Efficacy and safety comparison of scissor-type knives with needle-type knives for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a post-hoc propensity score-matched analysis (with videos).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many knives have been developed to improve the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of scissor-type knives for colorectal ESD compared with needle-type knives. METHODS: We performed a post-hoc propensity score-matched analysis in an 11-facility study between August 2013 and December 2018. A total of 2330 patients (2498 lesions) who underwent colorectal ESD were divided into needle-type (1923 patients, 2067 lesions) and scissor-type (407 patients, 431 lesions) knife groups. Short-term outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Two-to-one propensity score-matched analysis identified 814 (709 patients) and 407 (386 patients) lesions in the needle- and scissor-type knife groups, respectively. The median resection speed was significantly faster in the needle-type group (18.3 mm2/min) than in the scissor-type group (13.2 mm2/min, P < .0001), whereas en-bloc and histologic complete resection rates were not significantly different between the needle- and scissor-type groups (96.8% [788/814] vs 98.3% [400/407], P = .1888 and 95.1% [774/814] vs 95.6% [389/407], P = .7763, respectively). The rate of lesions resected using a single knife was significantly higher in the scissor-type group (98.5% [401/407]) than in the needle-type group (43.9% [357/814], P < .0001). Rates of intraoperative perforation and delayed bleeding were significantly lower in the scissor-type group than in the needle-type group (.7% [3/407] vs 2.5% [20/814], P = .0431 for each). CONCLUSIONS: Scissor-type knives are safer for colorectal ESD. However, they are associated with slower resection speeds compared with needle-type knives. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000016197.).

Factors for conversion risk of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a widely accepted treatment method for colorectal tumors; however, there are some persistent problems. This multi-center study aimed to characterize the risk factors for incomplete resection and perforation in standardized colorectal ESD procedures. METHODS: This study included 2423 consecutive patients who underwent ESD for 2592 colorectal tumors between August 2013 and December 2018 at 11 institutions (1 academic hospital and 10 affiliated hospitals) from the Hiroshima GI Endoscopy Research Group. We evaluated the risk factors for interruption, piecemeal resection, and perforation of standardized colorectal ESD in relation to clinicopathologic and endoscopic characteristics. RESULTS: The incidences of interruption, piecemeal resection, and perforation were 0.7%, 2.9%, and 3.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors for interruption: perforation during the procedure, deep submucosal invasion (> 1000 µm), poor scope operability, and severe submucosal fibrosis. The risk factors for piecemeal resection included poor scope operability, severe submucosal fibrosis, and procedure time (≥ 85 min). The risk factors for perforation during the procedure were severe submucosal fibrosis, poor scope operability, procedure time (≥ 85 min), and tumor size (≥ 40 mm). Independent risk factors for severe submucosal fibrosis included a history of biopsy and lesions located on the fold or flexure. CONCLUSIONS: Severe submucosal fibrosis and poor scope operability are the common risk factors for interruption, piecemeal resection, and perforation in standardized colorectal ESD.

Real-world learning curve analysis of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: a large multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The current status of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) performed by endoscopists without colorectal ESD experience is unknown. This study evaluated the quality of colorectal ESD performed by endoscopists without colorectal ESD experience. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the outcomes of 420 consecutive patients with 427 superficial colorectal tumors (male/female, 251/169; mean age, 69 years) who underwent ESD. The procedures were performed by 31 endoscopists without colorectal ESD experience using needle knife-type devices at 13 hospitals from October 2008 to June 2017. Cases were divided into the first and second phases according to the experience of the endoscopist: the first phase included the first 20 cases and the second phase included case 21 and beyond. We also identified factors associated with en bloc resection failure. RESULTS: Rates of colonic tumors, laterally spreading tumors of the non-granular type, poor scope operability, and severe submucosal fibrosis for the first phase were significantly lower than those for the second phase. The en bloc resection rates for the first and second phases were 93% and 96%, respectively. The factors associated with en bloc resection failure were poor scope operability (odds ratio [OR] 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-6.5), severe submucosal fibrosis (OR 6.5; 95% CI 2.6-15.9), and the first 20 cases (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.2-10.1). CONCLUSION: Inexperienced endoscopists should initially perform colorectal ESD for tumors without severe submucosal fibrosis under good scope operability for at least 20 cases.

