Data quality in Brazilian population-based cancer registries for gastrointestinal cancers.

BACKGROUND: Population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) are the primary source of information for cancer surveillance and monitoring. Currently, there are 30 active PBCRs in Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze the data quality of five gastrointestinal cancers (esophagus, stomach, colorectal, liver, and pancreas) according to the criteria of comparability, validity, completeness, and timeliness in Brazilian cancer registries. METHODS: This study included data from Brazilian PBCRs with more than ten years of historical data starting in the year 2000, regardless of the type of defined geographical coverage (state, metropolitan region, or capital), totaling 16 registries. Brazilian PBCRs were evaluated based on four international data quality criteria: comparability, validity (accuracy), completeness, and timeliness. All cancer cases were analyzed, except for nonmelanoma skin cancer cases (C44) and five gastrointestinal tumors (esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer) per cancer registry and sex, according to the available period. RESULTS: The 16 Brazilian PBCRs represent 17% of the population (36 million inhabitants in 2021) according to data from 2000 to 2018. There was a variation in the incidence in the historical series ranging from 12 to 19 years. The proportion of morphologically verified (MV%) cases varied from 74.3% (Manaus) to 94.8% (Aracaju), and the proportion of incidentally reported death certificate only (DCO%) cases varied from 3.0% (São Paulo) to 23.9% (Espírito Santo). High-lethality malignant neoplasms, such as liver and pancreas, had DCO percentages greater than 30% in most cancer registries. The sixteen registries have more than a 48-month delay in data release compared to the 2022 calendar year. CONCLUSION: The studied Brazilian cancer registries met international comparability criteria; however, half of the registries showed indices below the expected levels for validity and completeness criteria for high-lethality tumors such as liver and pancreas tumors, in addition to a long delay in data availability and disclosure. Significant efforts are necessary to ensure the operational and stability of the PBCR in Brazil, which continues to be a tool for monitoring cancer incidence and assessing national cancer control policies.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ultra-processed food (UPF) intake has been associated with a higher risk of obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The initial data on the relationship between UPF consumption and cancer risk were derived from retrospective observational studies with conflicting results. This systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies aimed to investigate the association between UPF consumption and gastrointestinal cancer risk. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for prospective cohort studies that compared the highest vs the lowest level of UPF consumption according to NOVA food classification and reported the risk of gastrointestinal cancers by subsite. The association with cancer was quantified as hazard ratios (HR) using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Five prospective cohort studies were included in this review comprising 1,128,243 participants (241,201 participants in the highest and 223,366 in the lowest levels of UPF consumption). The mean follow-up ranged from 5.4 to 28 years. The highest UPF consumption was significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (HR 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.21; P = 0.01; I2 = 31%), colon cancer (HR 1.12; 95% CI 1.02-1.23; P = 0.02; I2 = 0%), and non-cardia gastric cancer (HR 1.43; 95% CI 1.02-2.00; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%) compared with the lowest UPF intake. However, no association was found between high UPF consumption and hepatocellular, esophageal, pancreatic, gastric cardia, and rectal cancer. DISCUSSION: The highest level of UPF consumption was significantly associated with colorectal and non-cardia gastric cancer.

Gastrointestinal cancers in lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are known risk factors for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. However, GI carcinogenesis in lean NAFLD patients remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the association between lean NAFLD and GI cancer risk. METHODS: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched (from inception date to April 2023) for cohort studies assessing GI cancers in lean (body mass index [BMI] < 25 kg/m2 or < 23 kg/m2 in Asians) and non-lean (BMI ≥25 kg/m2 or ≥ 23 kg/m2 in Asians) NAFLD individuals. Data from eligible studies were extracted, and meta-analysis was carried out using a random effects model to obtain risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses, meta-regressions and sensitivity analyses were also performed. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023420902). RESULTS: Eight studies with 56,745 NAFLD individuals (11% were lean) and 704 cases of incident GI cancers were included. Lean NAFLD was associated with higher risk of hepatic (RR 1.77, 95% CI 1.15-2.73), pancreatic (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.01-3.86) and colorectal cancers (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.12-2.09), compared to non-lean NAFLD. No significant differences were observed for oesophagus, gastric, biliary and small intestine cancers. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that lean NAFLD patients have an increased risk of liver, pancreatic and colorectal cancers compared to non-lean NAFLD patients, emphasizing the need to explore tailored cancer prevention strategies for this specific patient group. Further research is required to explore the mechanisms underlying the association between lean NAFLD and specific GI cancers.

