[Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma with Peritoneal Recurrence Treated with Peritonectomy and Intraoperative Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy-A Case Report].

A 31-year-old man with a big epigastric mass from pancreas body was completely removed by distal pancreatectomy and segmental gastrectomy. Two years after oral administration of S-1 for 4 courses, peritoneal dissemination on the right subdiaphragmatic space was detected. Laparotomy revealed white colored round nodules were found scattered on the peritoneal surface, and the peritoneal cancer index(PCI)was 18. To achieve complete resection of peritoneal nodules, peritonectomy was performed. After complete removal of macroscopic peritoneal metastasis(PM), intraoperative hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy using 1 gr of gemcitabine and 60 mg of docetaxel was performed for 40 min with thermal dose of 41.5 min. Postoperative course was uneventful. Drug sensitivity test(HDRA method)showed that gemcitabine that gemcitabine showed the highest inhibition rate. The patient was treated with systemic gemcitabine chemotherapy. He is still alive without recurrence 18 months after peritonectomy plus intraoperative HIPEC. Pathological examination showed pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma(PACC)demonstrating positive for chymotrypsin. In conclusion, we present a PACC-case with PM successfully treated by a comprehensive treatment. Intraoperative HIPEC using gemcitabine may be effective for PACC patients with PM in treating residual micrometastasis after peritonectomy.

The Development of Peritoneal Metastasis from Gastric Cancer and Rationale of Treatment According to the Mechanism.

In the present article, we describe the normal structure of the peritoneum and review the mechanisms of peritoneal metastasis (PM) from gastric cancer (GC). The structure of the peritoneum was studied by a double-enzyme staining method using alkaline-phosphatase and 5'-nucreotidase, scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistological methods. The fundamental structure consists of three layers, mesothelial cells and a basement membrane (layer 1), macula cribriformis (MC) (layer 2), and submesothelial connective tissue containing blood vessels and initial lymphatic vessels, attached to holes in the MC (layer 3). Macro molecules and macrophages migrate from mesothelial stomata to the initial lymphatic vessels through holes in the MC. These structures are characteristically found in the diaphragm, omentum, paracolic gutter, pelvic peritoneum, and falciform ligament. The first step of PM is spillage of cancer cells (peritoneal free cancer cells; PFCCs) into the peritoneal cavity from the serosal surface of the primary tumor or cancer cell contamination from lymphatic and blood vessels torn during surgical procedures. After PFCCs adhere to the peritoneal surface, PMs form by three processes, i.e., (1) trans-mesothelial metastasis, (2) trans-lymphatic metastasis, and (3) superficial growing metastasis. Because the intraperitoneal (IP) dose intensity is significantly higher when generated by IP chemotherapy than by systemic chemotherapy, IP chemotherapy has a great role in the treatment of PFCCs, superficial growing metastasis, trans-lymphatic metastasis and in the early stages of trans-mesothelial metastasis. However, an established trans-mesothelial metastasis has its own interstitial tissue and vasculature which generate high interstitial pressure. Accordingly, it is reasonable to treat established trans-mesothelial metastasis by bidirectional chemotherapy from both IP and systemic chemotherapy.

Rationale of Treatment for Peritoneal Metastasis.

In 1998, the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International(PSOGI)proposed a novel treatment referred to as comprehensive treatment(COMPT). COMPT involves the complete removal of macroscopic tumors(cytoreductive surgery: CRS) and eradication of micrometastasis(MM)with neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)plus intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC). This article provides a rationale for curative COMPT. Additionally, based on our experience, the selection criteria for treatment will be clarified. RATIONALE: The residual cancer cell burden is lowest immediately following CRS, and intraoperative HIPEC plays a crucial role in the treatment of patients with peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM). COMPT will fail if the number of the MM remaining after CRS exceeds the limit of complete eradication by intraoperative HIPEC(threshold). However, if the residual number of MM is less than the threshold, patients will respond positively to treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To validate the direct effect of HIPEC, laparoscopic HIPEC(LHIPEC)was performed, and changes in the peritoneal cancer index(PCI)were then evaluated. Complete cytoreduction and HIPEC carried out based on the concept of COMPT was performed in 171 gastric cancer(GC)patients with PCI≤12, 183 colorectal cancer(CRC)with PCI≤21 and 460 pseudomyxoma peritonei(PMP)patients with PCI≤28. The postoperative survivals rates were then analyzed. RESULTS: After 1 cycle of LHIPEC, PCIs in GC and PMP were significantly reduced by 1.85 and 2.7 1 month after LHIPEC. However, PCI of CRC increased. Positive cytology at LHIPEC became negative in 57.6%, 42.9% and 60.9% of patients with GC, CRC and PMP, respectively. Median survival time(MST)for GC and CRC was 21.2 and 71.5 months, respectively MST of PMP was not reached. MST of PMP was not reached. Ten-year survival rates were 12.6%, 21.7% and 81.6%, respectively. Grade 5 complications for each disease were 0.8%, 1.0% and 1.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Complete cytoreductive surgery combined with intraoperative HIPEC may improve the long-term survival of patients with PSM who have PCIs less than the threshold levels, by keeping the mortality rates after CRS plus intraoperative HIPEC within acceptable levels.

