Oncological outcomes of surgery for recurrent biliary tract cancer: who are the best candidates?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the impact of surgery on outcomes in patients with recurrent biliary tract cancer (BTC) and elucidate factors affecting survival after surgery for this disease. METHODS: A single-center study was undertaken in 178 patients with recurrent BTC, of whom 24 underwent surgery for recurrence, 85 received chemotherapy, and 69 received best supportive care. Then, we carried out a multicenter study in 52 patients undergoing surgery for recurrent BTC (gallbladder cancer, 39%; distal cholangiocarcinoma, 27%; perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, 21%; intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 13%). RESULTS: In the single-center study, 3-year survival after recurrence was 53% in patients who underwent surgery, 4% in those who received chemotherapy, and 0% in those who received best supportive care (p < 0.001). Surgery was an independently prognostic factor (p < 0.001). In the multicenter series, the respective 3-year and 5-year survival after surgery for recurrence was 50% and 29% in the 52 patients. Initial site of recurrence was the only independent prognostic factor (p = 0.019). Five-year survival after surgery for recurrence in patients with single distant, multifocal distant, and locoregional recurrence was 51%, 0%, and 0%, respectively (p = 0.002). Sites of single distant recurrence included the liver (n = 13, 54%), distant lymph nodes (all from gallbladder cancer, n = 7, 29%), lung (n = 2, 9%), peritoneum (n = 1, 4%), and abdominal wall (n = 1, 4%). CONCLUSION: Surgery may be an effective option for patients with less aggressive tumor biology characterized by single distant recurrence in recurrent BTC.

Clinicopathological Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Primary Cystic Duct Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Study.

BACKGROUND: The role of surgery in the management of primary cystic duct carcinoma (CDC) remains unclear especially in advanced disease. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for primary CDC. METHODS: From a multi-institutional database, we identified 41 patients who underwent surgery for primary CDC, defined as a part of gallbladder carcinoma with the tumor centre located in the cystic duct. RESULTS: Of the 41 patients, 31 (75.6%) underwent preoperative biliary drainage for jaundice. Twenty-eight (68.3%) patients underwent extensive resection including major hepatectomy (n = 21), pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 4), or both procedures (n = 3). Thirty-four (82.9%) patients had ≥ pT3 tumor, while 31 (75.6%) patients had involvement of contiguous organs/structures. Nodal and distant metastasis was found in 26 (63.4%) and 7 (17.1%) patients, respectively. Most patients (90.2%) had perineural invasion. Median overall survival was 23.7 months in all 41 patients. Factors independently associated with both overall and disease-specific survival were pN (P = 0.003 and P = 0.007, respectively) and pM (P = 0.003 and P = 0.013, respectively) classification. Median survival was 75.3, 17.7, and 5.2 months for patients with pN0M0 (n = 14), pN1/2pM0 or pN0pM1 (n = 21), and pN1/2pM1 (n = 6) disease, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Primary CDC is characterized by locally advanced disease with aggressive histopathological characteristics at surgery, leading to extensive resection during treatment. Surgery provides potential benefits for patients with pN0pM0 disease, whereas pN1/2 and/or pM1 status appear to have strong adverse effects on survival.

[A Case of Ascending Colon Cancer with Essential Thrombocythemia].

Essential thrombocythemia(ET)is a rare myeloproliferative disorder characterized by thrombocytosis and a risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. ET rarely occurs simultaneously with colorectal cancer. Including our case, only 5 cases of c o l orectal cancer with ET have been reported in Japan. Herein, we report a case of colon cancer in an ET patient who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Our perioperative management avoided complications such as thrombosis or bleeding. An 81-year-old woman developed bloody stools. She was previously diagnosed with ET 9 years ago. Aspirin, cilostazol, and hydroxyurea(HU)were prescribed. Colonoscopy revealed a tumor at the ascending colon. Histopathological examination showed a well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Since the patient had anemia, aspirin and cilostazol were discontinued after diagnosis. HU was discontinued from the day before surgery to 2 days after surgery. Enoxaparin was subcutaneously administered for 1 to 3 days after surgery. Aspirin and cilostazol were resumed on the fourth day post-surgery. The patient could be discharged when her condition stabilizes with no thrombosis and bleeding after 8 days.

