The clinical impacts of the prognostic nutritional index for the esophageal cancer patients who received curative treatment.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the impact of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on esophageal cancer survival and recurrence after curative treatment. METHODS: This study included 120 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by the adjuvant treatment for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. RESULTS: The PNI of 49 was regarded to be the optimal critical point of classification considering the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rate. The OS rates at three and five years after surgery were 47.4% and 36.0% in the PNI low group, respectively, and 62.5% and 56.5% in the PNI high group, which amounted to a statistically significant difference ( P = 0.020). The RFS rates at three and five years after surgery were 31.0% and 24.8% in the PNI low group, respectively, and 50.9% and 42.8% in the PNI high group, which amounted to a statistically significant difference ( P = 0.020). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the PNI was a significant independent risk factor for the OS and a marginally significant independent risk factor forRFS. CONCLUSION: The PNI was a risk factor for survival in patients who underwent curative treatment for esophageal cancer. It is necessary to develop the effective plan of the perioperative care and the surgical strategy according to the PNI.

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Patients With Esophageal Cancer Who Receive Curative Treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The perioperative nutritional status has recently been reported to influence the prognosis of various types of cancer. We investigated the relationship between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with esophageal cancer who received radical and adjuvant therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent radical resection for esophageal cancer at our hospital (n=187) were included. Background characteristics, surgical factors, and OS were examined retrospectively. The GNRI was calculated using preoperative values, with GNRI <98 classified as low-GNRI. RESULTS: Seventy-five and 112 patients were classified into the GNRI-low and -high groups, respectively. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 75.7% and 66.7%, respectively, in the GNRI-high group and 43.2% and 36.7% in the GNRI-low group; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, low-GNRI was selected as a risk factor for OS. The hazard ratio for low-GNRI was 2.184 (95% confidence interval=1.361-3.508, p=0.001). The 5-year RFS rate in the high- and low-GNRI groups was 54.6% and 25.0%, respectively (p=0.001). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, low-GNRI was a risk factor for RFS. The hazard ratio for low-GNRI was 1.704 (95%CI=1.121-2.590, p=0.013). Regarding the type of recurrence, lymph node recurrence was significantly more common in the low-GNRI group (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: Low-GNRI was an independent risk factor for OS and RFS after radical resection of esophageal cancer. The preoperative GNRI may be a useful prognostic factor after esophageal cancer surgery.

The Clinical Influence of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Patients With Gastric Cancer Who Receive Curative Treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We evaluated the clinical impact of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in patients who received curative treatment and perioperative adjuvant treatment. We also investigated the association between the GNRI and the clinicopathological features of patients with GC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 280 patients who underwent curative treatment for GC between 2005 and 2020. The prognosis and clinicopathological parameters of the high-GNRI and low-GNRI groups were compared. RESULTS: In the GNRI-high group, the overall survival (OS) rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were significantly lower (82.7% and 77.9%, respectively) than those in the GNRI-low group (56.4% and 40.8%). The GNRI was selected for the final multivariate analysis model for OS. The GNRI was also a significant prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS). The RFS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 79.1% and 74.8%, respectively, in the GNRI-high group, and 48.0% and 38.6% in the GNRI-low group. The GNRI was selected for the final multivariate analysis model for RFS. The GNRI was also found to affect the postoperative clinical course, including postoperative surgical complications and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The GNRI may be a promising prognostic and predictive factor for gastric cancer. In the future, the GNRI may be used to select optimal treatment strategies.

Clinical Course of Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Associated Risk Factors in Patients After Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Patients are at-risk for vitamin B12 deficiency after total gastrectomy due to a lack of intrinsic factors. The aim of the study was to clarify the clinical course and risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent curative resection for gastric cancer were selected from the medical records of the Yokohama City University from 2000 to 2020. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency. RESULTS: We evaluated 47 patients. The median serum vitamin B12 levels before surgery were 359 pg/ml, while those at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery these were 255 pg/ml, 197.5 pg/ml, 195 pg/ml, and 206 pg/ml, respectively. Univariate analyses to identify factors associated with vitamin B12 deficiency at 6 months after surgery showed that the occurrence of postoperative complications was a significant risk factor (OR=6.347, 95%CI=1.607-25.774, p=0.009), while adjuvant chemotherapy was a marginally significantly risk factor (OR=3.562, 95%CI=0.877-14.477, p=0.076). CONCLUSION: Almost half of the patients were diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency at 6 months after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. In addition, the occurrence of postoperative complications and adjuvant chemotherapy were risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency at 6 months after surgery.