The Characteristics of 206 Long-Term Survivors with Peritoneal Metastases from Colorectal Cancer Treated with Curative Intent Surgery: A Multi-Center Cohort from PSOGI.

BACKGROUND: We conducted this study to review the patient characteristics associated with long-term survival in patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS). METHODS: We retrospectively investigated patients with peritoneal metastases from CRC treated with curative intent surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy at 13 institutions worldwide between January 1985 and April 2015 and survived longer than five years after the first CRS for peritoneal metastases. Clinical and oncological features and therapeutic parameters were described and analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred six long-term survivors were available for study. The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of this cohort was 4 (interquartile range (IQR), 2-7), and the median score of the small bowel regions of the PCI (SB-PCI) was 0 (IQR, 0-2). Complete cytoreduction (CC-0) was achieved in 180 (87.4%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 122 (59.2%) patients at a median of 1.8 (IQR, 1.2-2.6) years. CONCLUSIONS: While most long-term survivors showed low PCI/SB-PCI and CCR-0, some had characteristics considered associated with poor prognosis. Curative intent treatments may be considered in well-informed and fit patients showing negative factors affecting survival outcome.

Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma treated with complete cytoreductive surgery, peritonectomy and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy-A case report.

BACKGROUND: Multicystic Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare and distinct variety of peritoneal mesothelioma with borderline malignant potential. Conventional Tumor bulking has been associated with recurrence of 45-50 %. Hence a comprehensive treatment with Complete cytoreductive surgery with involved field peritonectomy (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is being increasingly adopted for MCPM. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47 year old lady evaluated for peri-menopausal disturbance was diagnosed to have a multicystic lesion in the pelvis. With a preoperative suspicion of diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei, CRS with HIPEC was planned. On exploration a diffuse multicystic mass was found in omentum and pouch of douglas with typical morphological features of MCPM. Complete cytoreduction was achieved with anterolateral and sub-diaphragmatic peritonectomy, omentectomy and panhystrectomy. HIPEC was performed with cisplatin 50 mg/m2 for 40 min. Pathological examination revealed MCPM of omentum and uterine surface with focal clusters of mesothelial proliferation. However there was low proliferative activity 1-2 %. DISCUSSION: MCPM presents with wide spread peritoneal spread but with relative sparing of visceral invasion. Literature review suggests the disease spread is similar to PMP and treatment with CCRS and HIPEC has yielded long term survivals in MCPM. CONCLUSIONS: This patient with voluminous disease burden in abdomen required surgical management and HIPEC for her condition. Whether CCRS alone without HIPEC can be an alternative for limited disease will be interesting research for future clinical reports.

Complete pathological response of high grade appendicular neoplasm induced Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) after neoadjuvant intra-peritoneal chemotherapy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) is clinical syndrome characterized by mucinous ascites and gelatinous tumor deposits in the peritoneal cavity. Complete Cytoreduction and Hyperthermic intraperitoneal perfusion is the contemporary standard of care for PMP. A novel treatment approach with Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy has been developed for patients with disease not amenable for complete cytoreduction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72 year old lady had PMP arising from high grade appendicular neoplasm with extensive intraabdominal spread not suitable for complete cytoreduction (PCI -19; multiple mesenteric deposits). Novel approach with tumor debulking and Neoadjuvant Intraperitoneal chemotherapy was done. Excellent clinical response was obtained after 12 sessions of IP chemotherapy with cisplatin and docetaxel. Subsequently she underwent Complete cytoreductive surgery with peritonectomy and Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Pathological examination of surgical specimens revealed only acellular mucin with no viable tumor cells indicating a complete response. DISCUSSION: Complete pathological response after IP chemotherapy in extensive PMP is rare. Nevertheless the results are encouraging as the systemic therapy hasn't yielded successful outcomes. IP chemotherapy has the advantage of achieving high intraperitoneal concentrations and down staging the tumor spread. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant Intra-peritoneal chemotherapy is a promising neoadjuvant strategy in patients who are poor candidates for upfront resection due to extent of disease or performance status, perhaps better than systemic therapy.

