loss. Pyloric stenosis due to a circumferential type 2 lesion was detected on the pylorus ring from the gastric angle. Close inspection revealed a diagnosis of progressive stomach cancer cT3N+M0, stage Ⅲ. We judged that perioperative radical excision would be impossible and performed gastrojejunal bypass surgery. Postoperatively, the patient was treated with 2 courses of SOX plus trastuzumab and 7 courses of S-1. PR was identified, and a distal-side gastrectomy plus D2 lymph node dissection were performed as conversion surgery. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 9. For 1 year postoperative, no recurrence was noted. The prognosis of the unresectable gastric cancer is poor, but chemotherapy and conversion surgery in this case resulted in a favorable prognosis.

[A Case of Esophageal Malignant Melanoma during Follow-Up of Esophageal Melanosis Metastasis].

Man 62-years-old as for the case. In 2019, he was diagnosed with right hypopharyngeal cancer, and esophageal melanosis was noted on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy before treatment. We did a follow-up upper gastrointestinal endoscopy every year. At a follow-up upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed in February 2021, he was histologically diagnosed with an esophageal primary malignant melanoma. Computed tomography showed no metastatic lesions. He underwent esophagectomy. He is currently being followed on an outpatient basis and has had no recurrence. Careful follow-up for esophageal melanocytosis is important for early diagnosis of esophageal primary malignant melanoma.

Intentional internal drainage tube method for nonlocalized persistent pancreatic leakage: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Persistent pancreatic leakage (PL) due to disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is associated with severe morbidity and mortality and it usually treated with internal drainage. However, in cases without localized fistula formation, internal drainage is challenging to perform. We report an original one-stage surgical approach for nonlocalized persistent PL, namely, the "intentional internal drainage tube method". CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old woman whose main pancreatic duct was penetrated during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography experienced severe PL. Peritoneal lavage and a second operation involving central pancreatectomy failed to relieve the symptoms, and nonlocalized PL persisted due to DPDS. Although we attempted a radical resection of the pancreatic remnants as a third strategy, the highly inflamed tissue and massive bleeding prevented the completion of the procedure. We sutured the pancreatic head margin and performed a pancreaticojejunostomy to the distal margin. Because these two cut margins could possibly be the source of the persistent PL, we created a hole at the Roux-en-Y jejunal limb, and a silicone drainage tube was inserted into the peritoneal space via this hole. Postoperatively, we continuously suctioned the intentional internal drainage tube, and the residual PL cavity gradually diminished. Even after removal of the tube, the residual PL drained internally into the jejunum through this hole. CONCLUSIONS: We present this intentional internal drainage tube method as a novel alternative approach for the management of nonlocalized PL consequential of DPDS. Due to the simplicity and minimally invasive nature of this method, we propose this technique may also be used to treat various types of nonlocalized persistent PL or be used prophylactically for central pancreatectomy.

Risk factors of post-operative pneumonia in elderly patients with gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative pneumonia is a major complication after general elective surgery in elderly patients and is often caused by aspiration associated with oesophageal reflux. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors of post-operative pneumonia after gastrectomy in elderly patients with gastric cancer with two potential risk factors of ageing and oesophageal reflux. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the data of 251 patients ≥75 years old who underwent gastrectomy between January 2014 and December 2018 in our institution. The reconstruction methods were Billroth-I or Roux-Y after distal gastrectomy, jejunal interposition or double tract after proximal gastrectomy and Roux-Y after total gastrectomy. The severity of pneumonia was evaluated by the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Post-operative pneumonia was identified in 15 patients (5.9%) and was significantly associated with an age ≥80 years old, poor performance status, history of smoking and cardia-non-preserving gastrectomy (total gastrectomy and proximal gastrectomy) in univariate analyses. Multivariate analyses showed that a poor performance status and cardia-non-preserving gastrectomy were independent risk factors for post-operative pneumonia. The patients who suffered post-operative pneumonia required a longer hospital stay than those without post-operative pneumonia (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: We identified a poor performance status and cardia-non-preserving gastrectomy, which are likely to lead to oesophageal reflux, as risk factors for post-operative pneumonia in elderly patients with gastric cancer. These results warrant further prospective studies to evaluate their utility for reducing the rate of post-operative pneumonia in elderly patients through cardia-preserving gastrectomy or anti-reflux reconstruction.

