A Multicenter Analysis of Short-term and Long-term Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Multivisceral Resection for Advanced Colorectal Cancer.

Background/Aim: Recent research has demonstrated that laparoscopic multivisceral resection (MVR) for advanced colorectal cancer is safe, practicable, and yields satisfactory oncological results, which is in line with the growing usage of laparoscopic surgery. The effectiveness of laparoscopic MVR is still debatable, though. The goal of this study was to compare the short- and long-term results of patients with advanced colorectal cancer treated with open MVR with laparoscopic procedures. Patients and Methods: Data on 3,571 consecutive patients hospitalized at the Kyushu University National Kyushu Cancer Center for colorectal cancer surgery between 2004 and 2020 were gathered retrospectively. In the end, 84 individuals with advanced colorectal cancer who had a colectomy with MVR were examined. We evaluated invasiveness in terms of complications, blood loss, and operating time. Recurrence-free survival rates and overall 5-year survival were among the oncological outcomes. Results: Of the 84 patients examined, 29 underwent laparoscopic treatment, and 55 underwent open treatment. The laparoscopic surgery group experienced shorter hospital stays (15 vs. 18 days, p<0.05) and much less blood loss (median volume: 167 vs. 1,058 g, p<0.005) than the open surgery group. Following the exclusion of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer from the study (groups undergoing laparoscopic surgery, n=25; open surgery, n=38), the groups displayed comparable pathologic results and no discernible variations in either the 5-year overall survival (p=0.87) or recurrence-free survival (p=0.86). Conclusion: In certain individuals with advanced colorectal cancer, a laparoscopic method of manipulation with MVR may be less invasive than an open method without compromising the prognosis.

Clinicopathological Impact of High Preoperative CA19-9 in Early-stage Colorectal Cancer: A Single-center Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study examined the clinical significance of very high preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels in patients with early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data of patients who underwent curative resection for primary CRC (c-Stage I-III) between 2004 and 2022 in our facility. The patients were classified into three groups according to the preoperative CA19-9 level: normal (≤37.0 U/ml), high (>37.0 to ≤100.0 U/ml), and very high (>100.0 U/ml). RESULTS: Of 971 patients, 885 (91.1%), 67 (6.9%), and 19 (2.0%) had normal, high, and very high CA19-9 levels, respectively. Overall survival (very high vs. normal: p<0.0001, very high vs. high: p=0.01) and recurrence-free survival (very high vs. normal: p<0.0001, very high vs. high: p=0.18) were significantly worse in the very high group. On multivariate analysis including TNM stage, very high preoperative CA19-9 levels were independently associated with worse overall (odds ratio=4.54; 95% confidence interval=2.03-10.16; p=0.0002) and recurrence-free survival (odds ratio=3.49; 95% confidence interval=1.82-6.69; p=0.0002). CONCLUSION: High preoperative CA19-9 levels were associated with poor survival in early-stage CRC. Careful intraoperative observation and close follow-up might be necessary.

Book-Binding Technique in Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy with Billroth I Reconstruction: Clinical Results and Outcomes in 188 Patients with Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastrectomy is widely used as a curative treatment for gastric cancer. Although delta-shaped anastomosis is commonly used for Billroth I anastomosis after totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG), it has some drawbacks. The book-binding technique (BBT) was developed as an alternative, and this study aimed to examine its short-term results in 188 consecutive cases. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study included patients who underwent BBT reconstruction after TLDG for gastric malignancy between 2011 and 2020. BBT is a technique for intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy, which is a triangular anastomosis with a linear stapler that does not require additional dissection or rotation of the duodenum. The short-term outcomes of BBT reconstruction and postoperative endoscopic findings were analyzed. RESULTS: This study evaluated 188 patients who underwent TLDG and BBT reconstruction. Anastomotic stenosis and leakage occurred in 1.1% and 0.5% of the patients, respectively. The median time to the first diet was 3.1 days, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 11.9 days. BBT anastomoses were performed by 19 surgeons and took an average of 32.8 minutes to complete, with completion times decreasing as the surgical team became more proficient. On endoscopy performed 1 year postoperatively, 5.2% had reflux esophagitis (grade A or higher), 67.8% had gastritis (grade 1 or higher), 37.4% had residual food (grade 1 or higher), and 37.4% had bile reflux (grade 1). CONCLUSIONS: BBT is a safe and feasible method for intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy in TLDG for patients with gastric malignancy and demonstrates good surgical outcomes.