Clinical Guidelines for Management of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Cancer Patients: The Japanese Society of Palliative Medicine Recommendations.

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, bowel obstruction, ascites, constipation, and anorexia, are common and often refractory in advanced cancer patients. The palliation of gastrointestinal symptoms is important in improving the quality of life of cancer patients, as well as that of their families and caregivers. Currently published clinical guidelines for the management of gastrointestinal symptoms in cancer patients do not comprehensively cover the topics or are not based on a formal process for the development of clinical guidelines. Methods: The Japanese Society for Palliative Medicine (JSPM) developed comprehensive clinical guidelines for the management of gastrointestinal symptoms in cancer patients after a formal guideline development process. Results: This article summarizes the recommendations along with their rationale and a short summary of the development process of the JSPM gastrointestinal symptom management guidelines. We established 31 recommendations, all of which are based on the best available evidence and agreement of expert taskforce members. Discussion: Future clinical studies and continuous guideline updates are required to improve gastrointestinal symptom management in cancer patients.

Prokineticin 2 expression as a novel prognostic biomarker for human colorectal cancer.

Molecular tumor biomarkers hold considerable promise for accurately predicting colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence and progression. Prokineticin 2 (PROK2) may be associated with angiogenesis and tumor formation in some malignant tumors. However, its prognostic value remains unknown. We focused on the association between PROK2 expression and clinical characteristics of CRC to assess value of PROK2 as a potential biomarker for stage I-III CRC patients prognosis. Between 1992 and 2006, 436 consecutive patients with stage I-III CRC treated with curative resection were included. PROK2 expression in primary tumors was investigated using immunohistochemistry. An animal model of liver metastasis was used to assess the role of PROK2. Positive PROK2 expression in primary tumors was found in 222 of 436 (50.9%) human CRC specimens and was significantly associated with lymphatic invasion, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, and postoperative liver recurrence rate. Recurrence-free survival was significantly shorter in patients with positive PROK2 expression than in those with negative PROK2 expression. PROK2 expression was an independent unfavorable prognostic indicator for CRC [hazards ratio, 2.119; 95% confidence interval, 1.315-3.415; p = 0.002]. PROK2 overexpression promoted liver metastasis in vivo. We suggest that positive PROK2 expression is observed in CRC primary tissues; thus, PROK2 may be a useful predictor for liver recurrence and prognosis in CRC.

Cytoreductive Surgery Plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Metastases From a Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma: Multi-Institutional Experience.

BACKGROUND: The multi-institutional registry in this study evaluated the outcome after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with peritoneal metastases (PM) from small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA). METHODS: A multi-institutional data registry including 152 patients with PM from SBA was established. The primary end point was overall survival (OS) after CRS plus HIPEC. RESULTS: Between 1989 and 2016, 152 patients from 21 institutions received a treatment of CRS plus HIPEC. The median follow-up period was 20 months (range 1-100 months). Of the 152 patients, 70 (46.1%) were women with a median age of 54 years. The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 10 (mean 12; range 1-33). Completeness of cytoreduction (CCR) 0 or 1 was achieved for 134 patients (88.2%). After CRS and HIPEC, the median OS was 32 months (range 1-100 months), with survival rates of 83.2% at 1 year, 46.4% at 3 years, and 30.8% at 5 years. The median disease-free survival after CCR 0/1 was 14 months (range 1-100 months). The treatment-related mortality rate was 2%, and 29 patients (19.1%) experienced grades 3 or 4 operative complications. The period between detection of PM and CRS plus HIPEC was 6 months or less (P = 0.008), and multivariate analysis identified absence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.037), well-differentiated tumor (P = 0.028), and PCI of 15 or lower (P = 0.003) as independently associated with improved OS. CONCLUSION: The combined treatment strategy of CRS plus HIPEC achieved prolonged survival for selected patients who had PM from SBA with acceptable morbidity and mortality.