[A Case of Resected Esophageal Endocrine Cell Carcinoma That Responded to Combination Therapy Comprising Irinotecan and Cisplatin].

We report a case of resected esophagealcancer that responded wellto first-line combination therapy comprising irinotecan and cisplatin. The patient was a 71-year-old woman being treated for liver cirrhosis. She was admitted to our hospital in April 2015 because of dysphasia. Endoscopic examination revealed a tumor in the mid-thoracic esophagus, which was diagnosed as an endocrine cell carcinoma following pathological examination. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and positron emission tomography did not show lymph node or distant metastases. She was treated with irinotecan and cisplatin combination therapy. After 6 courses of treatment, the tumor size had remarkably reduced. Subsequently, we performed subtotal esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction through the retroposterior mediastinalroute and the histologicaleffect was reported as a partial response. No viable tumor cells were observed in the extracted lymph nodes. However, bone metastasis and lymph node swelling occurred after 4 months. She received other therapeutic regimens, such as etoposide and carboplatin combination therapy. However, the tumor gradually progressed, and she died 18 months after the first treatment. Irinotecan and cisplatin combination therapy is a possible option for the management of esophageal endocrine cell carcinoma as a first-line treatment.

Evaluation of the visibility of early gastric cancer using linked color imaging and blue laser imaging.

BACKGROUND: Blue laser imaging (BLI) and linked color imaging (LCI) are the color enhancement features of the LASEREO endoscopic system, which provide a narrow band light observation function and expansion and reduction of the color information, respectively. METHODS: We examined 82 patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) diagnosed between April 2014 and August 2015. Five expert and 5 non-expert endoscopists retrospectively compared images obtained on non-magnifying BLI bright mode (BLI-BRT) and LCI with those obtained via conventional white light imaging (WLI). Interobserver agreement was also assessed. RESULTS: In experts' evaluation of the images, an improvement in visibility was observed in 73% (60/82) and 20% (16/82) of cases under LCI and BLI-BRT, respectively. In non-experts' evaluation of the images, an improvement in visibility was observed in 76.8% (63/82) and 24.3% (20/82) of cases under LCI and BLI-BRT, respectively. There were no significant differences between experts and non-experts in the evaluation of the images. The improvement in visibility was significantly higher with LCI than with BLI-BRT in experts and non-experts (p < 0.01). With regard to tumor color on WLI, the improvement in the visibility of reddish and whitish tumors was significantly higher than that of isochromatic tumors when LCI was used. The improvement in visibility with LCI was observed in 71% (12/17) and 74% (48/65) of patients with and without Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication, respectively; no significant difference in improvement was observed between these groups. The interobserver agreement was good to satisfactory at ≥ 0.62. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study showed that LCI improved the visibility of EGC, regardless of the level of endoscopists' experience or Hp eradication in patients, particularly for EGCs with a reddish or whitish color. The improvement in visibility was significantly higher with LCI than that with BLI.

[A Case of Effective Chemoradiotherapy Using mFOLFOX6 for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer].