Esophagectomy for esophageal stricture with systemic sclerosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by frequent esophageal involvement. However, there are few reports on esophagectomy for esophageal strictures associated with SSc. Herein, we present a case of successful treatment of an esophageal stricture associated with SSc through subtotal esophagectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old female patient was diagnosed with SSc, interstitial pneumonia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The patient developed an esophageal ulcer and benign stricture that required a subtotal esophagectomy 10 years after the diagnosis. Histopathological findings revealed thinning of the muscle layer, a characteristic feature of SSc. The patient was free of dysphagia or regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: An esophagectomy is a valuable option for treating esophageal strictures in SSc. Therefore, surgical approaches should be established for patients with SSc.

A pathological complete response after immunotherapy with pembrolizumab for distal duodenal adenocarcinoma caused by Lynch syndrome: a case report.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the duodenum is a rare neoplasm that is often microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H). Pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody, has been recently approved in Japan for treatment of MSI-H solid tumors. Lynch syndrome is a frequent hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome. It is linked to an increased risk of various types of cancer, including colorectal and endometrial cancer, and is closely related to MSI-H. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman who was diagnosed with duodenal cancer. Biopsy findings revealed MSI-H, and pembrolizumab therapy was initiated because the tumor was in contact with the left renal vein and had metastasized to the mesenteric lymph nodes of the small intestine. Subsequently, after completing two courses of pembrolizumab therapy, the patient developed duodenal stenosis and underwent surgery. Pathological analysis of the resected specimen revealed no evidence of malignancy. Given the patient's previous cancer history and the occurrence of cancer in close relatives, genetic testing of peripheral blood was performed, which revealed the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Furthermore, the variant responsible for Lynch syndrome was found to be a mutation of NM_000251.3:c.211 + 1G > C in MSH2.

Left recurrent nerve lymph node dissection in robotic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer without esophageal traction.

BACKGROUND: Because the robotic arm is located on the dorsal side of the patient, when the esophagus is pulled dorsally for the left recurrent nerve lymph node (LRLN) dissection, the robotic arm interferes with the surgical field. This made it difficult to prepare for the left recurrent lymph node dissection. We developed LRLN dissection in robotic surgery with natural space creation by physiological organ movement and evaluated the short-term results. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 102 cases of robot-assisted thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy (RATE) among radical subtotal esophagectomies performed between December 2018 and December 2022 using medical records. LRLN dissection is preceded by a dissection of the esophagus from the trachea. Leaving the esophagus on the vertebral side and away from the trachea resulted in a physiological elevation of the esophagus, providing space between the trachea and esophagus. RESULTS: The thoracic surgery time in RATE was 181 (115-394) min. The number of LRLNs dissected was 4 (1-14). Six patients (6%) had a postoperative recurrence in the mediastinal lymph nodes. Seven patients (7%) had grade ≥ 1 left recurrent nerve palsy. CONCLUSIONS: LRLN dissection with RATE using natural space creation was performed safely with a sufficient number of dissected lymph nodes and little left recurrent nerve palsy.

Combined treatment with surgery and immune checkpoint inhibitor extended survival in a case of gastric intramural metastasis from esophageal cancer: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Intramural metastasis (IM) of esophageal cancer is classified as distant metastasis according to the Japanese Classification of Esophageal Cancer, and it is well-known to be associated with a poor prognosis. We herein report a case of perforated gastric IM of esophageal cancer that was successfully controlled with nonradical surgery and subsequent immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old woman was referred to our department for the treatment of esophageal cancer and perforated gastric ulcer. A histological examination of the main tumor and gastric ulcer lesion revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Since the gastric wall tumor had invaded the celiac artery, complete resection was considered impossible. Chemotherapy was administered but led to severe adverse events, so palliative resection was performed. Two months after surgery, computed tomography revealed enlargement of the residual tumor around the celiac artery. However, after nivolumab monotherapy was started, the tumor diminished remarkably, and the quality of life of the patient dramatically improved. Nine months after nonradical surgery, she is surviving without any disease concern. CONCLUSIONS: With the increased availability of ICIs, multidisciplinary treatment with surgery and ICIs can potentially lead to long-term survival, even in cases expected to have a poor prognosis.