Epidemiologia e desfechos clínicos dos pacientes com tumores do trato gastrointestinal discutidos em tumor board / Epidemiology and clinical outcomes of patients with gastrointestinal tract tumors discussed on the tumor board

Introdução: Para garantir o melhor atendimento aos pacientes portadores de tumores gastrointestinais, caracterizados de alta complexidade, o Tumor Board (TB) traz benefícios já destacados em literatura diante à decisão entre as diversas opções de terapias multimodais que crescem nas últimas décadas1,5-8. As condutas recomendadas pelos especialistas devem ser acompanhadas para identificar barreiras que possam interferir na execução do melhor cuidado para o paciente decidido previamente. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico, a aderência às condutas recomendadas, o motivo da não realização e sobrevida dos casos de pacientes discutidos em Tumor Boards de Oncologia Gastrointestinal (TGI): TB Aparelho Digestivo Alto e Tumores Colorretais no AC Camargo Cancer Center. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes discutidos nas reuniões de TB do aparelho digestivo alto e tumores colorretais de 1 de Abril de 2019 à 1 de Abril de 2020. Dados epidemiológicos, se a conduta de TB foi realizada, o motivo da não realização, o status de vida em 90 dias após decisão de TB e quantas vezes cada paciente foi discutido em reunião foram coletados. As variáveis categóricas foram comparadas pelo teste de qui-quadrado e teste exato de fisher. A análise de regressão logística foi realizada para avaliar fatores associados à não realização da conduta TB. Resultados: 658 casos, 553 pacientes, predominantemente do sexo masculino (51%), com neoplasia maligna do cólon (17%), não tabagistas (65%), não etilistas (75%), com estadiamento IV (41%), com comorbidades (63%). A conduta do TB é realizada em 83% dos casos e o motivo mais evidente para o não cumprimento das condutas é a perda de seguimento (48%). O núcleo TB de tumores colorretais apresentou 1,6 vezes mais chance da não realização da conduta determinada em TB (Odds Ratio = 1,61), enquanto a ausência da equipe solicitada na discussão foi associada a 3 vezes mais chance relativa (Odds Ratio = 3,02) de não seguir com conduta recomendada. Os pacientes de fonte pagadora particular possuíam 5 vezes mais chance da não realização da conduta quando comparado aos pacientes de convênio (Odds Ratio = 5,27) e os casos referentes aos pacientes SUS mostraram que estes apresentam 52% mais probabilidade de realização da conduta em relação aos pacientes de convênio (Odds Ratio = 0,48). Em 90 dias após a discussão do caso em TB, 94,7% dos pacientes estavam vivos, a mediana de vida foi 87 dias. Conclusão: A conduta do TB é realizada na maior parte dos casos e o motivo mais evidente para o não cumprimento das condutas é a perda de seguimento.

Introduction: To ensure the best care for patients with gastrointestinal tumors, characterized by high complexity, the Tumor Board (TB) brings benefits already highlighted in the literature before the decision between the various options of multimodal therapies that have grown in recent decades 1,5-8. The procedures recommended by specialists should be followed to identify barriers that may interfere with the execution of the best care for the patient previously decided. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological profile, adherence to recommended management, reasons for non-performance and survival of cases of patients discussed on Gastrointestinal: TB Upper gastrointestinal tract and Colorectal Oncology Tumor Boards at the AC Camargo Cancer Center. Methods: Retrospective study of patients discussed at upper digestive tract TB and colorectal tumor boards from April 1, 2019 to April 1, 2020. Epidemiological data, whether TB management was performed, the reason for nonperformance, life status in 90 days after TB decision, and how many times each patient was discussed in meeting were collected. Categorical variables were compared by chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with not performing TB management. Results: 658 cases, 553 patients, predominantly male (51%), with colon malignancy (17%), non-smokers (65%), non-drinkers (75%), staged IV (41%), with comorbidities (63%). TB management is performed in 83% of cases and the most obvious reason for noncompliance with management is loss to follow-up (48%). Colorectal tumor TB core had 1.6 times more chance of not performing the determined TB management (Odds Ratio = 1.61), while absence of the requested team in the discussion was associated with 3 times more relative chance (Odds Ratio = 3.02) of not following through with recommended management. Private payer patients were 5 times more likely to not perform the recommended management when compared to health insurance patients (Odds Ratio = 5.27) and SUS patients were 52% more likely to perform the management when compared to health insurance patients (Odds Ratio = 0.48). In 90 days after the TB case discussion, 94.7% of the patients were alive, the median life span was 87 days. Conclusion: TB management is performed in most cases and the most evident reason for noncompliance is loss of follow-up.