Long-term survival in a patient with Virchow's lymph node metastasis of cecal cancer.

The patient was a 53-year-old male with a chief complaint of bloody stool. To treat the cecal colon cancer, right hemicolectomy was performed. Histological examination showed moderately differentiated adenocaricinoma, SE, N3, H0, P0, M0 Stage IIIb by Japanese Classification of the Colorectal Carcinoma. After the operation, the patient received a chemotherapy with 6 cycles of Capecitabine regimen. After 1 year later, computed tomography detected swelling of Virchow's lymph node and tumor in the thyroid gland. By fine-needle aspiration cytology, thyroid gland tumor was diagnosed as papillary cancer and Virchow's lymph node was detected adenocarcinoma which was metastasis of cecal cancer. Total thyroidectomy and cervical lymph node dissection were performed. After the operation, the patient received chemotherapy with 6 cycles of FOLFOX regimen. And the patient had taken UFT/LV for 30 months. Now he has no recurrence and keeps his quality of life high. He has been alive for 80 months since the first operation. Virchow lymph node dissection can be one of the options of treatment of metastasis.

Favorable response of colonic mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma to streptozocin monotherapy.

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) of the colon is rare and has a poor prognosis. Here, we report a case of MANEC in the ascending colon, in which streptozocin monotherapy achieved a partial response. A 36-year-old woman underwent right hemicolectomy for colonic polyposis, which included ascending colon cancer. Pathological examination revealed that some mucosal polyps were adenocarcinoma while one submucosal polyp was neuroendocrine carcinoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not administered, and 5 months after the operation, multiple liver metastases were identified. She was started on modified (5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin) followed by XELOX (capecitabine, oxaliplatin) plus bevacizumab. Although these regimens helped achieve stable disease, computed tomography showed that the hepatic metastatic lesions had enlarged 4 months later. Subsequently, the regimen was changed to streptozocin monotherapy (1000 mg/m2, weekly). After 5 cycles, the regimen achieved partial response and was continued for a total of 17 courses without significant adverse events until progressive disease. As a third-line chemotherapy regimen, cisplatin plus etoposide (EP) was administered. The EP regimen reduced the size of the hepatic and ovarian metastatic lesions but severe neutropenia and anemia was observed. Amrubicin monotherapy was also administered as fourth-line chemotherapy but a good clinical response was not detected, and the patient died 20 months after the operation. Streptozocin monotherapy has the potential to be a therapeutic option for mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma of the colon.

Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the common bile duct: a case report and a review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the bile duct is extremely rare and is a high-grade type of neuroendocrine tumor with an aggressive clinical course. Here, we report a case of LCNEC of the extrahepatic bile duct. CASE PRESENTATION: An 80-year-old man presented with severe jaundice. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and enhanced computed tomography revealed complete obstruction of the common bile duct (CBD) by a dense tumor measuring 1.5 cm in diameter. Although there were no malignant cells in the biliary brush cytology, we suspected a cholangiocarcinoma and performed extrahepatic bile duct resection. Histologically, the LCNEC occupied most of the places deeper than the stratum submucosum and an adenocarcinoma component, approximately 15%, was present in the mucosa. There were no transitional areas between the two components. Immunohistochemically, the LCNEC cells were reactive for CD56 and synaptophysin and had a high MIB-1 index (72%). The patient died of multiple liver, lung, and peritoneal metastases 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: LCNEC of the CBD is particularly rare and has a very poor prognosis. Only five cases have been reported in the literature; therefore, there is no established effective therapy, including surgery, for LCNEC of the CBD at present. An accumulation of additional cases and further studies of multimodal treatment are required in the future to improve the prognosis.

Acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas in childhood.

A 12-year-old Japanese girl with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma is presented. She was referred to our hospital with upper abdominal pain on exercise. Computed tomography scan showed a 17 × 17 × 12 cm heterogeneous mass in the right abdominal cavity centering around the pancreatic head to the anterior pararenal space. We performed pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy, because the tumor invaded the pancreatic head. Macroscopically, the tumor was a 19 × 18 cm, encapsulated mass derived from the pancreatic head without invasion to the surrounding organs, and consisted of solid and cystic portions. Histological examination showed tumor cells proliferating in an acinar pattern and invading the duodenal muscle layer. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for α1 trypsin and α1 chymotrypsin. From these histological findings, we diagnosed the lesion as an acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas. We report this case of childhood acinar cell carcinoma, which is extremely rare, with a review of the literature.

