[A Case of Laparoscopic Uterine and Vaginal Resection for Local Recurrence after Abdominoperineal Resection for Anal Canal Cancer].

The patient was an 80s woman. She visited our hospital with chief complaint of melena, and further evaluation revealed anal canal cancer. We performed robot-assisted abdominoperineal resection(D3 lymphadenectomy)and lateral lymph node dissection. The pathological diagnosis was anal canal cancer, muc>por1>tub2, T3N1bM0, pStage Ⅲb. One year after the surgery, she had a mass in the soft tissue of perineum on CT scan and PET-CT showed abnormal accumulation, which was diagnosed as local recurrence. At the same time, she also had a mass with abnormal accumulation in ascending colon, and it was diagnosed as ascending colon cancer. In both cases, we judged radical resection was possible, and the policy of surgery was decided. First, laparoscopic ileocecal resection was performed. The local recurrence lesion became a mass, invading the soft tissue of the perineum, the posterior wall of the vagina, and the cervix. So, we performed laparoscopic excision of local recurrent region together with the uterus and the posterior wall of the vagina. Based on the result of pathological examination, the patient was diagnosed with ascending colon cancer(tub1, pT1bN1aM0, pStage Ⅲa), and recurrence of anal canal cancer. The postoperative course is good and there are no signs of recurrence for 6 months after the operation.

Clinicopathological features of appendiceal goblet cell adenocarcinoma in Japan: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: In the 5th edition of the World Health Organization classification, appendiceal goblet cell adenocarcinoma (GCA) is categorized separately from neuroendocrine tumors and other appendiceal adenocarcinomas. We clarified the clinicopathological characteristics of Japanese appendiceal GCA. METHODS: We designed a retrospective multicenter cohort study and retrieved the data of patients with appendiceal neoplasms and histologically diagnosed appendiceal goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) treated from January 2000 to December 2017 in Japan. The available GCC slides were reviewed and diagnosed with a new grading system of GCA. RESULTS: A total of 922 patients from 43 institutions were enrolled; of these, 32 cases were patients with GCC (3.5%), and 20 cases were ultimately analyzed. The 5-year survival rate was 61.4% (95% confidence interval: 27.4-83.2), and the median survival time was 93.1 months. For peritoneal metastasis, regional lymph node metastasis was a significant factor (p = 0.04), and Grade 3 was a potential factor (p = 0.07). No peritoneal metastasis was observed in either T1/2 patients (n = 2) or Grade 1 patients (n = 4). We were unable to detect any significant factors associated with regional lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: For peritoneal metastasis, regional lymph node metastasis was a significant factor, and Grade 3 was a potential factor.

Do antihypertensive drugs really have antitumor effects? Baseline differences in hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Although the antitumor effects of antihypertensive drugs for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) have been investigated, their efficacy remains unclear. Previous studies suggest that hypertensive (HT) patients with APC are significantly older than non-HT patients with APC, and that other major baseline differences in patient characteristics which may affect prognosis exist between HT and non-HT patients. It is also possible that antihypertensive drugs lack antitumor activity. Therefore, we herein retrospectively investigated the baseline differences between HT and non-HT patients with APC. From January 2015 to April 2020, 56 patients with APC received nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine as first-line chemotherapy at Higashiosaka City Medical Center (Higashiosaka, Japan). Of these 56 patients, 30 were diagnosed with hypertension (HT group); the remaining 26 did not have hypertension (non-HT group). Differences between the two groups were compared and prognostic factors were evaluated. Patients in the HT group had significantly less sarcopenia, a significantly larger body mass index, were significantly older, and significantly more likely to have a regular doctor and primary site in the body and tail of the pancreas than those in the non-HT group. Although no significant difference was found in the treatment response, patients in the HT group were significantly more likely to move to second-line chemotherapy than those in the non-HT group. Survival curves showed that median overall survival (OS) in the HT group was significantly longer (10.5 months) than in the non-HT group (6.8 months, P = .04). Multivariate analysis did not identify the use of antihypertensive drugs as an independent prognostic factor of OS. We identified key baseline differences in the characteristics of APC patients with and without HT, suggesting that major selection bias could occur when investigating the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs in all populations. Therefore, it is possible that antihypertensive drugs lack antitumor activity. To determine the true efficacy of antihypertensive drugs for APC, HT, and non-HT patients in another population should be investigated, or a prospective, randomized, controlled trial conducted that is stratified by HT or non-HT status.