We report a case of locally advanced rectal cancer, treated effectively with chemotherapy consisting of mFOLFOX6 combined with radiotherapy. A 63-year-old man was admitted to our hospital in March 2012 for diarrhea and anal and perineal pain. Advanced rectal cancer with invasion ofthe right perineum was diagnosed based on computer tomography(CT) findings. Surgery was performed; however, the rectal cancer was unresectable. A sigmoid colostomy was performed, and a central venous port was implanted. In April 2012, the patient was treated with chemotherapy using 3 courses ofmFOLFOX6 and concurrent radiotherapy. Radiotherapy at 2 Gy/day was administered 25 times(total dose, 50 Gy). After chemoradiotherapy, the patient underwent 3 courses ofmFOLFOX6 as an additional therapy. By June 2012, CT showed resolution ofthe tumor in the right perineum and a marked decrease in the size ofthe primary rectal cancer. Because the patient refused surgery, we started treatment with combination chemotherapy using oral S-1 and intravenous CPT-11 in August 2012. After 18 courses, the treatment was changed to oral administration ofS -1 alone, which was continued for 1 year. The patient remained well without recurrence for 54 months since the original diagnosis. Therefore, chemoradiotherapy with mFOLFOX6 is a possible option for the management of advanced rectal cancer.

[A Case of Resected Advanced Esophageal Cancer That Responded to Combination Therapy Comprising Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil].

We report a case of resected advanced esophagealcancer that responded wellto first-line combination therapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil(DCF therapy). A 72-year-old man was admitted to our hospital in January 2013 because of dysphagia. On the basis of the computed tomography(CT)and gastroendoscopy findings, he was diagnosed with advanced esophagealcancer with lymph node metastasis. The patient was treated with DCF therapy. After 2 courses of treatment, the primary tumor and lymph node metastasis were reduced on CT. After 3 courses of treatment, we performed subtotalesophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction through the retroposterior mediastinalroute. No residualcancer cells were found in the esophagus or lymph nodes. The patient subsequently received oral administration of tegafur-uracilal one for 24 months. The post-operative course was uneventful, and there was no detectable lymph node metastasis 42 months after the originaldiagnosis. Therefore, DCF therapy is a possible option for the management of advanced esophagealcancer.

Useful condition of chromoendoscopy with indigo carmine and acetic acid for identifying a demarcation line prior to endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Identifying a precise demarcation line (DL) is indispensable for pathological complete en bloc endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC). We evaluated the useful condition of chromoendoscopy with indigo carmine and acetic acid for marking dots around lesions before ESD for EGC. METHODS: We examined 98 consecutive patients with 109 intramucosal EGCs (mean diameter, 17.8 ± 12.4 mm; main histologic type, 96 intestinal and 13 diffuse) resected by en bloc ESD after chromoendoscopy with indigo carmine and acetic acid between December 2012 and February 2014. The DL was identified by this technique just before ESD (mean chromoendoscopy observation time, 71.6 s); subsequently, marking dots were placed around the EGC. EGCs were classified into two groups: useful for identifying the DL or useless. Clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes were evaluated in each group. RESULTS: Forty-two of the 109 cases (38.5 %) were determined useful for chromoendoscopy with indigo carmine and acetic acid. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression showed that macroscopic type (protruded or flat elevated-type) and atrophic border (the oral side of tumor) were independently associated with the usefulness of chromoendoscopy using indigo carmine and acetic acid for identifying the DL of EGCs (P < 0.05). The histologically positive horizontal margin after ESD was 0 % (0/42) in useful cases, and 7.5 % (5/67) in useless cases. CONCLUSIONS: Before ESD, chromoendoscopy with indigo carmine and acetic acid can be used for creating precise markings in protruded or flat elevated-type EGC or at the atrophic border on the oral side of EGCs.

Long-term prognosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer in super-elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: No previous study has confirmed the safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) in the super-elderly patient population. The current study aimed to evaluate the validity of ESD for EGC in super-elderly patients aged ≥85 years with comorbidities. METHODS: Our study group included 85 super-elderly patients (102 EGCs) who were diagnosed at Hiroshima University Hospital between April 2002 and October 2014. We evaluated the en bloc resection rates, R0 resection rates, complication rates, and prognosis in relation to the degree of comorbidities (group A-H, patients with high-risk comorbidities; group A-L, patients with low-risk comorbidities; group B, patients without comorbidities; and group C, patients followed without ESD). RESULTS: The en bloc resection rates were 100, 96, and 100 % in groups A-H, A-L, and B, respectively. R0 resection rates were 94, 96, and 94 % in groups A-H, A-L, and B, respectively. There were no severe complications related to ESD. During the follow-up period, there was a significantly higher frequency of death in group A than in group B (p < 0.01), and there were no significant differences between groups A-H and A-L. However, there were no cases of death related to gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS: ESD was performed safely, and death related to gastric cancer was prevented in super-elderly patients with comorbidities, regardless of the degree of the disease. However, patients with comorbidities are at a high risk of poor prognosis.