Expression of prokineticin-receptor2(PK-R2) is a new prognostic factor in human colorectal cancer.

The increased invasiveness of colorectal cancer cells is important for progression and metastasis to the surrounding organs. According to recent molecular biological studies, signaling through transmembrane Prokineticin-Receptor2(PK-R2) is likely involved in the ability of tumor cell to invade. However, no studies have evaluated the relationship between PK-R2 expression, ability of cancer to invade/metastasize, and patient prognosis in cases of resected colorectal cancer. Accordingly, we have examined these factors in the present study.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect PK-R2 in the primary lesion and adjacent normal large intestine mucosa of 324 colorectal cancer patients who underwent resection surgery at our department. Additionally, we conducted clinicopathologic examinations and analyzed patient prognoses with the Kaplan-Meier method. Further, multivariate analysis was conducted using a cox-proportional hazard model.PK-R2 expression was observed on the cellular membrane of the primary lesion in 147 of 324 cases (45.3%) of human colorectal cancer. PK-R2 expression was associated with a higher incidence of vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, hepatic metastasis, and hematogenous metastasis. Further, prevalence of PK-R2 expression increased as tumor stage increased. In stage III curative resection cases, where recurrence is the most serious problem, cases that expressed PK-R2 had a significantly lower 5-year survival rate (82.1% versus 66.8%) and higher recurrence compared to those cases with no PK-R2 expression. In the multivariate analysis for prognosis, PK-R2 expression was found to be an independent factor(ratio2.621).PK-R2 expression could be one of the new prognostic factors in human colorectal cancer.

Retrocolic roux-en-Y anastomosis for total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: fix-the-remnant-first technique.

INTRODUCTION: Herein we report our retrocolic Roux-en-Y anastomosis for laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and its feasibility. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: After laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy, the gastric remnant was fixed through the mesentery of the transverse colon. The gastrojejunostomy was performed with linear stapling devices at an angle that allowed for easy application. The jejunojejunostomy was also performed with linear stapling devices. All spaces between the mesentery were hand-sewn closed. This procedure was performed laparoscopically without additional incisions in all 34 patients. The median operative time was 365 min and the median blood loss was 50 mL. All patients started liquid intake the day after gastrectomy. There were three cases of Grade 1 complications and one Grade 2 complication per the Clavien-Dindo Classification. Patients' weights after surgery were stable at the 36-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: The advantages of Roux-en-Y reconstruction have been reported to include less frequent anastomotic leakage, less gastritis and less bile reflux over the long term. The retrocolic reconstructions were performed in a manner similar to open surgery but under a laparoscopic view. The mesentery closure stitches to prevent internal herniation did not require as many stitches as the antecolic route and were easier to place. Our anastomosis for laparoscopic distal gastrectomy showed acceptable short-term results, with patients maintaining up to 91.0% of their preoperative weight and nutritional input. By fixing the remnant stomach to the mesentery of the transverse colon before the anastomosis, we easily completed the retrocolic Roux-en-Y anastomosis under laparoscopic view.

Partial response after transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy in a patient with systemic chemotherapy-resistant unresectable colon cancer and hepatic metastasis: (case report).

We report here a case of partial response to hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in a patient who developed serious hepatic failure due to unresectable colorectal cancer and hepatic metastasis and showed resistance to systemic chemotherapy with molecular targeted drugs, mFOLFOX6, and FOLFIRI. The patient was a 60-year-old woman who underwent sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer, lateral posterior hepatic segmentectomy for metastatic liver cancer, and postoperative radiation therapy for metastatic lung cancer. As first-line systemic chemotherapy, mFOLFOX6 (oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin), bevacizumab + FOLFIRI (irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin), and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody + irinotecan were administered, in that order. However, recurrent hepatic metastasis was exacerbated, which induced serious hepatic failure manifested by general malaise, jaundice, abnormal hepatic function, difficulty in walking due to bilateral lower extremity edema, and decreased appetite. The patient was admitted in a serious condition. After hospitalization, the patient received hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and l-leucovorin. After two complete courses, the symptoms improved. The patient's performance status also improved, and she was discharged from the hospital. Four months after discharge, the patient had continued outpatient chemotherapy and maintained excellent performance status. Although HAIC is not presently considered an alternative to systemic chemotherapy, it is sometimes effective in patients who show resistance to molecular targeted drug therapy, FOLFOX, and FOLFIRI, and in whom hepatic metastasis is a key factor in determining prognosis and serious hepatic failure. Further studies should be performed in the future to verify these findings.