The Albumin-Bilirubin Score Is a Prognostic Factor for Gastric Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score is a promising tool for the evaluation of the perioperative hepatic function. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of the preoperative ALBI status in patients with gastric cancer (GC) who received curative treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study included 244 patients who underwent curative treatment for GC between 2005 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. RESULTS: Based on the 3- and 5-year OS rates, we set the cut-off value for the ALBI score at -2.7849. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 87.3% and 80.9%, respectively, in the ALBI-low group, and 66.9% and 60.6% in the ALBI-high group; these differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). The ALBI score was included in the final multivariate analysis model [Hazard ratio (HR)=2.120, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.177-3.818, p=0.012]. Similar results were observed for RFS. In addition, the ALBI score correlated with the introduction of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The preoperative ALBI score correlated with both the OS and RFS of GC patients as well as the clinical course of adjuvant chemotherapy. Taken together, the ALBI score is a promising prognostic factor for GC.

Clinical Impact of Preoperative Albumin-Bilirubin Status in Esophageal Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, which evaluates the perioperative liver function, was developed, and had a clinical impact on both the short- and long-term oncological outcomes in some malignancies. We evaluated the clinical impact of preoperative albumin-bilirubin status in patients with resectable esophageal cancer who received curative treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 121 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. RESULTS: Based on the 3- and 5-year OS rates, we set the cut-off value for the ALBI score at -2.7. Eighty patients were classified into the ALBI-low group (ALBI score <-2.7), 41 patients were categorized into the ALBI-high group (ALBI score >-2.7). The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 62.2% and 53.2%, respectively, in the ALBI-low group, and 42.2% and 35.2% in the ALBI-high group. There was a significant difference in OS (p=0.0113). The 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 43.1% and 40.3%, respectively, in the ALBI-low group and 37.7% and 26.1% in the ALBI-high group. There was a significant difference in RFS (p=0.048). When comparing the perioperative clinical course between the ALBI-high and ALBI-low groups, the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage was 46.3% (19/41) in the ALBI-high group, and 27.5% (22/80) in the ALBI-low group (p=0.038). CONCLUSION: The ALBI status had a clinical impact on both OS and RFS in esophageal cancer patients. Therefore, ALBI may have potential application as a prognostic factor for esophageal cancer patients.

Clinical Significance of Glioma-associated Oncogene 1 Expression in Patients With Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer Administered Adjuvant Chemotherapy With S-1 After Curative Surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Glioma-associated oncogene 1 (GLI1) is an important transcription factor in the hedgehog signalling pathway and tumour formation. We evaluated the clinical significance of GLI1 expression as a prognostic factor in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (GC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: GLI1 expression levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of cancerous and adjacent normal mucosa specimens obtained from 142 patients with Stage II/III GC administered adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 after curative resection. The associations of GLI1 expression with clinicopathological features and survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Clinicopathological features and GLI1 expression showed no association. Overall survival was significantly poorer in the high compared to the low GLI1 expression group (p=0.04). Multivariate analysis revealed that GLI1 expression was a significant independent prognostic factor [p=0.019, hazard ratio (HR)=1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.70-3.38]. CONCLUSION: GLI1 expression may be a useful prognostic marker in patients with locally advanced GC.

The clinical effect of Kampo medicine in multimodal treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer in Japan.

Kampo medicine or Japanese/Chinese traditional herbal medicine has long been used for the treatment of various diseases, mainly in Asian countries. In recent years, Asian investigators have attempted to clarify the mechanism and clinical efficacy of Kampo medicine. This review summarizes the background, current status, and future perspectives of Kampo medicine in the multimodal treatment of gastrointestinal cancer. Regarding the clinical effect of Kampo medicine on postoperative dysfunction after gastrointestinal surgery, several investigators have reported that Daikenchuto (TJ-100) had clinical efficacy after abdominal digestive surgery. The administration of TJ-100 during the immediate postoperative period after esophageal cancer surgery, gastric cancer surgery, and liver cancer surgery appeared to promote early recovery of the postoperative bowel function. Regarding Kampo medicine for chemotherapy-induced adverse effects in gastrointestinal cancer, promising results have been obtained for Hangeshashinto (TJ-14) and Goshajinkigan (TJ-107). The addition of TJ-14 might be associated with an improvement in the duration of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis, and the addition of TJ-107 might be associated with an improvement in oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity. However, while several clinical trials have shown the positive results of Kampo medication for gastrointestinal cancer treatment, the clinical effects of such medicines have been limited. Further trials to investigate the clinical benefits of Kampo medicine are needed.

[A Case of Sigmoid Colon Cancer Accompanied by Intestinal Malrotation Treated by Laparoscopic Surgery].