Risk factors for esophageal stenosis after entire circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is used to perform en block resection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but it is strongly associated with postoperative stenosis, especially during entire circumferential resection. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors for refractory postoperative stenosis after entire circumferential esophageal ESD. METHODS: Nineteen patients who underwent entire circumferential esophageal ESD from February 2006 to December 2013 at Hiroshima University Hospital were divided into two groups: refractory postoperative stenosis [≥6 endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) procedures, 12 lesions in 12 patients] and non-refractory postoperative stenosis (≤5 EBD procedures, 7 lesions in 7 patients). We retrospectively examined the patient factors (age, sex, alcohol consumption, smoking index, and chemoradiation therapy history), tumor factors (location, macroscopic type, fibrosis, and depth), and treatment factors (mean procedure time, entire circumferential resection diameter, muscle layer damage, and steroid administration method) between the two groups. RESULTS: Muscle layer damage (p = 0.019) and ≥5 cm of longitudinal mucosal defect length after entire circumferential esophageal ESD (p = 0.010) were significant factors associated with the refractory group. Regarding the patient and tumor factors, there were no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that refractory post-ESD stenosis occurs after entire circumferential esophageal ESD with muscle layer damage and ≥5 cm of longitudinal mucosal defect length.

Interobserver and intraobserver agreement for gastric mucosa atrophy.

BACKGROUND: The grade of gastric mucosa atrophy caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is closely associated with the risk of gastric cancer, especially of the intestinal type. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement for endoscopic gastric mucosa atrophy in subjects with H. pylori-uninfected, currently infected and past infected was investigated. METHODS: Endoscopic images of 91 patients, 34 images per patient, were assessed. The assessors were 4 endoscopist groups: Japanese and Vietnamese experienced (≥7, ≤ 15 year experience with endoscopy) and Japanese and Vietnamese beginner (≤ 3 year experience) groups. Each group comprised 3 endoscopists. The grades of atrophy were classified as 3: none to mild (C-0 and C-1), moderate (C-2 and C-3), and severe (O-1, O-2, and O-3) using the Kimura-Takemoto Classification. After a period of 2 weeks, images of all patients were reevaluated by the investigators. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement was calculated by kappa statistics. RESULTS: The kappa values for the interobserver agreement in the groups of Japanese and Vietnamese experienced, and Japanese and Vietnamese beginner were 0.474, 0.408, 0.291, and 0.373, respectively. The kappa value of intraobsever agreement in the Japanese and Vietnamese experienced endoscoists ranged from 0.585 to 0.871. On the other hand, the value in the beginner endoscopists ranged wider than that in experienced endoscopists, from 0.264 to 0.866. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that, although intraobserver agreement for gastric mucosa atrophy was good to excellent, interobserver agreement was moderate in experienced endoscopists. This suggests that better guidelines and firm criteria may be needed to properly diagnose and grade gastric atrophy.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial Barrett's adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Advances in diagnostic techniques have allowed early stage detection of superficial Barrett's adenocarcinoma (SBA) as well as resection by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Few reports exist, however, on the safety and efficacy of ESD for SBA. OBJECTIVE: To analyze outcomes of ESD for SBA in relation to clinicopathological features of the lesions. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-three patients (21 men, 2 women; mean age, 63 years) with 26 SBAs. INTERVENTION ESD MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: We examined outcomes of ESD in relation to the clinicopathological features of SBAs. The main outcomes assessed were en bloc resection rate, operation time, adverse event rates, additional resection rate, and time between ESD and any recurrence. RESULTS: Twenty lesions (87%) derived from short-segment Barrett's esophagus, and 3 lesions (13%) derived from long-segment Barrett's esophagus. The majority of SBAs (54%) were located in the 0 to 3 o'clock circumferential quadrant. Median tumor size was 15 mm (range 5-60 mm). Macroscopic types were flat elevated (n = 13, 50%), depressed (n = 12, 46%), and protruded (n = 1, 4%). The SBAs appeared red (n = 23, 88%) or normally pale (n = 3, 12%). Under magnifying narrow-band imaging, all SBAs showed an irregular mucosal pattern and an irregular vascular pattern. The endoscopic en bloc resection rate was 100% (26/26), and the pathological en bloc resection rate was 85% (22/26). The median procedure time was 95 minutes (range, 30-210 minutes). Delayed bleeding occurred in 1 case, but there was no perforation. The SBAs were of the differentiated type (n = 25, 96%) or poorly differentiated type (n = 1, 4%). The tumor had invaded the superficial muscularis mucosa (n = 3, 12%), lamina propria mucosa (n = 5, 19%, deep muscularis mucosa (n = 9, 34%), SM1 (n = 3, 12%), and SM2 (n = 6, 23%). Additional surgical resection after ESD was performed in 9 cases, and there were no residual tumors, but 1 lymph node metastasis was found. There were no recurrent tumors; however, 1 metachronous adenocarcinoma was diagnosed 42 months after ESD. LIMITATIONS: Single-center, retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: ESD appears to be a safe and effective treatment strategy for early stage SBA.