Comparison of Number Versus Ratio of Positive Lymph Nodes in the Assessment of Lymph Node Status in Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the utility of the number of positive lymph nodes with the lymph node ratio (LNR) in predicting survival after resection of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 142 consecutive patients who underwent radical resection of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was performed. A total of 3066 regional lymph nodes were resected. The median number of nodes per patient was 21. The optimal cutoff values for the number of positive nodes and the LNR were determined using the Chi square scores calculated by the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: Nodal disease was found in 59 patients (42 %). In the subsequent analysis of the impact that nodal status has on survival, 18 patients with R1/2 resection and 6 patients with paraaortic nodal disease who did not survive for more than 5 years after resection were excluded. The optimal cutoff value for the number of positive nodes was 1, and the optimal cutoff value for the LNR was 5 %. Univariate analysis identified both the number of positive nodes (0, 1, or ≥2; P = 0.005) and the LNR (0, 0-5, or >5 %; P = 0.007) as significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis identified the number of positive nodes but not the LNR as an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.012). The 5-year survival rates were 64 % for the patients with no positive nodes, 46 % for the patients with one positive node, and 28 % for the patients with two or more positive nodes. CONCLUSIONS: The number of positive lymph nodes predicts survival better than the LNR after resection of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, provided that nodal evaluation is sufficient.

[A Case of Minimally Invasive Apocrine Carcinoma Derived from Ductal Adenoma].

A 63-year-old woman was found to have a mass in her right breast and visited our hospital to undergo a detailed examination. A histopathological examination by using ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy revealed ductal carcinoma in situ. A partial mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed for the cancer of the right breast. The postoperative histopathological examination indicated apocrine carcinoma with a predominantly intraductal component without lymph node metastasis. The discrimination between ductal adenoma and apocrine carcinoma sometimes becomes a problem in making decisions about treatment. We need to take care when making a diagnosis.

Clinical significance of perineural invasion diagnosed by immunohistochemistry with anti-S100 antibody in Stage I-III colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Perineural invasion (PN) diagnosed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining is an important prognostic factor after curative-intent surgery in patients with colorectal cancer. However, the clinical significance of PN diagnosed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) has not been investigated. The present study assessed the clinical significance of PN diagnosed by IHC with an anti-S100 antibody in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 184 consecutive patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer who had undergone curative-intent surgery. We analyzed the absence/presence of PN diagnosed by HE staining (HE-PN) compared to that diagnosed by IHC with the anti-S100 antibody (S100-PN). Potential prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses of the overall and relapse-free survival. The [Formula: see text] statistics were used to assess the inter-observer reproducibility. RESULTS: The incidence of HE-PN and S100-PN among the 184 patients was 60 patients (32.6%) and 113 patients (61.4%), respectively (P < 0.001). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis indicated that S100-PN was an independent prognostic factor for both the overall and relapse-free survival. The [Formula: see text] value was 0.77 for S100-PN and 0.47 for HE-PN. CONCLUSION: PN diagnosed by IHC is an important prognostic factor in patients with colorectal cancer. An inter-observer assessment showed superior judgment reproducibility for S100-PN compared with HE-PN.

[Three cases of esophageal carcinoma achieved a pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil].

We report three cases of esophageal carcinoma all of which achieved a pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (CF). All three patients were men with clinical stage II squamous cell carcinoma of the middle thoracic esophagus. We administered 2 courses of CF treatment as NAC and then performed radical esophagectomy. Pathologic examination revealed no viable tumor cells in the resected esophagus. The patients are currently alive with no evidence of disease.

[Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Treated with Halsted's Operation Because of Drug-Induced Lung Injury Caused by Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy--A Case Report].

A 64-year-old woman discovered a mass in her left breast and visited our hospital. A thorough examination resulted in a diagnosis of left, locally advanced breast cancer (cT4bN3, M0, cStage Ⅲc) with muscle invasion and Level Ⅲ lymph node metastases. Because of drug-induced lung disease following 4 courses of adriamycin and cyclophosphamide, the chemotherapy had to be stopped. Halsted's operation and postoperative radiotherapy (50 Gy) were performed. The patient was alive with no evidence of recurrence 9 months after surgery. Although multidisciplinary therapy is recommended in locally advanced breast cancer, chemotherapy sometimes cannot be performed due to factors such as age and physical status. Halsted's operation could be considered as a treatment of choice in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. It is important to choose the treatment strategy based on the condition of the patient.

[A Case of Long-Term Survival of a Patient with Liver Metastasis of Colon Cancer and Suspected Inferior Vena Cava Invasion].