Effectiveness of Triclosan-Coated Sutures Compared with Uncoated Sutures in Preventing Surgical Site Infection after Abdominal Wall Closure in Open/Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Previous randomized trials have assessed the effectiveness of triclosan-coated sutures in fascia closure after midline laparotomy in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs); however, available evidence remain inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of triclosan-coated sutures in abdominal fascia closure to prevent postoperative SSIs. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a multicenter prospective trial conducted within 24 Japanese secondary and tertiary care centers and a propensity score (PS)-matched analysis. Patients 20 years of age or older who underwent elective surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) were included. Between July 2016 and July 2019, 2,207 patients were prospectively enrolled into the triclosan-coated sutures or uncoated sutures groups. The per-protocol population comprised 2,195 patients. The PS matching was performed for 1,579 patients: 926 patients in the coated group and 653 patients in the uncoated group. The abdominal fascia after midline laparotomy was closed with triclosan-coated or uncoated sutures depending on group. The primary endpoint was the incidence of an SSI. Secondary endpoints were length of hospital stay and surgical complication rates. RESULTS: The recorded SSI rates were 4.2% in the triclosan-coated group and 6.74% in the uncoated suture group (p = 0.028). There were no serious adverse events in the groups. The final logistic regression model showed that several variables affected the occurrence of SSI. Our meta-analysis included six phase-III trials, and our study evaluated 4,797 patients. The results show a significant superiority of triclosan-coated sutures over uncoated suture material. CONCLUSION: Triclosan-coated sutures reduce the incidence of SSI after elective CRC surgery.

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation for Cancer Patients with Bone Metastasis.

Objectives: Advances in cancer treatment have led to extended survival, and, as a result, the number of patients with bone metastases is increasing. Activities of daily living (ADL) decrease with bone metastasis and the need for rehabilitation is increasing. This study examined the effects of rehabilitation in patients with bone metastases. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of cancer patients with bone metastasis who received rehabilitation between 2016 and 2018. Efficacy of rehabilitation was evaluated in 92 patients as the change in the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score divided by rehabilitation days (FIM change/day) and assessed by different metastatic sites. Results: Overall FIM scores significantly improved after rehabilitation. Moreover, FIM change/day improved in patients with pelvic metastases (n=44) more than in patients with other metastatic sites (n=48) (P=0.015). In FIM motor components, improvements in toilet, tub/shower, walk/wheelchair, and stairs were significantly greater in patients with pelvic metastasis than in those with other metastasis sites. Conclusions: Rehabilitation improved ADL status to a greater extent in patients with pelvic metastases than in those with other metastasis sites. Patients with pelvic metastases may fear fractures, limiting their ADL, but rehabilitation could eliminate this fear and improve FIM.

Baseline Factors Predictive of the Receipt of Second-Line Chemotherapy After Nab-Paclitaxel Plus Gemcitabine for Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Second-line (2L) chemotherapy is important for improved survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC). However, approximately half of patients with APC do not receive 2L chemotherapy because of disease progression or adverse events. Baseline factors predictive of the receipt of 2L chemotherapy remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated predictive factors for the receipt of 2L chemotherapy in patients with APC. METHODS: Between January 2015 and March 2020, 53 patients with APC received nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (AG) as first-line chemotherapy at our institute. Of these 53 patients, 29 patients received 2L chemotherapy, and 23 patients received best supportive care. Patients' characteristics were compared retrospectively, and predictive factors for the receipt of 2L chemotherapy were evaluated. RESULTS: Sarcopenia and hypoalbuminemia at baseline were independent negative predictive factors for the receipt of 2L chemotherapy in multivariate analysis. Although the presence of sarcopenia did not affect the relative dose intensity through 8 weeks of AG therapy, patients with hypoalbuminemia had a significantly lower relative dose intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia and hypoalbuminemia at baseline might be negative predictive factors for the receipt of 2L chemotherapy after AG treatment in patients with APC.

[A Case of Robotic-Assisted Total Pelvic Exenteration for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Invading the Prostate].

The patient was a 60s man, whose chief complaint of melena and weight loss. He visited our hospital, and further evaluation revealed rectal cancer(Rb)invading the prostate with obturator lymph node metastasis. The clinical diagnosis was T4b (prostate)N3M0, Stage Ⅲc. He was administered 4 courses of CAPOX plus bevacizumab. After chemotherapy the primary tumor and lymph nodes showed PR, the diagnosis of ycT4bN1bM0, Stage Ⅲc. We performed robot-assisted total pelvic exenteration. He has been cancer-free for 5 months.

[A Case of Laparoscopic Total Pelvic Exenteration for Sigmoid Colon Cancer Using Infrared Illumination System (IRIS)].