A 52-year-old man whose fecal occult blood test was positive was found to have type 2 sigmoid colon cancer by colonoscopy. On enhanced barium enema study, the cecum was in the pelvis, and the ascending colon was running medially in the abdomen. Enhanced CT scan of the abdomen revealed rotation of the superior mesenteric vein(SMV). We diagnosed the case as sigmoid colon cancer(cT3N0M0, StageⅡA)with non rotation-type intestinal malrotation, and performed laparoscopic surgery. We confirmed the small intestine to be located on the right side of the abdomen, the cecum to be located in the pelvis, and the ascending colon to be running medially in the abdomen. The ascending mesocolon was adherent to the right of the sigmoid mesocolon. Following dissections of the ascending mesocolon from the sigmoid mesocolon, we performed surgery via the inside approach as usual. We dissected the root of the inferior mesenteric artery(IMA), and the operation was completed. In laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer with intestinal malrotation, there are some reports that it could be performed safely if attention is paid to adhesion of the mesenteries and vascular variation in the course of preoperative imaging diagnosis. We report a case of laparoscopic surgery that could be safely performed for sigmoid colon cancer with non rotation-type intestinal malrotation.

[Successful treatment of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma with sorafenib combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization/hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy].

We report the long-term survival of a patient with metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), successfully treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)/hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with long-term administration of sorafenib. A 74-year-old man underwent hepatectomy for a huge hepatocellular carcinoma, measuring 19 × 13 cm. Multiple intrahepatic HCCs that recurred 5 months post-surgery were treated with TACE. After 3 cycles of TACE, however, sorafenib was administered to treat progressive disease. Six months after sorafenib treatment, TACE combined with sorafenib was administered for treatment of refractory intrahepatic lesions. Following further disease progression, TACE was replaced by up to 11 rounds of HAIC. We report successfully treatment of refractory metastatic HCC with sorafenib for more than 30 months along with a review of the literature.

[Study of tolerability of capecitabine in postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in colon cancer].

OBJECTIVE: Based on the results of the X-ACT study, capecitabine has become one of the standard postoperative adjuvant chemotherapies for colon cancer. However, few studies of tolerability have been conducted in Japan. METHOD: In this study, we retrospectively examined treatment continuation, and the adverse events that occurred during eight courses of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine, in 34 patients with colon cancer who had undergone curative resection. RESULT: The completion rate for eight courses of treatment with capecitabine was 79. 4%(27 of 34 subjects), the median relative dose intensity was 94. 4%(13% to 106%), and the proportion of subjects with relative dose intensity B 60% was 82. 4%(28 of 34 subjects). The following Grade 3 or higher adverse events were reported: hand-foot syndrome, in 11. 8%(4 of 34 subjects); mucositis oral, in 2. 9%(1 of 34 subjects); diarrhea, in 2. 9%(1 of 34 subjects); and glans penis ulcer, in 2. 9%(1 of 34 subjects). CONCLUSION: In our hospital, a high rate of capecitabine treatment continuation comparable to that reported in the X-ACT study was obtained, suggesting that capecitabine adjuvant chemotherapy would be well tolerated in clinical practice as well.

The clinicopathological features of colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma and a therapeutic strategy for the disease.

BACKGROUND: The guidelines established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network do not describe mucinous histology as a clinical factor that should influence the therapeutic algorithm. However, previous studies show conflicting results regarding the prognosis of colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma. In this study, we described the clinicopathological features of mucinous adenocarcinoma in Japan, to identify optimal therapeutic strategies. METHODS: 144 patients with mucinous and 2673 with non-mucinous adenocarcinomas who underwent primary resection in two major centers in Yokohama, Japan were retrospectively evaluated for clinicopathological features and treatment factors. A multivariate analysis for overall survival followed by the comparison of overall survival using Cox proportional hazard model were performed. RESULTS: Patients with mucinous adenocarcinoma had larger primary lesions, higher preoperative CEA levels, a deeper depth of invasion, higher rates of nodal and distant metastasis, and more metastatic sites. A multivariate analysis for overall survival revealed a mucinous histology to be an independent prognostic factor. In the subgroup analysis stratified by stage, Patients diagnosed as stageIII and IV disease had a worse survival in mucinous adenocarcinoma than non-mucinous, while survival did not differ significantly in patients diagnosed as Stage0-II disease. In stageIII, local recurrence in rectal cases and peritoneal dissemination were more frequently observed in patients with a mucinous histology. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indentified that mucinous adenocarcinoma was associated with a worse survival compared with non-mucinous in patients with stageIII and IV disease. In rectal StageIII disease with mucinous histology, additional therapy to control local recurrence followed by surgical resection may be a strategical alternative. Further molecular investigations considering genetic features of mucinous histology will lead to drug development and better management of peritoneal metastasis.