Overexpression of ZNF488 supports pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis through inhibition of ferroptosis via regulating SCD1-mediated unsaturated fatty acid metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy with high mortality. Once diagnosed, effective treatment strategies are limited and the five-year survival is extremely poor. Recent studies have shown that zinc finger proteins play important roles in tumorigenesis, including pancreatic cancer. However, it remains unknown on the clinical significance, function and underlying mechanisms of zinc finger protein 488 (ZNF488) during the development of pancreatic cancer. METHODS: The clinical relevance of ZNF488 and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) was examined by analyzing the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and immunohistochemical staining of the tissue microarray. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments were performed by transfecting the cells with overexpressing lentivirus and siRNAs or shRNA lentivirus, respectively. The function of ZNF488 in pancreatic cancer was assessed by CCK8, colony formation, EdU staining, PI/Annexin V staining and xenografted tumorigenesis. Chip-qPCR assay was conducted to examine the interaction between ZNF488 and the promoter sequence of SCD1. Transcription activity was measured by dual luciferase reporter assay. mRNA and protein expression was detected by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting experiment, respectively. Fatty acid was quantified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. RESULTS: ZNF488 was overexpressed in pancreatic cancer samples compared with normal tissues. High expression of ZNF488 predicted the poor prognosis of the patients. In vitro, ZNF488 upregulation contributed to the EuU cooperation, proliferation and colony formation of MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. Based on PI/Annexin V and trypan blue staining results, we showed that ZNF488 suppressed the ferroptosis and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistically, ZNF488 directly interacted with the promoter sequence of SCD1 gene and promoted its transcription activity, which resulted in enhanced palmitoleic and oleic acid production, as well as the peroxidation of fatty acid. In vivo, ZNF488 overexpression promoted the xenograted tumorigenesis of PANC-1, which was reversed by SCD1 knockdown. Importantly, combination of erastin and SCD1 inhibitors A939572 completely blunted the growth of ZNF488 overexpressed MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. Usage of A939572 or erastin recovered the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to the treatment of gemcitabine. Lastly, we found a positive correlation between ZNF488 and SCD1 in pancreatic cancer patients based on TCGA and immunohistochemical staining results. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of ZNF488 suppresses the ferroptosis and apoptosis to support the growth and tumorigenesis of pancreatic cancer through augmentation of SCD1-mediated unsaturated fatty acid metabolism. Combination of SCD1 inhibitors, ferroptosis inducers or gemcitabine could be applied for the treatment of pancreatic cancer with overexpression of ZNF488.

Intraoperative radiotherapy vs concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the multi-institutional retrospective study was to evaluate whether intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) has advantages in the treatment of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 103 patients with LAPC whom was treated with IORT (Arm A; n = 50) or CCRT (Arm B; n = 53) from 2015.6 to 2016.7 were retrospectively identified. Data on feasibility, toxicity, and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. RESULTS: Most factors of the two cohorts were similar. The severe adverse events (grade 3 and 4) patients in Arm B were higher than patients in Arm A (34% vs 0%). Disease progression was noted in 38 patients (76%) in Arm A and 37 patients (69.8%) in Arm B. The median survival of patients in Arm A and B were 15.3 months (95% CI, 13.0-17.6 months) and 13.8 months (95% CI, 11.0-16.6 months), respectively. The 1-year survival rate were 66.3% in Arm A (95% CI, 52.3%-80.2%) and 60.9% in Arm B (95% CI, 46.4%-75.4%). There was no significant difference in OS between patients treated with IORT and with CCRT (p = 0.458). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that patients with LAPC treated with IORT showed fewer adverse events, less treatment time, and high feasibility compared to CCRT. Although, IORT has no advantages in survival and tumor control compared with CCRT.