Primary esophageal malignant melanoma without recurrence after surgery and adjuvant therapy with nivolumab.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is a rare disease with a severely poor prognosis. Here, we report a patient with primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus surviving without recurrence after surgery and adjuvant therapy with nivolumab. The patient was a 60-year-old female with dysphagia. Esophagogastroscopy showed an elevated dark brown tumor in the lower thoracic esophagus. A histological examination of the biopsy revealed human melanoma black 45 and melan-A positivity. The patient was diagnosed with primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus and was treated with radical esophagectomy. As postoperative treatment, the patient was given nivolumab (240 mg/body) every 2 weeks. Although bilateral pneumothorax occurred after 2 courses, she recovered after chest drainage. Nivolumab treatment is still ongoing over 1 year after the surgery, and the patient has survived without recurrence. We conclude that nivolumab is an optimal option as a postoperative adjuvant treatment for PMME.

Identification of serum microRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers for detecting precancerous lesions of gastric cancer.

Aim: Gastric mucosal changes associated with chronic gastritis are known to be precancerous lesions of gastric cancer. We aimed to identify individuals with a high risk of gastric cancer by detection of microRNAs (miRNA) in the blood as biomarkers. Methods: Of 1206 individuals screened, 144 who were positive for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) by the serum antibody test and who underwent endoscopy were the subjects of this study. For the gross assessment of mucosal inflammation, we applied the Kimura-Takemoto classification, in which normal mucosa was defined as grade 0, and atrophy was categorized as grade 1 (C-1 and C-2), grade 2 (C-3 and O-1), and grade 3 (O-2 and O-3). Serum samples were divided into two phases and used for miRNA microarray profiling. We compared the expression of miRNAs in grade 3 mucosa and other grades. Expression in gastric cancer was confirmed with TCGA data. Results: miR-196b-3p was significantly upregulated, and miR-92a-2-5p was downregulated (P < .05 and q < 0.2). TCGA data showed a high expression of miR-196b-3p in gastric cancer cases (P < .001). Comparing grade 3 and the others, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve using the detected miRNAs was as high as about 0.7. Furthermore, the combination of miRNAs resulted in higher accuracy. In terms of the significance of the combinatory mRNAs, the combination of three miRNAs (miR-196b-3p, miR-92a-2-5p, and miR-6791-3p) revealed high sensitivity and specificity, with the area under the curve exceeding 0.8. Conclusion: The identified combinatory miRNAs may represent promising biomarkers of precancerous lesions in gastric cancer.

Rab27b, a Regulator of Exosome Secretion, Is Associated With Peritoneal Metastases in Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Peritoneal metastasis (PM) of gastric cancer (GC) leads to poor clinical outcomes. Tumor-derived exosomes promote metastasis via communication between tumor cells and host cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of Rab27, which is required for exosome secretion, on the PM of GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We established a stable knockdown of two Rab27 homologs, Rab27a and Rab27b, in human GC cells (58As9) with a high potential of PM. We examined the level of exosome secretion from Rab27-knockdown 58As9 cells by Western blotting and the ability of Rab27b knockdown to suppress PM in 58As9 cells using a mouse xenograft model. In vitro proliferation and invasion assays were performed in the Rab27b-knockdown cells. Next, Rab27b expression was evaluated in human GC tissues by immunohistochemistry. Finally, we assessed the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of Rab27b expression by RT-qPCR in both our and other TCGA datasets of GC. RESULTS: Rab27a and Rab27b knockdown in 58As9 cells decreased the secretion of exosomes, characterized by the endocytic marker CD63. Rab27b knockdown decreased PM in vivo without affecting the in vitro proliferation or invasion ability of 58As9 cells. In human GC tissues, Rab27b was overexpressed in tumor cells. The overall and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly lower in GC patients with high compared to low Rab27b mRNA expression in our and other TCGA datasets. CONCLUSION: Rab27b expression potentially serves as a poor prognostic biomarker, possibly affecting PM via exosome secretion from GC cells.