[A Case of Type 4 Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Dissemination Successfully Treated with Conversion Surgery after Intensive S-1 plus Oxaliplatin Chemotherapy].

S-1 plus oxaliplatin(SOX)chemotherapy is now widely used for the treatment of unresectable gastric cancer but there are few case reports about conversion surgery following SOX. Hereby, we report a case of type 4 gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination successfully treated with conversion surgery after intensive SOX chemotherapy. A 69-year-old female was diagnosed of type 4 gastric cancer by upper endoscopy(por1, HER2 negative)and peritoneal disseminations were identified on left diaphragm and mesentery under direct vision. After 11 courses of SOX chemotherapy, CT revealed that primary tumor markedly decreased in size. Therefore, staging laparoscopy was performed and peritoneal disseminated lesions disappeared. Peritoneal cytology also turned negative. Subsequently, total gastrectomy and splenectomy were performed. Histology revealed that tumor was categorized as por2, ypT2N3M0, ypStage ⅢA, and Grade 2 in histological evaluation criteria. SOX was continued as an adjuvant chemotherapy for another 6 months and the patients remain healthy without recurrence. Unresectable gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination can be successfully treated with conversion surgery following SOX chemotherapy and staging laparoscopy was useful to evaluate peritoneal dissemination. When conversion surgery is indicated for gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination, downstaging should be confirmed by staging laparoscopy.

[A Case of Multiple Metachronous Metastases from Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Thoracic Spine and Right Adrenal Invading Right Kidney with Tumor Thrombus in the Inferior Vena Cava That Was Treated with Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Intravascular Therapy, and Surgery].

For extrahepatic recurrence after primary hepatocellular carcinoma resection, molecular targeted therapy is the first- choice and no consensus is reached on the indication of surgical resection of extrahepatic metastasis. However, when the extrahepatic lesion extends to vena cava, tumor thrombus can cause acute pulmonary embolism that can lead to fatal consequences. Here, we experienced a case of multiple metachronous metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma to thoracic spine and right adrenal invading right kidney with tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava. Local radiation therapy to thoracic vertebra, molecular targeted therapy, and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization were performed but tumor thrombus still occluded vena cava. Therefore, to prevent pulmonary embolism and to bridge to immunotherapy, right adrenalectomy, right nephrectomy, thrombectomy and replacement of inferior vena cava were performed. The patient remains healthy 6 months after the surgery and still receiving immunochemotherapy.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus with multiple lymph node metastases: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a very rare malignancy accounting for only 0.1% to 0.2% of all malignant esophageal lesions. Presently, there are no standard strategies or clear guidelines for PMME treatment. PATIENT CONCERNS: Herein, we report a patient who had PMME with multiple lymph node metastases (LNMs) who was treated successfully by esophagectomy. In March 2018, a 74-year-old man with symptoms of continuous dysphagia was referred to our hospital. DIAGNOSIS: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination revealed melanin pigmentation in the middle thoracic esophagus and a pigmented polypoid mass in the lower esophagus. Histopathological examination of the endoscopic biopsy specimen revealed malignant melanoma. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a 3 cm tumor lesion with several enlarged lymph nodes without distant metastasis. The preoperative diagnosis based on the TNM classification was cT2N2M0 stage III. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent esophagectomy with lymph node dissection. OUTCOMES: Histopathological examination showed that the tumor extended to the submucosal layer of the esophageal wall, with multiple LNMs. Although multiple LNMs were detected, computed tomography scan 15 months after surgery showed no recurrence. Additionally, we analyzed the relationship between the overall survival and the clinicopathological factors including LNMs in 48 previously reported cases of PMME that were surgically treated. LESSONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of LNMs on the prognosis of PMME patients. The analysis revealed the prognostic value of the TNM stage. Early tumor detection and esophagectomy with lymph node dissection may play as key factors for achieving a better overall survival of PMME patients.