Perioperative Electroacupuncture Can Accelerate the Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function in Cancer Patients Undergoing Pancreatectomy or Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The effect of perioperative acupuncture on accelerating gastrointestinal function recovery has been reported in colorectal surgery and distal gastrectomy (Billroth-II). However, the evidence in pancreatectomy and other gastrectomy is still limited. A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted between May 2018 and August 2019. Consecutive patients undergoing pancreatectomy or gastrectomy in our hospital were randomly assigned to the electroacupuncture (EA) group and the control group. The patients in the EA group received transcutaneous EA on Bai-hui (GV20), Nei-guan (PC6), Tian-shu (ST25), and Zu-san-li (ST36) once a day in the afternoon, and the control group received sham EA. Primary outcomes were the time to first flatus and time to first defecation. In total, 461 patients were randomly assigned to the groups, and 385 were analyzed finally (EA group, n = 201; control group, n = 184). Time to first flatus (3.0 ± 0.7 vs 4.2 ± 1.0, P < 0.001) and first defecation (4.2 ± 0.9 vs 5.4 ± 1.2, P < 0.001) in the EA group were significantly shorter than those in the control group. Of patients undergoing pancreatectomy, those undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) surgery benefitted from EA in time to first flatus (P < 0.001) and first defecation (P < 0.001), while those undergoing distal pancreatectomy did not (P flatus=0.157, P defecation=0.007) completely. Of patients undergoing gastrectomy, those undergoing total gastrectomy and distal gastrectomy (Billroth-II) benefitted from EA (P < 0.001), as did those undergoing proximal gastrectomy (P=0.015). Patients undergoing distal gastrectomy (Billroth-I) benefitted from EA in time to first defecation (P=0.012) but not flatus (P=0.051). The time of parenteral nutrition, hospital stay, and time to first independent walk in the EA group were shorter than those in the control group. No severe EA complications were reported. EA was safe and effective in accelerating postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery. Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, IORT surgery, total gastrectomy, proximal gastrectomy, or distal gastrectomy (Billroth-II) could benefit from EA. This trial is registered with NCT03291574.

Over-expression of ANP32E is associated with poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer and promotes cell proliferation and migration through regulating ß-catenin.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor with high mortality. Acidic nuclear phosphoprotein 32 family member E (ANP32E), a specific H2A.Z chaperone, has been shown to contribute to breast cancer development. However, the significance of ANP32E in pancreatic cancer is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of ANP32E in pancreatic cancer. METHODS: The expression of ANP32E in 179 pancreatic cancer tissues and 171 normal tissues, and the correlation between ANP32E expression and patients' survival were analyzed from the TCGA database. ANP32E was over-expressed and silenced using lentivirus. siRNA was used to knock down ß-catenin. CCK8, colony formation, cell cycle and transwell experiments were performed to determine cell proliferation and migration. qRT-PCR and Western blot were conducted to detect mRNA and protein expression. RESULTS: ANP32E was up-regulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. Up-regulation of ANP32E predicted poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of ANP32E suppressed the proliferation, colony growth and migration of PANC1 and MIA cells. By contrast, ANP32E over-expression promoted the proliferation and migration of both cells. In addition, ANP32E accelerated the cell cycle progression in PANC1 and MIA cells. Molecular experiments showed that ANP32E activated ß-catenin/cyclin D1 signaling. Silencing of ß-catenin reduced cell proliferation and migration in ANP32E over-expressed cells. CONCLUSION: Our results propose that ANP32E functions as an oncogene in pancreatic cancer via activating ß-catenin.

Duodenum-Preserving Resection of the Pancreatic Head versus Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis with Enlargement of the Pancreatic Head: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The results of this meta-analysis show that DPPHR should be established as first-line treatment because of lower level of severe early postoperative complications, maintenance of endocrine pancreatic functions, shortening of postoperative hospitalization time, and increase of quality of life compared to pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Clinicopathologic features, surgical treatments, and outcomes of small bowel tumors: A retrospective study in China.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel tumors are relatively rare. Accumulation of data regarding their clinical presentation, pathologic features, prognostic factors, treatment modalities, and outcome has been an issue. We summarize the clinicopathologic features and evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with small bowel tumors who underwent surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of medical records of 456 patients with small bowel tumors treated surgically at a Cancer Hospital between 1999 and 2016. RESULTS: The study included 275 males (60.3%) and 181 females (39.7%). Small bowel tumors were difficult to diagnose because of non-specific symptoms. The most common symptoms were alimentary symptoms (56.8%) and abdominal pain (37.3%). Final histopathology revealed 241 adenocarcinomas (52.9%), 153 gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs; 33.6%), 16 neuroendocrine tumors (NETs; 3.5%), and 46 other types of tumors (10.1%). The 456 surgeries performed included 153 pancreaticoduodenectomies, 241 limited duodenum resections, 60 palliative bypass surgeries, and 2 abdominal explorations. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates for patients with small bowel tumor were 57.2% and 44.6%, respectively. Adenocarcinomas resulted in the worst overall survival compared to GISTs or NETs, and tumors with duodenal location resulted in a worse survival compared to those with non-duodenal location. CONCLUSION: Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for small bowel tumors. Adenocarcinomas and duodenal involvement seem to contribute to poor outcomes.