A case of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in esophagus after multiple cancer treatments of surgery and chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) in the esophagus is extremely rare. Therefore, there are few reports of UPS in the esophagus (UPSE). We present a case of UPSE after multiple cancer treatments. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old man with a history of cancer treatment, including distal gastrectomy, transverse colectomy, and chemoradiotherapy, was diagnosed with an elevated lesion such as a submucosal tumor in the lower esophagus by regular endoscopy. A boring biopsy was performed, and the specimen showed features of sarcoma. The patient underwent a partial esophagectomy without lymph node dissection. Histopathological findings confirmed an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Adjuvant therapy was not administered, and the patient survived without recurrence 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, complete resection is the only treatment option for UPSE. An optimal treatment strategy using chemotherapy or radiotherapy should be established.

Association Between Anti-Helicobacter pylori Antibody Seropositive and De Novo Gallstone Formation After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Japanese Patients with Severe Obesity.

PURPOSE: Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are at risk for gallstone formation. However, the incidence of gallstone formation after bariatric surgery has not been adequately studied in the Japanese population. We aimed to elucidate the incidence and risk factors for gallstone formation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for Japanese patients with severe obesity. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients with severe obesity treated with LSG between April 2017 and June 2020 at two institutions. Patients who had received previous cholecystectomy, had preoperative gallstones, and had received postoperative prophylactic ursodeoxycholic acid were excluded. Body weight, body mass index, and blood data were collected at each follow-up visit before and after the surgery. Follow-up abdominal ultrasonography was performed 6-12 months after surgery, and the incidence of gallstones was calculated. The association between the data and gallstone formation was evaluated. RESULTS: During the study period, we performed LSG for 98 patients. Of these, 61 cases remained by above conditions and were examined using abdominal ultrasonography over 6 months after surgery. The incidence of gallstones was 23.0% and that of symptomatic gallstones was 3.3%. Anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody seropositive and titer were the only factors that showed significant association with de novo gallstone formation after LSG. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody seropositive may be associated with de novo gallstone formation after LSG for Japanese patients with severe obesity.

New index combining multiple inflammation-based prognostic scores for predicting the prognosis of gastric cancer patients.

Background and Aim: Several inflammation-based scores have prognostic value for patients diagnosed with various cancers. However, using only a single inflammation-based prognostic score may be unreliable, as the cut-off values and relative usefulness among various inflammation-based prognostic scores vary. We established a new combined index of four inflammation-based prognostic scores, namely the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, prognostic index, and prognostic nutritional index, and assessed its usefulness to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer. Methods and Results: We reviewed the data of 635 patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric cancer. We calculated the combined index as the total value of each of the four included inflammation-based prognostic scores and analyzed the relationship between the combined index and postoperative prognosis of gastric cancer. The new combined index was represented as a value between 0 and 6 in each patient. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients whose combined index was 0 had good long-term outcomes, while the prognosis of patients whose combined index ranged from 4 to 6 was poor. Conclusion: This new combined index was strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer. It is inferred that it can predict patient prognosis after surgical resection for gastric cancer with a stronger correlation and clearer stratification than a single inflammation-based prognostic score.

Prediction of hospital mortality after colorectal perforation surgery from inflammation-based prognostic scores.

Background: Inflammation-based prognostic scores have prognostic value in cancer or cardiovascular disease patients. This study evaluated the prognostic value of inflammation-based prognostic scores in colorectal perforation patients. Methods: Data of 97 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal perforation were reviewed. We calculated various inflammation-based prognostic scores and analyzed the relationship between inflammation-based prognostic score and hospital mortality due to colorectal perforation. Results: Multivariate analyses of hospital mortality revealed neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (P = .0021), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (P = .0224), and prognostic nutritional index (P = .0078) as independent predictive factors. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients who met all of the following parameters avoided hospital death: neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio < 30, prognostic nutritional index ≥ 27.2, age < 75 years, and perforation of the left colon. Conclusion: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, and prognostic nutritional index were superior to other inflammation-based prognostic scores in predicting mortality of colorectal perforation. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, prognostic nutritional index, patient's age, and sidedness of the perforation site may be useful parameters to identify subgroups in which a favorable prognosis can be expected.

Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgical repair of Bochdalek hernia in an adult: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bochdalek hernia is a rare disease in adults. Diaphragmatic hernia in adults has been repaired using minimally invasive surgery through laparoscopy or thoracoscopy. However, the literature regarding the combined use of laparoscopy and thoracoscopy for the repair of Bochdalek hernia is limited. CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old man diagnosed with Bochdalek hernia was managed through combined abdominal and thoracic endoscopic surgery. On laparoscopy, the omentum prolapsed into the left thoracic cavity through the posterolateral area of the left diaphragm. On thoracoscopy, no adhesions of the omentum were seen in the thoracic cavity. The omentum was drawn back to the abdominal cavity, and a 4 × 3-cm hernial orifice was identified. The hernia orifice was repaired through simple closure with sutures laparoscopically. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful with no recurrences within the first year post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery is a safe and effective method for Bochdalek hernial repair in adults.