The patient was 80s woman, whose chief complaint of fever and abdominal pain. She visited our hospital, and further evaluation revealed sigmoid colon cancer invading the uterus and abdominal wall. The pooling of pus in the uterus was formed and we diagnosed as pyometra. The clinical diagnosis was T4b(uterus, abdominal wall)N0M0, cStage Ⅱc. We performed laparoscopic sigmoidectomy, uterus and bilateral ovaries. We report a case in which the intraoperative infrared illumination system(IRIS)was used to support the identification of the ureter by near-infrared light and total pelvic exenteration could be safely performed.

[A Case of Early Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma Coexisting with High-Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm].

We report a case of a female in her fifties with early appendiceal adenocarcinoma coexisting with high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm(HAMN)with a review of the literature. The patient presented to our hospital because of an enlarged appendix noted by contrast-enhanced CT performed for hematuria. Contrast-enhanced CT showed that the appendix had swollen to 10 mm and mucus had accumulated inside, which had no evidence of obvious malignancy. She was followed up on CT once a year. Four years after her first visit, she underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for a definitive diagnosis. There were no adhesions or inflammation in her abdominal cavity, and the appendix root was dissected with an automatic anastomosis device. Her resected specimen macroscopically showed mild wall thickening, but no obvious neoplastic lesion. Pathological examination revealed that in many areas centered on the tip of the appendix, highly columnar atypical epithelium with enhanced mucus production was densely proliferated in the form of glandular tubular and papillary. The nuclei of the proliferating epithelium were large and the fission image was conspicuous, but they remained in the mucosa. Pathological examination diagnosed as HAMN according to the WHO classification. The atypical epithelium in a small area at the tip was particularly strong in nuclear atypia, and showed a strong positive diffusely in p53, which was an image of well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. The pathological diagnosis was V, Type 0-Ⅱb, 2 mm, tub1 in HAMN, pTis, Ly0, V0, Pn0, pPM0, pDM0, pRM0, R0. Six months have passed since the operation, but no recurrence has been observed.

A case of planar-type gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the transverse colon with perforation.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumor of the human gastrointestinal tract. They usually develop in the stomach and small intestine, but extremely rarely in the colon. Although most GISTs form a mass, some cases showing a flatly proliferating lesion called planar-type GIST have been reported in the sigmoid colon and small intestine. Those are often associated with diverticular lesion and/or perforation. We present here a case of planar-type GIST of the transverse colon with perforation. A 49-year-old Japanese woman abruptly complained of abdominal pain, and was clinically diagnosed as perforation of the transverse colon. Partial resection of the transverse colon including the perforated site was done, and no apparent mass lesion was present. Histology showed that spindle cells flatly proliferated around the perforated area and replaced the layers from submucosa to subserosa. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the spindle cells were KIT-, DOG1- and CD34-positive. Codons 557 and 558 of exon 11 of the c-kit gene were heterozygously deleted at the lesional tissue but not at the normal mucosal tissue. Planar-type GIST of the transverse colon has not been reported yet, and the literature search for the similar cases was done.

[A Case of Giant Intestinal GIST That Was Resected Just after TAE].

A 42-year-old woman visited our hospital complaining of fever and diarrhea. She had abdominal swelling and muscular defense. CT revealed a lobulated tumor occupying the lower abdomen. The tumor contained solid and cystic areas. The main artery vascularizing the tumor was the ileocecal artery, so we considered the tumor to be derived from the intestine or mesentery. We anticipated massive bleeding due to resection, and immediately after the embolization of the artery just before the operation. A vascular bundle from the terminal ileum and mesentery was found on the dorsal side of the tumor, and an outflow from the inferior mesenteric vein was also observed. We ligated each vessel and performed ileocecal resection. The operation lasted 4 hours and 18 minutes, with an estimated blood loss of 2,585 mL, requiring the transfusion of 6 units of concentrated red blood cells. According to histopathological findings, tumor cells with spindle-shaped to ellipsoidal nuclei proliferated in bundles and intricately, and immunostaining was positive for c-kit and DOG-1. We identified the tumor as high-risk GIST. The clinical course after the operation was uneventful. She continued to take imatinib for 3 years and is currently alive and without recurrence for 6 years after the operation.

A case of multiple serous cystadenoma of pancreas.