Differences in K-ras and mitochondrial DNA mutations and microsatellite instability between colorectal cancers of Vietnamese and Japanese patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of early-onset (under 50 years of age) colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Vietnamese has been reported to be quite higher than that in the Japanese. To clarify the differences in genetic alterations between Vietnamese and Japanese CRCs, we investigated mutations in K-ras and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and high-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H) in the CRCs of Vietnamese and Japanese patients. METHODS: We enrolled 60 Vietnamese and 233 Japanese patients with invasive CRCs. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. K-ras mutations were examined with PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. mtDNA mutations and MSI-H were examined with microsatellite analysis using D310 and BAT-26, respectively. RESULTS: K-ras mutations were examined in 60 Vietnamese and 45 Japanese CRCs. The frequency of the mutations in the Vietnamese CRCs was significantly higher than that in the Japanese CRCs (8 of 24 [33%] vs 5 of 45 [11%], p =0.048). MSI-H was examined in 60 Vietnamese and 130 Japanese CRCs. The frequency of MSI-H in the Vietnamese CRCs was also significantly higher than that in the Japanese CRCs (6 of 27 [22%] vs 10 of 130 [8%], p =0.030). mtDNA mutations were examined in 60 Vietnamese and 138 Japanese CRCs. The frequency of mtDNA mutations in the Vietnamese CRCs was significantly higher than that in the Japanese CRCs (19 of 44 [43%] vs 11 of 133 [9%], p <0.001). There were no significant differences in clinicopathologic characteristics, such as age, sex, tumour location, and depth, in terms of tumours with/without each genetic alteration in the CRCs of the Vietnamese and Japanese patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the developmental pathways of CRCs in the Vietnamese may differ from those of CRCs in the Japanese.