Are Internal or External Pancreatic Duct Stents the Preferred Choice for Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy? A Meta-Analysis.

The technique of pancreatic duct stenting during pancreatic anastomosis can markedly reduce the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The method of drainage includes using either an external or an internal stent; the meta-analysis result shows us that there were no differences in the rates of postoperative complications between PD using internal stents and PD using external stents; internal stents may be more favorable during postoperative management of drainage tube. What is more, internal stents could reduce the digestive fluid loss and benefit the digestive function.

Duct-to-mucosa versus invagination pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the two most commonly used pancreatico-jejunostomy reconstruction techniques-duct-to-mucosa and invagination. METHODS: Databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and several clinical trial registration centers were searched. Randomized controlled trials that compared duct-to-mucosa and invagination pancreaticojejunostomy techniques after pancreaticoduodenectomy were included and analyzed. RESULTS: In total, seven RCTs were included, involving 850 patients. The difference in postoperative pancreatic fistula rate between the duct-to-mucosa and invagination pancreaticojejunostomy was not significant (RR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.76-1.39, P = 0.86). There was no significant difference in clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula between the two groups (RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.15-3.96, P = 0.77). The overall morbidity, overall mortality, delayed gastric emptying, intra-abdominal collection, reoperation rate, and length of hospital stay between the two groups were not significantly different. Sensitivity analysis showed that the meta-analysis was stable. Further, no significant publication bias was seen. CONCLUSIONS: Duct-to-mucosa and invagination pancreaticojejunostomy techniques after pancreaticoduodenectomy were comparable in terms of postoperative pancreatic fistula incidence and other parameters.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the common bile duct: A case report.

RATIONALE: Sarcomatoid carcinoma is an extremely rare lesion in the common bile duct (CBD). PATIENT CONCERNS: We present a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the distal CBD in a 51-year-old woman who presented with jaundice and abdominal pain. Whipple's operation was performed successfully. Microscopically, the tumor was a poorly differentiated carcinoma containing a component of sarcoma-like differentiation. The tumor cells displayed spindle-shaped nuclei with occasional mitotic figures. Cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK19, CK18, and pan-CK (AE1/AE3) staining was positive on immunohistochemistry. Vimentin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) staining were also positive. DIAGNOSES: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the distal CBD. INTERVENTIONS: The patient received three cycles of chemotherapy after surgery. OUTCOMES: The patient has experienced no adverse events in the 3 years post-surgery. LESSONS: We present here a case report of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the distal CBD. The patient received chemotherapy after surgery, and was event-free for 3 years post-surgery, suggesting a relatively better prognosis, despite the infiltrative pattern of the tumor.

The Clinicopathological Features and Long-Term Survival Outcomes of Mucinous Gastric Carcinoma: a Consecutive Series of 244 Cases from a Single Institute.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mucinous gastric carcinoma (MGC) is a rare kind of malignancy with unclear prognosis. This study aims to assess the clinicopathological features and prognosis of MGC. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of 244 MGC patients who underwent radical gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy, and compared the data with 260 gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC) patients. RESULTS: The univariate survival analysis showed that the surgical types, diameter of the primary tumor, the Borrmann type, pathological depth of tumor invasion (pT), pathological number of metastatic lymph node (pN), pathological tumor lymph metastasis (pTNM), and vascular invasion were all significant predictors of survival (all P < 0.05). The multivariate survival analysis revealed that the diameter of the tumor, the Borrmann type, pT, pTNM stage, and vascular invasion as an independent predictive factor of survival (all P < 0.05). Compared with the SRC group, the MGC group had more male patients, more elder patients, larger tumor diameter, more T3 and T4 invasion to the gastric wall, more patients with metastatic lymph nodes, more pTNM stage III, and less Borrmann type 1. The overall survival rate of patients with MGC was significantly lower than that of patients with SRC (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MGC was an aggressive malignancy which had unique clinicopathological features.