Tumores del estroma gastrointestinal en un Hospital de México / Gastrointestinal stroma tumor in a hospital of Mexico

Introducción: Los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal son neoplasias de comportamiento benigno o maligno. Se originan de las células intersticiales de Cajal del tubo digestivo. Objetivo: Describir dos formas distintas de presentación clínica de los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal. Casos clínicos: El caso 1, paciente femenina de 65 años de edad que acudió por síntomas compresivos del tubo digestivo superior a causa de un gastrointestinal gástrico. El caso 2, paciente masculino de 56 años de edad que acudió por sangrado de tubo digestivo medio ocasionado por un gastrointestinal intestinal. Conclusiones: Los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal tienen distinta presentación clínica. Su tratamiento es esencialmente quirúrgico y en algunos casos complementados con terapia molecular dirigida(AU)

Introduction: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are neoplasms of benign or malignant behavior. They originate from the interstitial cells of Cajal in the digestive tract. Objective: The objective of this work is to describe two different forms of clinical presentation. Case report: case 1: 65-year-old female patient who presented for compression symptoms of the upper digestive tract due to gastric GIST; case 2: 56-year-old male who presented with bleeding from the middle digestive tract caused by intestinal GIST. Conclusions: GISTs have different clinical presentation. Its treatment is essentially surgical and in some cases supplemented with targeted molecular therapy(AU)

Malnutrition is associated with poor health-related quality of life in surgical patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between preoperative nutritional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer who were admitted for elective surgical treatment. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which patients with a diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer were evaluated before a surgical procedure. The nutritional assessment included subjective global assessment (SGA) and measurements of weight loss percentage, bioelectrical impedance, and functional capacity. HRQoL was evaluated by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Statistical analyses were performed with a significance level of 5%. The sample size was calculated based on a pilot study. RESULTS: We evaluated 132 patients, the majority of whom were men. The median age of the patients was 62 y, and the most prevalent tumors were in the colon, rectum, and anus (52.3%). The SGA highlighted the high prevalence of malnutrition (69.9%), which was confirmed by the rates of weight loss (73.8%) and the low fat-free mass index (56.8%). Malnourished patients and patients with severe weight loss had worse functional, symptom, global health and quality of life scores (P < 0.05). Malnutrition, according to the SGA, decreased physical function and role performance scores by 9 and 20 points, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition, assessed by various tools, was associated with poor HRQoL of surgical patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Primary nonlymphoid gastrointestinal neoplasms in dogs in Rio Grande do Sul / Neoplasmas gastrointestinais primários não linfoides em cães no Rio Grande do Sul

Gastrointestinal neoplasms (GIN) are uncommon in dogs, but they mainly show malignant behavior and poor prognosis. The types of GIN in dogs and their frequency, as well as their epidemiological and histopathological characteristics were analyzed through a retrospective study of biopsies from 24.711 dogs from 2005 to 2017. Additionally, histological sections of neoplasms were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against pancytokeratin, vimentin, smooth muscle actin, c-Kit, S-100, CD31, CD79αcy, and neuron-specific enolase. Of the total samples from dogs analyzed, 88 corresponded to GIN. Neoplasms occurred more frequently in purebred dogs (64.8%, 57/88), males (53.4%, 47/88), with a median age of 10 years. The intestine was affected by 84.1% (74/88) of the cases. Of these, the large intestine was the most affected (67.6%, 50/74). Most of the neoplasms had malignant behavior (88.6%, 78/88). Regarding the classification of neoplasms, 46.6% (41/88) of the diagnoses corresponded to epithelial, 46.6% (41/88) were mesenchymal, 5.7% (5/88) were hematopoietic, and 1.1% (1/88) was neuroendocrine. The most frequently diagnosed neoplasms were papillary adenocarcinoma (19.3%, 17/88), leiomyosarcoma (17.0%, 15/88), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) (12.5%, 11/88), and leiomyoma (5.0%, 8/88). Adenocarcinomas were located mainly in the rectum, whereas leiomyosarcomas and GISTs developed mainly in the cecum. Epithelial neoplasms showed a greater potential for lymphatic invasion whereas mesenchymal neoplasms appeared to be more expansive with intratumoral necrosis and hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry was found to be an important diagnostic technique for the identification of infiltrating cells in carcinomas and an indispensable technique for the definitive diagnosis of sarcomas.(AU)