INTRODUCTION: Typically, SCN is single and doesn't invade around tissue. In our case, tumors were multiple and had gradually grown and caused vein stenosis. This is extremely rare and unique resected multiple SCN case. In addition, I report that it was thought to be educational that even benign tumors could cause such changes. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 60-year-old female was diagnosed with 3 multilocular cystic tumors in distal pancreas by contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) at the preoperative staging for rectal neoplasm. The diameters of cystic tumors were 22/23/29 mm. The CT showed that the tumors had multiple internal septa enhanced in the arterial phase and the second tumor contained internal calcifications located centrally. The main pancreatic duct was not dilated. Although SCN often occurred single and multiple SCN was very rare, we diagnosed that the tumors were suspected microcystic type SCN because they had typical image findings. So, we planned to follow up every six months after resection for rectal neoplasm. 2 years and half later, they had gradually grown, and splenic vein stenosis appeared. The pancreatic parenchyma atrophy and dilatation of the main pancreatic duct had been gradually progressing. We performed distal pancreatectomy because of possibility of malignancy. The histopathological findings showed that 2 cystic tumors the side of pancreatic head had a connection and had typical findings of SCA of pancreas. The other tumor was independent from two tumors. They had no malignant findings. DISCUSSION: At first, we expected tumor invasion had caused the changes. But tumors had no malignant findings, so we considered that compression from the tumor had caused stenosis, and obstructive pancreatitis had induced the pancreatic parenchyma atrophy. CONCLUSION: We learned from this case that not only invasion but also compression caused vein stenosis and pancreatic duct dilation.

Potential association of LOXL1 with peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer possibly via promotion of EMT.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dissemination (PD) frequently occurs in gastric cancer (GC) and is incurable. In this study, we aimed to identify novel PD-associated genes and clarify their clinical and biological significance in GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified LOXL1 as a PD-associated candidate gene by in silico analysis of GC datasets (highly disseminated peritoneal GC cell line and two freely available GC datasets, GSE15459 and TCGA). Next, we evaluated the clinical significance of LOXL1 expression using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) in a validation cohort (Kyushu cohort). Moreover, we performed gene expression analysis, including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) with GSE15459 and TCGA datasets. Finally, we performed a series of in vitro experiments using GC cells. RESULTS: In silico analysis showed that LOXL1 was overexpressed in tumor tissues of GC patients with PD and in highly disseminated peritoneal GC cells, relative to that in the control GC patients and cells, respectively. High expression of LOXL1 was a poor prognostic factor in the TCGA dataset. Next, IHC showed that LOXL1 was highly expressed in GC cells. High LOXL1 mRNA expression was associated with poorly differentiated histological type, lymph node metastasis, and was an independent poor prognostic factor in the Kyushu validation cohort. Moreover, LOXL1 expression was positively correlated with the EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) gene set in GSEA. Finally, LOXL1-overexpressing GC cells changed their morphology to a spindle-like form. LOXL1 overexpression reduced CDH1 expression; increased the expression of VIM, CDH2, SNAI2, and PLS3; and promoted the migration capacity of GC cells. CONCLUSIONS: LOXL1 is associated with PD in GC, possibly through the induction of EMT.

Predictive implications of decreased CA19-9 at 8 weeks during nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine for the induction of second-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Second-line (2L) chemotherapy after nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (AG) is important for improving the survival of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC). However, many patients fail to receive 2L chemotherapy because of rapid disease progression. Therefore, early recognition of any ineffectiveness during AG might lead to an increased induction rate of 2L chemotherapy. AIM: We investigated the significance of treatment response at 8 weeks as a predictive factor for the induction of 2L chemotherapy after AG. METHODS AND RESULTS: From January 2015 to January 2019, 41 patients with APC underwent AG as first-line chemotherapy at our institute. Thirty-three patients were evaluated at 8 weeks. Sixteen patients (48%) underwent 2L chemotherapy and 17 (52%) underwent no 2L chemotherapy. Clinical features and treatment response at 8 weeks were, retrospectively, compared among patients. Predictive factors for the induction of 2L chemotherapy were analyzed. Patients with an objective response by 8 weeks received 2L chemotherapy more frequently (P = .026). Decreased CA19-9 (<50%) at 8 weeks was identified as an independent negative predictive factor for the induction of 2L chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased CA19-9 (<50%) at 8 weeks may indicate the ineffectiveness of AG and signify that a move to 2L chemotherapy may be required without delay.