[Value of PUSSOM and P-POSSUM for the prediction of surgical operative risk in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) and a modification of the POSSUM system (P-P0SSUM) scoring system in predicting the surgical operative risk of pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumors. METHODS: POSSUM and P-POSSUM scoring systems were used to retrospectively evaluate the clinical data of 432 patients with periampullar tumors who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in the Department of Abdominal Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 1985 to December 2010. The predictive occurrence of postoperative complications and mortality rate were calculated according to the formula. ROC curve analysis and different group of risk factors were used to determine the discrimination ability of the two score systems, and to determine their predictive efficacy by comparing the actual and predictive complications and mortality rates, using Hosmer-Lemeshow test to determine the goodness of fit of the two scoring systems. RESULTS: The average physiological score of the 432 patients was 16.1 ± 3.5, and the average surgical severity score was 19.6 ± 2.7. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under ROC curve for mortality predicted by POSSUM and P-POSSUM were 0.893 and 0.888, showing a non-significant difference (P > 0.05) between them. The area under ROC curve for operative complications predicted by POSSUM scoring system was 0.575. The POSSUM score system was most accurate for the prediction of complication rates of 20%-40%, showing the O/E value of 0.81. Compared with the POSSUM score system, P-POSSUM had better ability in the prediction of postoperative mortality, when the predicted value of mortality was greater than 15%, the predictive result was more accurate, and the O/E value was 1.00. CONCLUSIONS: POSSUM and P-POSSUM scoring system have good value in predicting the mortality of patients with periampullary tumors undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, but a poorer value of POSSUM score system in prediction of complications. We can establish a more suitable scoring system for pancreaticoduodenectomy by modifying the score constant and weight, to better predict surgical risk and reduce the operative complications and mortality.

Resection of the main trunk of the superior mesenteric vein without reconstruction during surgery for giant pancreatic mucinous cystadenoma: A case report.

Pancreatic tumors, with peri-pancreatic main vascular invasion, especially the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) or the portal vein, are very common. In some cases, vascular resection and reconstruction are required for complete resection of pancreatic tumors. However, the optimum surgical method for venous management is controversial. Resection of the SMV without reconstruction during surgery for pancreatic tumors is rarely reported. Here we present the case of a 58-year-old woman with a giant pancreatic mucinous cystadenoma adhering to the SMV, who underwent an en bloc tumor resection, including the main trunk of the SMV and the spleen. No venous reconstruction was performed during surgery. No ischemic changes occurred in the bowel. The presence of several well-developed collateral vessels was shown by 3-dimensional computed tomography examination. The patient had an uneventful postoperative period and was discharged. This case indicated that the main trunk of the SMV can be resected without venous reconstruction if adequate collateralization has formed.

[Clinical significance of preoperative biliary drainage for patients with moderate jaundice: a prospective non-randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preoperative necessity of reducing moderate icterus index (preoperative serum total bilirubin of 171 to 342 mmol/L) in obstructive jaundice patients. METHODS: A prospective non- randomized control method was used to divide 105 patients into jaundice-reducing (n = 58) and non-reducing (n = 47) group. And the intraoperative and postoperative parameters were compared between two groups. RESULTS: In jaundice-reducing group, the level of total bilirubin decreased from (264 ± 76) mmol/L to (183 ± 44) mmol/L after biliary drainage (P < 0.001). There were no significant inter-group differences in operative duration, blood loss, inpatient days or postoperative inpatient days (P > 0.05). There was no perioperative mortality in jaundice-reducing group while two perioperative mortalities occurred in another group. There was no significant inter-group difference in perioperative mortality rate (P = 0.423). The postoperative complication rate of jaundice-reducing group (n = 16, 27.59%) was slightly lower than that of non-reducing group (n = 14, 29.79%). However, the difference was insignificant (P = 0.471). Stratified analysis showed that there was no significant inter-group difference in single complication (wound infection, postoperative hemorrhage, pancreatic fistula, biliary fistula, delayed gastric emptying, abdominal infection, lung infection or cardiovascular complications, etc.) (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative necessity is limited for reducing moderate icterus index in obstructive jaundice patients. They should be operated as soon as possible once there is a definite diagnosis.