A 58-year-old woman was diagnosed with a sigmoid colon cancer and synchronous liver metastasis. Because an obstruction of the sigmoid colon was identified, the patient underwent sigmoidectomy. Computed tomography(CT)findings suggested possible vena cava and hepatic vein invasion. Therefore, the decision was made to offer systemic chemotherapy. The patient underwent 6 courses of chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6). After 4 courses of chemotherapy, CT scans showed a significant reduction of the liver metastasis (reduction rate of 5 0%; a partial response) and demonstrated improved exclusion of the inferior vena cava and hepatic vein. After 6 courses of chemotherapy, we performed right trisegmentectomy of the liver and resection of the inferior vena cava and diaphragm. Postoperative pathological findings revealed negative margins, and no invasion of the inferior vena cava. The pathological response grade of the tumor after chemotherapy was determined to be Grade 2. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not performed because of the patient 's poor performance status. The patient was alive with no recurrence 8 years after resection of the liver metastasis.

[A Case of Radical Resection for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer with Positive Peritoneal Cytology Treated with Chemoradiotherapy].

A 54-year-old female patient was admitted with obstructive jaundice. The patient was diagnosed with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer of the head with invasion to the super mesenteric artery and the third portion of the duodenum. A biliary- and gastric-enteric bypass surgery was performed, and peritoneal lavage cytology was positive during surgery. After 6 courses of gemcitabine and S-1 combination chemotherapy, the CA19-9 level was normalized and the primary tumor shrank to 79% of its original size. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed that distant metastasis was not detected and the peritoneal lavage cytology was negative. After additional chemoradiation therapy, a pancreaticoduodenectomy was perfomed. Microscopic investigation revealed that about 60% of the cancer tissue had been replaced by fibrosis and no cancer cells were found at the surgical margin. The patient was alive with no evidence of recurrence 17 months after radical surgery.

[A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis Secondary to Gefitinib Therapy for Lung Adenocarcinoma].

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a relatively rare condition, characterized by subserosal or submucosal air within the bowel wall. Herein, we report a rare case of PCI secondary to treatment with an epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI). A 71-year-old man, who had received gefitinib therapy for 2 years and 5 months for lung adenocarcinoma with metastases to the bones and brain, presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed intramural air in the small bowel, free air in the abdomen, and moderate ascites. A diagnosis of PCI was made, and the patient was managed conservatively by discontinuing gefitinib treatment, because his vital signs were stable and there was no sign of peritonitis. The patient's symptoms gradually improved, and follow-up CT after 1 week revealed that the initial findings had almost completely resolved. Clinicians should note that treatment with gefitinib might cause PCI.

[Surgical resection after chemotherapy for advanced rectal cancer - report of a case].

Herein, we present a case of advanced rectal cancer surgically resected after chemotherapy. A 65-year-old woman presented with anal pain, and rectal cancer extending beyond the anus was diagnosed. The primary tumor was a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with a KRAS mutation. Computed tomography revealed cancer invasion into the vagina and sacral and coccygeal bones, and cancer metastases to the bilateral inguinal lymph nodes and the left lung. Sigmoid colostomy and subcutaneous venous port insertion were performed. The patient was treated with modified oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5- fluorouracil (FOLFOX6) plus bevacizumab. She showed a partial response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors after 13 courses of chemotherapy. The primary tumor was then resected via posterior pelvic exenteration, bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy, and sacral/coccygeal resection. Histological examination of the resected specimens revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with vaginal invasion. Metastasis to a right inguinal lymph node was observed. The pathological stage was ypT4bN0M1b, ypStage IV according to the tumor-node-metastasis system of the eighth edition of the Japanese Classification of Colorectal Carcinoma. The pathological response grade of the tumor after chemotherapy was determined to be Grade 1b.

[A case of long-term survival after lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for recurrence as skip metastasis of rectal cancer].

Herein, we present a case of long-term survival after lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for recurrence in the form of skip metastasis of rectal cancer. A 63-year-old man underwent abdominoperineal resection without lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for advanced lower rectal cancer. The histological diagnosis was type 2, 85 × 50 mm, tub1, pT4a, ly0, v1, pPM0, pDM0 and pN0, pStage II (Japanese Classification of Colorectal Carcinoma, 8th edition). Six months after surgery, enhanced computed tomography showed right obturator lymph node metastasis. We performed lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Histological examination revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma in the right obturator lymph node. The lymph node metastasis was diagnosed as a skip metastasis of the rectal cancer. The patient has had no recurrence for 9 years after resection of the lateral pelvic lymph node.

[A case of curatively resected, locally advanced ascending colon cancer with ileal conduit invasion].