Clinicopathologic features of hyperplastic/serrated polyposis syndrome in Japan.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hyperplastic/serrated polyposis syndrome (HPS) is a condition characterized by multiple hyperplastic/serrated colorectal polyps. The risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increased in HPS. The clinicopathologic characteristics of HPS in Japanese patients are unknown. The aim of this study is to clarify the clinicopathologic features of HPS in Japanese patients. METHODS: We retrieved records of patients diagnosed with HPS between April 2008 and March 2011 from the endoscopy database of Hiroshima University Hospital. In addition, we mailed a questionnaire to the hospital's 13 affiliated hospitals in July 2012. Data collected from the database and questionnaires included patient age, sex, number of hyperplastic/serrated polyps and tubular adenomas, size of the largest polyp, polyp location, resection for polyps, coexistence of HPS with CRC, and the diagnostic criterion met. RESULTS: Of the 73,608 patients who underwent colonoscopy, 10 (0.014%) met the criteria for HPS. The mean age of these patients was 58.3 years, and 6 (60%) were men. No subjects had a first-degree relative with HPS. Four (40%) HPS patients had more than 30 hyperplastic/serrated polyps, and average size of the largest polyp was 19 mm. Three (30%) HPS patients had coexistence of HPS with CRC. In these 3 patients, polyps were observed throughout the colorectum. CONCLUSIONS: Although HPS was a rare condition in the overall study population, patients with the disease may have high risk of CRC. HPS should be diagnosed correctly and followed up carefully.

[A case of drug-induced interstitial pneumonia caused by S-1 and CPT-11 combination therapy for advanced colon cancer].

The patient was a 77-year-old woman admitted for nausea and abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed advanced ascending colon cancer with liver metastasis. After operation, we started combination chemotherapy of S-1 and irinotecan (CPT-11); S-1(80 mg/m²) administered orally for consecutive days followed by 14 days rest.CPT -11 (100 mg/m²) was given as a 2-hour infusion on day 1 and 15. The patient complained of high fever and subsequent dyspnea with severe hypoxemia after the first course of combination chemotherapy of S-1 and CPT-11.CT scan showed diffuse interstitial lesions with ground glass opacity on both lungs. Steroid pulse therapy with oxygen therapy remarkably improved her symptoms, and abnormal findings on CT scan also resolved. Drug lymphocyte stimulation test was positive against S-1 and negative against CPT-11. These findings were consistent with S-1-induced lung injury. Drug -induced pneumonia needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis when patients treated with S-1 and CPT-11 combination therapy present high fever and dyspnea.

Clinical and endoscopic features of responders and non-responders to adsorptive leucocytapheresis: a report based on 120 patients with active ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Elevated/activated myeloid leucocytes, like the CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes are sources of TNF-α, and therefore, selective depletion of these cells by granulocyte/monocyte (GM) adsorption (GMA) should promote remission or enhance drug efficacy. However, studies in ulcerative colitis (UC) reported contrasting efficacy, from an 85% to statistically insignificant level. We investigated patients' demography in responders and non-responders. METHODS: In 120 UC patients, 61 steroid naive and 59 steroid dependent, we looked for entry clinical or endoscopic features to identify responders (or non-responders) to GMA. Patients received up to an 11 Adacolumn GMA sessions over 12 weeks. Patients were clinically and endoscopically evaluated, allowing each patient to serve as her/his own control. Immunohistochemistry on colonic biopsies was to reveal the impact of GMA on leucocyte infiltration of the mucosa. RESULTS: Entry average clinical activity index (CAI) was 12.6, 10-16. An 80 of 120 patients responded (CAI≤4); 45 steroid naïve (73.8%) and 35 steroid dependent (59.3%). Over 900 biopsies were processed. Infiltrating leucocytes were overwhelmingly polymorphonuclear and macrophages around and within crypt abscesses. There was a marked reduction of infiltrating leucocytes in responders. Most non-responders had extensive colonic lesions with virtually no mucosal tissue left at the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Steroid naïve patients with short duration of UC were the best responders, while patients with deep colonic lesions and extensive loss of the mucosal tissue were non-responders.

[A case of effective chemotherapy using S-1 and CPT-11 following chemoradiotherapy with UFT and Leucovorin for unresectable advanced sigmoid colon cancer].