Correlation between metastatic lymph node ratio and prognosis in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

AIM: To investigate the prognostic value of metastatic lymph node ratio (MLNR) in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) patients undergoing radical resection. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with ECC were enrolled. Associations between various clinicopathologic factors and prognosis were investigated by Kaplan-Meier analyses. The Cox proportional-hazards model was used for multivariate survival analysis. RESULTS: The overall three- and five-year survival rates were 47.26% and 23.99%, respectively. MLNR of 0, 0-0.2, 0.2-0.5, and > 0.5 corresponded to five-year survival rates of 28.59%, 21.60%, 18.84%, and 10.03%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that degree of tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, MLNR, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and margin status were closely associated with postoperative survival in ECC patients (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that MLNR and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors after pancreaticoduodenectomy (HR = 2.13, 95%CI: 1.45-3.11; P < 0.01; and HR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.17-3.31; P = 0.01, respectively). The median survival time for MLNR > 0.5, 0.2-0.5, 0-0.2, and 0 was 15 mo, 24 mo, 23 mo, and 35.5 mo, respectively. There were statistical differences in survival time between patients with different MLNR (χ(2) = 15.38; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: MLNR is an independent prognostic factor for ECC patients after radical resection and is useful for predicting postoperative survival.

The 7th AJCC/UICC TNM staging system may be not suitable in predicting prognosis of synchronous multiple gastric carcinoma patients with D2 gastrectomy.

To assess the suitability of the 7th AJCC/UICC TNM staging system in predicting the prognosis of synchronous multiple gastric carcinomas (SMGCs). A total of 129 SMGC patients who underwent gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy from January 1999 to January 2009 were enrolled in this study. The location, diameter, and depth of invasion of the main tumor were all related to prognosis (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed depth of invasion as an independent predictive factor for survival (P < 0.05). Interestingly, logistic regression analysis showed that the 7th AJCC/UICC N staging system was unable to significantly predict survival in SMGCS patients (P > 0.05). Cut-point survival analysis identified the most appropriate cut-offs for metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) as 0, 1, 6, 10, and 19: patients with 0, 1-6, 7-10, and 11-19, and ≥ 20 MLNs had median survival times of 70, 56, 35, 52, and 32 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis suggested this new categorization of MLNs to be a significant predictor of survival (P < 0.05). Preoperative assessment of depth of invasion can help in the prognosis of SMGCs patients. The 7th UICC TNM staging system may be not suitable for SMGC patients and needs improvement for rational grading of SMGCs.

[Learning curve for middle pancreatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the learning curve for middle pancreatectomy by comparing the outcomes of middle pancreatectomy operated by a single treatment group at different stages. METHODS: A total of 48 patients received middle pancreatectomy by single treatment group between January 2006 and April 2014 at our hospital. These 48 cases were divided into 10 stages (5 cases in each) according to the operation sequence. The operation time, blood loss, surgical complications, rate of negative margin and postoperative hospital stay were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference among the 10 stages in respect to surgical complications, rate of negative margin and postoperative hospital stay (P>0.05). The median operation time and blood loss in the first stage was 375 min and 530 ml, respectively. The median operation time and blood loss in the second stage was 280 min and 330 ml, respectively. There were significant differences between these two stages and the other later stages in median operation time and blood loss (P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference among the stages 3 to 10 in the median operation time and blood loss (P>0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: After 10-15 cases of middle pancreatectomy, a surgeon can be skilled and experienced in this surgical procedure with few surgical complications.

[Early complications of intra-operative radiotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the complications in intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) for patients with local advanced pancreatic cancer. METHODS: The clinical data, operation material, overall dose of IORT, postoperative therapy, complications, treatment and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed in all the in-hospital pancreatic cancer patients from Nov 2008 to Jan 2012. RESULTS: There were 115 patients with local advanced pancreatic cancer treated with IORT in this study. 81 cases had a tumor in the head of pancreas and 34 cases in the pancreatic body and tail. The operation method was IORT combined with internal drainage surgery. The intra-operative radiotherapy was performed using Mobetron mobile electron accelerator, with a total dose of 12-20 Gy. Bilioenteric anastomosis and/or gastrointestinal anastomosis were included in the internal drainage surgery. Gastroparesis syndrome (10.4%), hemorrhage (3.5%), abdominal infection (2.6%), pancreatic fistula (0.9%) and renal failure (1.7%) were the common postoperative complication of IORT. All patients were cured except one who died of digestive tract hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Major complications of IORT are gastroparesis syndrome, abdominal infection and hemorrhage. The incidence of gastroparesis syndrome is at the top of the list. However, early complications have a relatively better prognosis, indicating that IORT is a safe and reliable therapy for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