Comparison of Inflammation-Based Prognostic Scores Associated with the Prognostic Impact of Adenocarcinoma of Esophagogastric Junction and Upper Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Several inflammation-based prognostic scores have a prognostic value in patients with various cancers. This study investigated the prognostic value of various inflammation-based prognostic scores in patients who underwent a surgery for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) and upper gastric cancer (UGC). METHODS: We reviewed data of 206 patients who underwent surgery for AEG and UGC. We calculated neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), modified GPS (mGPS), C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (Alb) ratio, prognostic index (PI), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and analyzed the relationship between these biomarkers and postoperative prognosis. RESULTS: In multivariate analyses for overall survival, mGPS (P = 0.0337, hazard ratio [HR] = 5.211), PI (P = 0.0002, HR = 21.20), and PNI (P < 0.0001, HR = 6.907) were identified as independent predictive factors. A multivariate analysis for recurrence-free survival showed that only PI (P = 0.0006, HR = 11.89) and PNI (P = 0.0002, HR = 4.972) were independent predictive factors among the above-mentioned inflammation-based prognostic scores. CONCLUSIONS: In various inflammation-based prognostic scores, PI and PNI were more strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients who underwent surgery for AEG and UGC.

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.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy performed in a morbidly obese patient with gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most frequent submucosal tumor, and with advancements of diagnostic modalities, the incidence of GIST cases diagnosed have increased. Similarly, prevalence of morbid obesity has also rapidly increased over the past decade. Notably, the incidence of GIST in obese patients was reported to be more frequent as compared to the general population. Despite local resection being the first choice for GIST treatment, extensive surgery should also be considered depending on the tumor size and location. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), the most popular bariatric procedure, could also be a concomitant treatment option for both morbid obesity and GIST when the tumor is contained within LSG the excision range. There are, however, few reports about LSG planned for GIST preoperatively. CASE PRESENTATION: A morbidly obese 46-year-old Japanese male (body weight of 105.4 kg, body mass index (BMI) of 36.6 kg/m2) was diagnosed with an intramural GIST in the gastric fundus. Because of his extreme visceral fat dominated obesity (visceral fat area of 386 cm2), in addition to the size and location of the tumor, we determined that it would be difficult to perform local resection. We planned LSG as a concomitant treatment for both GIST and morbid obesity. After the preoperative examination and 6 months of weight control, the patient lost enough weight to undergo LSG safely. Keeping enough distance away from the tumor, which we observed with an endoscope, we performed LSG to successfully resect the tumor. The patient was discharged uneventfully. Weight loss was successful as his BMI was 21.0 kg/m2 at 3 months post-surgery. CONCLUSION: We successfully performed LSG in a morbidly obese patient with a large GIST. This is the largest GIST concomitantly resected with LSG reported within current literature.

[A Case of Severe Aortic Thrombosis during the First Chemotherapy Regimen of CapeOX plus Bevacizumab for Metastatic Colon Cancer].

A 61-year-old man underwent CapeOX plus bevacizumab chemotherapyafter right hemicolectomyfor metastatic ascending colon cancer. On the 7th dayafter the first administration, he had sudden abdominal pain and nausea. Contrast-enhanced computed tomographyrevealed aortic thrombosis and a superior mesenteric artery(SMA)embolism that was considered to be associated with bevacizumab. Bevacizumab was discontinued and anticoagulation therapyusing heparin and urokinase was performed. Brain infarction of the left middle cerebral arteryoccurred on the 15th dayafter the first administration and thrombectomywas performed. Anticoagulation therapyusing heparin, bayaspirin, and edoxaban tosilate hydrate was performed. The aortic thrombosis and SMA embolism resolved with treatment, but the patient died following an increase in peritoneal dissemination. It should be noted that unexpectedlysevere aortic thrombosis occurred during the first administration of CapeOX plus bevacizumab for metastatic colon cancer.

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.