The patient was a 75-year-old man who was admitted because of diarrhea and anemia. Endoscopic examination revealed advanced sigmoid colon cancer. Serum CEA levels were markedly elevated. In July 2007, surgery was performed, but the sigmoid colon cancer was unresectable. After surgery, the patient was treated with chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy. The chemotherapy consisted of oral UFT (420 mg/body/day)and Leucovorin (75 mg/body/day) administered for 6 weeks. Radiotherapy at 2 Gy/day was administered 30 times (total dose 60 Gy). The tumor decreased slightly in size and serum CEA levels also decreased. The patient refused surgery as an additional therapy. In August 2007, we started combination chemotherapy using oral S-1 (100 mg/body/day, day 1-14) and intravenous CPT-11 (140 mg/body/day, day 1 and 15) as one course for 4 weeks. After 4 courses, serum CEA levels were normal, the sigmoid colon cancer was not found by endoscopy and a biopsy specimen revealed no malignant cells. Moreover, after 8 courses, the tumor disappeared, as confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-CT, representing a complete response. Chemoradiotherapy using UFT and Leucovorin, and chemotherapy consisting of S-1 and CPT-11 as an additional therapy may be effective for treating unresectable advanced sigmoid colon cancer.

Observation of Intramolecular Interaction in Fluorescent Star-Shaped Polymers: Evidence for Energy Hopping between Branch Chains.

Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy measurements were performed on three-branched star-shaped polymers, based on precisely synthesized poly(9,9-di-n-octyl-fluorene vinylene)s containing C6F5 end groups. The star-shaped polymers showed identical fluorescence spectra, fluorescence lifetimes, and quantum yields to those of the reference single-chain oligomer. However, a rapid fluorescence anisotropy decay was observed in two kinds of star-shaped polymers, while such decay was not seen in the corresponding single-chain oligomer. On the basis of the analysis using an incoherent hopping model, the observed rapid anisotropy decay is attributable to energy hopping processes between branches within a single polymer species, and its rate was deduced to be ca.100 ps depending upon the core part.

[A case of effective chemoradiotherapy using S-1 and CDDP for left inguinal lymph node metastasis of anal canal carcinoma].

We report a case of left inguinal lymph node metastasis of anal canal carcinoma, treated effectively with chemotherapy consisting of S-1 and CDDP combined with radiotherapy. In February 2006, a 76-year-old woman underwent resection of a tumor diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. The patient refused additional surgical therapy. In August 2007, a painful lymphnode swelling was noticed in the left inguinal region. Biopsy was performed, and specimens were shown to include squamous cell carcinoma cells. The patient was treated using chemotherapy concurrent with radiotherapy. The chemotherapy consisted of oral S-1 (80 mg/body/day; 5 days/week) and intravenous CDDP (5 mg/body/day; 5 days/week), both administered for 4 weeks. Radiotherapy at 2 Gy/day was administered 25 times (total dose 50 Gy). The metastatic tumor in the lymph node responded well to the treatment and decreased remarkably in size by December 2007. After chemoradiotherapy, the oral administration of S-1 alone (80 mg/body) for 2 weeks followed by a 2-week rest period as one course was continued for 1 year. The lymph node metastasis had disappeared 1 year after chemoradiotherapy, as determined by computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-CT, representing a complete response. Chemotherapy consisting of S-1 and CDDP concurrent with radiotherapy maybe effective for treating metastatic lymph node metastasis of anal canal carcinoma.

[Yakon tea induced hepatitis in a patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis].

A 66-year-old woman, given a diagnosis of alcoholic liver cirrhosis in 2004, had improved her liver function by abstinence from drinking. Since then, she has drunk 1 to 2 liters of Yakon tea per day. Her liver function deteriorated and T. Bil was 13.2mg/dl and AST was 291U/l in February 2005. Given the positive DLST for Yakon tea, Yakon tea-induced hepatitis was diagnosed. After cessation of the intake of the tea, her liver function gradually improved. Since there has been no report on Yakon induced hepatitis and it has been thought to be a safe supplement, we here report this intriguing case.