[Pancreatic cystic neoplasms: a report of 139 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN). METHODS: The clinicopathological data of PCN were retrospectively analyzed and the relevant medical literatures reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 139 cases were treated at our hospital. There were serous cystic neoplasm (n = 38, SCN), mucinous cystic neoplasm (n = 32, MCN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (n = 9, IPMN) and solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (n = 60, SPN). The male-to-female ratio was 1: 3.63. The average age of disease onset was 46.1 years old. And 46.3% of them had no symptom at diagnosis. Among symptomatic ones, there were stomach ache (43.4%), location in body and tail of pancreas (58.2%) and solitary (99.5%). The accuracy of ultrasound type B, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were above 80%. The 5-year survival rate of benign PCNs was 100%. The 1, 3, 5-year survival rates of resected malignant PCNs were 70.2%, 47.9% and 39.5% respectively. However, the 5-year survival rate of those undergoing palliative surgery was only 16.7%. CONCLUSIONS: PCNs are more common in females. And the most common clinical presentation is stomach ache. Most PCNs are solitary tumors located in body and tail of pancreas and may be detected by imaging examinations. The prognosis is excellent for benign PCNs and malignant ones undergoing radical resection. However, the prognosis of those undergoing palliative surgery remains poor.

[Correlation between clinicopathological features and CA19-9/CEA in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between clinicopathological features and serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9)/carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). METHODS: The clinicopathological data of 126 cases of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated in our department from Jan. 1999 to Dec. 2012 were collected and analyzed in this study. The correlation between clinicopathological features and sensitivity of CA19-9/CEA was analyzed by chi-square test. The correlation of clinicopathological features and value of serum CA19-9/CEA was analyzed by t test and F test. RESULTS: The average value of CA19-9 before surgery in the 126 patients was 595.3 U/ml. The values of CA19-9 in 91 patients were abnormal and the sensitivity of CA19-9 was 72.2%. The average value of CEA before surgery was 12.6 U/ml. The value of CEA in 26 patients were abnormal and the sensitivity of CEA was 20.6%. The values of combined detection of serum CA19-9 and CEA before surgery were abnormal in a total of 97 cases with a sensitivity of 77.0%. There was no significant correlation between clinicopathological features and sensitivity of CA19-9 (P > 0.05). The location of tumor was significantly correlated to the diagnostic sensitivity of CEA. The sensitivity of CEA to distal ECC was only 15.4%. The value of CA19-9 was relatively high in patients >60-year old or with neural invasion, while CEA was higher when tumor was located in the middle of bile duct (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of serum CA19-9 before and after jaundice reduction (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic sensitivity of CA19-9 is not affected by gender, age, blood type, tumor location, degree of differentiation, tumor size, T stage, vascular tumor thrombus, lymph node metastasis, perineural invasion, and preoperative jaundice. However, the diagnostic sensitivity of CEA is affected by tumor location. The value of CA19-9 is correlated with tumor invasion and is relatively high in patients above 60 years old.

[Application of absorbable suture continuous catcher method during gastrointestinal anastomosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application of absorbable suture continuous catcher (ASCC) method during gastrointestinal anastomosis. METHODS: From January 2012 to March 2014, 210 patients with upper gastrointestinal tumors received ASCC method during gastrointestinal anastomosis by single treatment group. They were compared with 300 cases of full-thickness interrupted suture (FTIS) using traditional methods over the same period. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed, including anastomotic hemorrhage, leakage and obstruction. RESULTS: There was neither mortality nor serious abdominal complication. The ASCC group had one case of anastomotic hemorrhage (1/210, 0.05%) while there were 17 cases (17/300, 5.67%) in the FTIS group. The difference was statistically significant with a P value of 0.032. The ASCC group had a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage and obstruction. However, the difference was statistically insignificant with P values of 0.101 and 0.153 respectively. CONCLUSION: As compared with the FTIS method, the ASCC method has a lower incidence of gastrointestinal anastomotic hemorrhage and other anastomotic complications. The ASCC method is an ideal suture method of gastrointestinal anastomosis reinforcement.