A 71 -year-old man was referred to our hospital because of repeated bowel obstruction. He had previously undergone cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion for the treatment of bladder cancer at the age of 28 years. Computed tomography revealed a mass in the ascending colon. Ileostomy was initially performed because of poor general condition that improved with postoperative nutrition management. Enema findings revealed ascending colon cancer and we therefore decided to perform curative surgery. Intraoperative findings revealed that the ascending colon cancer had invaded the ileal conduit. However, it was confirmed that the ureter-ileal conduit anastomosis and the mesentery of the ileal conduit could be preserved. We performed right colectomy and partial resection of the ileal conduit with curative intent. The pathological stage was pT4bpN0cM0, pStage II. There were no signs of recurrence 15 months after curative surgery.

[Surgical curative resection after chemotherapy and portal vein embolization for multiple liver metastases of rectal cancer - report of a case].

A 34 -year-old woman presenting with bloody stools was diagnosed with a rectal tumor. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple liver masses in Couinaud segments IV, V, and VII. The lesions were diagnosed as multiple liver metastases from rectal cancer. Right trisegmentectomy of the liver was considered the optimal treatment option for curative resection; however, liver volumetric examination using CT estimated that the remnant liver volume after right trisegmentectomy would be only 24.6% of the total liver volume. Therefore, she underwent resection of the primary lesion followed by systemic chemotherapy for multiple liver metastases. She showed a partial response, according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, after 5 courses of capecitabine/oxaliplatin plus bevacizumab. Embolization of the right branch of the portal vein was performed to increase liver volume. Asubsequent liver volumetric examination with CT estimated that the remnant liver volume after right trisegmentectomy would be 38.4% of the total liver volume. Therefore, she underwent right trisegmentectomy of the liver for curative resection of the liver metastases. She had had no signs of recurrence at 3 years and 6 months after initial surgery.

[A case of a large liposarcoma of the chest].

A49 -year-old woman with a growing tumor of the left anterior chest wall was admitted to our hospital. This patient was diagnosed with a malignant well-differentiated tumor by needle biopsy and underwent surgery involving wide resection of the tumor, associated excision of the major pectoralis muscle, and part of the mammary tissue and skin. The tumor measured 14.2×17.8 cm and weighed 1,220 g. Histopathologically, the tumor was confirmed to be a dedifferentiated liposarcoma, and local recurrence and metastasis often occurs in spite of complete surgical resection. However, no local recurrence or metastasis has been detected 2 months post-surgery. The main anatomic sites of liposarcomas are the retroperitoneum and lower extremities; only 19 liposarcoma cases of the anterior chest wall have been reported in Japan.

[Single-port laparoscopic stoma creation for fecal diversion - experience of ten consecutive patients].

PURPOSE: In the present study, we aimed to describe the surgical results of single-port laparoscopic stoma creation in our institution. METHODS: We examined the safety of the surgical procedure and short-term results in 10 consecutive patients who underwent single-port laparoscopic stoma creation at our hospital between April 2011 and July 2013. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 60.5 (range, 31-75) years. Five patients were men, and 5 were women. There were 5 cases of colorectal cancer, 2 each of extramammary Paget's disease and uterine cancer, and one of perineal neurofibroma. Eight surgeries were performed for bowel obstruction or stenosis, and two surgeries were performed for other reasons. The median operative time was 59.5 (range, 40-91) min, blood loss volume was 0 (range, 0-10) mL, postoperative duration before commencement of oral intake was 2.5 (range, 1-4) days, and duration of postoperative hospital stay was 11(range, 5-19) days. No short-term complications were noted after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Single-port laparoscopic stoma creation appears to be feasible in terms of safety and short-term surgical results, and may improve the quality of life of patients requiring fecal diversion.

[A case of long-term survival in a patient with rectal cancer with virchow lymph node metastasis, liver metastases, and lung metastases].

A 69-year-old man with advanced rectal cancer and liver metastases was treated with 2 courses of chemotherapy with irinotecan and S-1 followed by low anterior resection and partial hepatectomy. Chemotherapy with S-1 was then administered for 22 months. However, lung metastases developed, for which partial pneumonectomy was performed. Seven months later, computed tomography (CT) revealed swelling of the left supraclavicular lymph node. Despite chemotherapy with 5- fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6); 5-fluorouracil, Leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI); and capecitabine plus bevacizumab, the lung metastases recurred and Virchow lymph node swelling was noted again. Accordingly, palliative therapy was administered. The patient died 3 years 1 month after Virchow lymph node resection. Herein, we describe a case of advanced rectal cancer, in which lung and Virchow lymph node metastases developed after liver metastasis. Surgical excision of the metastases resulted in long-term survival of 6 years following the first operation.