Bridge to surgery using a self-expandable metallic stent for stages II-III obstructive colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Bridge to surgery (BTS) using a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) for the treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer improves the patient's quality of life. This study aimed to examine prognostic factors of obstructive colorectal cancer. METHODS: We analyzed stage II-III resectable colon cancer cases (Cur A) retrospectively registered between January 2005 and December 2017. Overall, 117 patients with Cur A obstructive colorectal cancer were evaluated: 67 of them underwent emergency surgery (ES Group) and 50 of them after BTS with SEMS placement (BTS group). We compared surgical results and prognoses between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients underwent endoscopic SEMS placement, which technical success of 96% and morbidity rate of 18%. Primary anastomosis rates were 77.6% in ES and 95.7% in BTS (p <  0.001); postoperative complication, 46.3% in ES and 10.5% in BTS (p <  0.001); pathological findings of lymphatic invasion, 66.7% in ES and 100% in BTS (p <  0.001); venous invasion were 66.8% in ES and 92% in BTS (p = 0.04); and recurrence of 25.4% in ES and 39.1% in BTS. The 3-year overall survival was significantly different between two groups (ES, 86.8%:BTS, 58.8%), BTS is worse than ES (log-rank test; p <  0.001). Venous invasion independently predicted worsened recurrence-free and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: The vascular invasiveness was correlated with tumor progression after SEMS placement, and the survival rate was lower in BTS. SEMS potentially worsens prognostic outcomes in stage II-III obstructive colorectal cancer.

Efficacy of S-1 in second-line chemotherapy after nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Second-line (2 L) chemotherapy is important for improved survival. However, the efficacy of S-1 after nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (AG) for advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) remains unclear. AIM: We retrospectively investigated the clinical impact of S-1 after AG. METHODS AND RESULTS: From January 2015 to July 2018, 37 patients with APC underwent AG as first-line chemotherapy at our institute. Of these patients, 14 (38%) underwent S-1 as 2 L chemotherapy after AG (S-1 group), five (14%) received another agent after AG, and 18 (49%) underwent no 2 L chemotherapy (best supportive care [BSC] group). The clinical features were retrospectively compared between the S-1 and BSC groups. Prognostic factors for residual survival (RS) were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. The induction rate of 2 L chemotherapy was 51%, and most patients received S-1 monotherapy (74%). The disease control rate and progression-free survival duration were 57.1% and 2.8 months, respectively. The median RS duration in the S-1 and BSC groups was 5.2 and 2.4 months, respectively; this difference was statistically significant (hazard ratio, 0.33; P = .005). The median overall survival duration in the S-1 and BSC groups was 12.3 and 5.0 months, respectively; this difference was also statistically significant (hazard ratio, 0.26; P = .001). The efficacy of S-1 in 2L chemotherapy for RS was identified in the multivariate analysis, as was age (<65 vs ≥65 y) and the presence of liver metastasis. CONCLUSION: The antitumor activity of S-1 was retained after AG, and the induction of S-1 after AG might improve the prognosis of patients with APC.

SF3B4 Plays an Oncogenic Role in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The spliceosome pathway, including Splicing Factor 3b Subunit 4 (SF3B4), plays an important role in carcinogenesis and progression in various cancers; however, the clinical relevance of SF3B4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: SF3B4 expression was evaluated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 80 ESCC patients. In order to explore the mechanism of SF3B4 in ESCC, the mRNA expression and copy number of SF3B4 were obtained from TCGA and we also implemented gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). RESULTS: The high SF3B4 expression group (n=33) showed significantly more lymphatic permeation and poorer prognosis than the low SF3B4 expression group (n=47). GSEA revealed that high SF3B4 expression was correlated with genes associated with the transcription factor E2F and the G2/M checkpoint. SF3B4 expression was positively correlated with SF3B4 DNA copy number. CONCLUSION: Over-expression of SF3B4 may play a crucial role in the lymphatic progression of ESCC.

[Clinical Significance of Palliative Esophageal Stent Placement for Esophageal Cancer].

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of the guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal carcinoma in 2007, the indication for placing an esophageal stent has changed, especially with respect to the treatment of esophageal stricture after chemoradiotherapy(CRT). For CRT cases, irradiation after stent placement and stent placement after CRT are not recommended due to the risk of perforation. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients who underwent esophageal stenting in our department between January 2007 and December 2018 and who were diagnosed with thoracic esophageal cancer were included in this study. We retrospectively examined the safety and treatment effect of esophageal stent placement. RESULTS: Prior cancer therapy was observed in 16 cases(8 cases of chemotherapy and 8 cases of CRT). In the no prior therapy group, 13 cases were treated with BSC and 9 cases with chemotherapy. Esophageal stent placement after CRT was performed in 8 cases. Esophageal stent was placed 9(6-14)months after CRT. The stent patency period was 5(1-11)months, and the survival period after stent placement was 6(1-12)months. There was no difference in the frequency of complications and treatment outcomes of the CRT group compared with the non-CRT group. CONCLUSION: Cases undergoing esophageal stent placement after CRT can expect therapeutic effects similar to those of other cases. However, complications such as perforation can be fatal; thus, careful consideration should be given to each individual case for esophageal stent placement after CRT.