CD44variant exon 9 plays an important role in colon cancer initiating cells.

Cancer stem cells(cancer initiating cells) have become increasingly important in the treatment of malignant tumors. CD44 in particular has been identified as a marker for stem cells in colon cancer, which is a high-morbidity tumor. However, many details remain unknown, including identification of the relevant exon. The elucidation of these details could lead to the development of new therapies and improvements in prognosis. We report our findings on the importance of CD44 variant exon 9(v9) of stem cells in colon cancer. Using the anti-CD44 standard form(s) antibody, as well as antibodies for each of the CD44 variant exons, we studied colon cancer cell lines by examining stained images of stem cells in the crypt of normal colon mucosa. Using the anti-CD44v9 antibody that fits the normal colon mucosa stem cells, we screened cells using flow cytometry to examine colony formation, resistance to anticancer drugs, and tumor mass formation after subcutaneous implantation in mice. The stem cell-containing region in the crypt of normal colon mucosa was negative for anti-Ki67 antibody staining; only the anti-CD44 v9 antibody stain was expressed. As for colony formation, resistance to anticancer drugs, and tumor mass formation, cells positive both for anti-CD44s and anti-CD44v9 antibody stains was significantly more frequent than those positive for anti-CD44s antibody stain and negative for anti-CD44v9 antibody stain and those negative both for anti-CD44s and anti-CD44v9 antibody stains. CD44 variant exon 9 plays an important role in colon cancer stem cells.

Changes in CO2 concentration increase the invasive ability of colon cancer cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We studied the effects of CO(2) concentration changes on the invasive ability of colon cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Colon cancer cell lines and human samples derived from a peritoneal metastasis were incubated in a hypercapnic environment, followed by incubation in 5% CO(2). The invasive ability of colon cancer cells incubated with CO(2) were analyzed using an invasion assay system. RESULTS: In comparison with the colon cancer cell lines incubated in 5% CO(2) only, the invasive ability of cells increased in all the colon cancer cell lines subjected to incubation in 20% CO(2) followed by incubation in 5% CO(2), with a concomitant increase in the mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and MMP9. The invasive capability of peritoneal metastatic cells in the human-derived specimen also increased on CO(2) concentration changes. CONCLUSION: CO(2) concentration changes enhanced the invasive capacity of colon cancer cells.

Five-year survival of alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer with synchronous liver metastasis: a case report.

Alpha-fetoprotein-Producing gastric cancer is associated with poor prognosis because of frequent liver and lymph node metastasis. We present a case with synchronous liver metastasis who survived for 5 years. A 69-year-old man with upper abdominal pain was referred to our hospital. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a Borrmann II-like tumor in the lower part of the stomach. Computed tomography revealed a tumor in the left lobe of the liver. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were markedly increased. We performed distal gastrectomy after administering oral tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil potassium and administered hepatic intra-arterial cisplatin injection. Liver metastasis showed partial response on computed tomography. Despite left hepatic lobectomy, further metastases to the liver and mediastinal lymph nodes became difficult to control. After sorafenib tosylate administration, stabilization of the disease was observed for 4 months. We conclude that hepatic intra-arterial chemotherapy and oral administration of sorafenib tosylate may potentially improve the prognosis in such cases.

Laparoscopic resection for splenic artery aneurysm using the lateral approach: report of two cases.

We report two cases of successful laparoscopic surgery for splenic artery aneurysm. In case 1, a 59-year-old man who had hypertension was admitted to the hospital with complaints of slight back pain. CT scan showed a winding splenic artery and an aneurysm behind the pancreas body. In case 2, a 71-year-old woman with hypertension consulted us and was diagnosed with splenic artery aneurysm. Her aneurysm increased from 1.2 mm to 20 mm at the 1-year follow-up. In both cases, we performed laparoscopic splenectomy, using the left lateral approach, to resect the aneurysm. Splenectomy was performed after the spleen had changed color. The operating times were 210 and 259 min, respectively and the bleeding was 60 and 100 mL, respectively. The postoperative course was uneventful. By using the lateral approach from the left side, we were able to precisely resect the splenic artery aneurysm under a stable laparoscopic view.