Neoplasmas gastrointestinais (NGI) são pouco comuns em cães, mas possuem principalmente comportamento maligno e prognóstico reservado. Os tipos de NGI em cães e sua frequência, bem como características epidemiológicas e histopatológicas foram analisados por meio de um estudo retrospectivo dos exames de biópsias de 24.711 cães entre os anos de 2005 a 2017. Adicionalmente, cortes histológicos de NGI foram submetidos à técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), utilizando os anticorpos anti-pancitoqueratina, vimentina, actina de músculo liso, c-Kit, S-100, CD31, CD79αcy e enolase neurônio específica. Do total de cães analisados, 88 corresponderam a NGI não linfoides. Os neoplasmas ocorreram com maior frequência em cães de raça pura (64,8%, 57/88), machos (53,4%, 47/88), com mediana de idade de 10 anos. O intestino foi acometido em 84,1% dos casos (74/88). Destes, o intestino grosso foi o segmento mais afetado (67,6%, 50/74). A maior parte dos neoplasmas tinha comportamento maligno (88,6%, 78/88). Quanto à classificação, 46,6% (41/88) dos diagnósticos corresponderam a neoplasmas epiteliais, 46,6% (41/88) mesenquimais, 5,7% (5/88) hematopoiéticos e 1,1% (1/88), neuroendócrino. Os neoplasmas mais frequentemente diagnosticados foram adenocarcinoma papilar (19,3%, 17/88), leiomiossarcoma (17,0%, 15/88), tumor estromal gastrointestinal (GIST) (12,5%, 11/88) e leiomioma (12,5%, 8/88). Adenocarcinomas localizavam-se principalmente no reto, enquanto leiomiossarcoma e GISTs desenvolveram-se principalmente no ceco. Os neoplasmas epiteliais demonstraram um potencial maior de invasão linfática enquanto que os mesenquimais aparentaram ser mais expansivos, com necrose e hemorragia intratumorais. A imuno-histoquímica mostrou ser uma técnica diagnóstica importante para a identificação de células neoplásicas infiltravas no caso dos carcinomas e uma técnica indispensável para o diagnóstico definitivo de sarcomas.(AU)

Primary nonlymphoid gastrointestinal neoplasms in dogs in Rio Grande do Sul / Neoplasmas gastrointestinais primários não linfoides em cães no Rio Grande do Sul

Gastrointestinal neoplasms (GIN) are uncommon in dogs, but they mainly show malignant behavior and poor prognosis. The types of GIN in dogs and their frequency, as well as their epidemiological and histopathological characteristics were analyzed through a retrospective study of biopsies from 24.711 dogs from 2005 to 2017. Additionally, histological sections of neoplasms were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against pancytokeratin, vimentin, smooth muscle actin, c-Kit, S-100, CD31, CD79αcy, and neuron-specific enolase. Of the total samples from dogs analyzed, 88 corresponded to GIN. Neoplasms occurred more frequently in purebred dogs (64.8%, 57/88), males (53.4%, 47/88), with a median age of 10 years. The intestine was affected by 84.1% (74/88) of the cases. Of these, the large intestine was the most affected (67.6%, 50/74). Most of the neoplasms had malignant behavior (88.6%, 78/88). Regarding the classification of neoplasms, 46.6% (41/88) of the diagnoses corresponded to epithelial, 46.6% (41/88) were mesenchymal, 5.7% (5/88) were hematopoietic, and 1.1% (1/88) was neuroendocrine. The most frequently diagnosed neoplasms were papillary adenocarcinoma (19.3%, 17/88), leiomyosarcoma (17.0%, 15/88), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) (12.5%, 11/88), and leiomyoma (5.0%, 8/88). Adenocarcinomas were located mainly in the rectum, whereas leiomyosarcomas and GISTs developed mainly in the cecum. Epithelial neoplasms showed a greater potential for lymphatic invasion whereas mesenchymal neoplasms appeared to be more expansive with intratumoral necrosis and hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry was found to be an important diagnostic technique for the identification of infiltrating cells in carcinomas and an indispensable technique for the definitive diagnosis of sarcomas.(AU)

Neoplasmas gastrointestinais (NGI) são pouco comuns em cães, mas possuem principalmente comportamento maligno e prognóstico reservado. Os tipos de NGI em cães e sua frequência, bem como características epidemiológicas e histopatológicas foram analisados por meio de um estudo retrospectivo dos exames de biópsias de 24.711 cães entre os anos de 2005 a 2017. Adicionalmente, cortes histológicos de NGI foram submetidos à técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), utilizando os anticorpos anti-pancitoqueratina, vimentina, actina de músculo liso, c-Kit, S-100, CD31, CD79αcy e enolase neurônio específica. Do total de cães analisados, 88 corresponderam a NGI não linfoides. Os neoplasmas ocorreram com maior frequência em cães de raça pura (64,8%, 57/88), machos (53,4%, 47/88), com mediana de idade de 10 anos. O intestino foi acometido em 84,1% dos casos (74/88). Destes, o intestino grosso foi o segmento mais afetado (67,6%, 50/74). A maior parte dos neoplasmas tinha comportamento maligno (88,6%, 78/88). Quanto à classificação, 46,6% (41/88) dos diagnósticos corresponderam a neoplasmas epiteliais, 46,6% (41/88) mesenquimais, 5,7% (5/88) hematopoiéticos e 1,1% (1/88), neuroendócrino. Os neoplasmas mais frequentemente diagnosticados foram adenocarcinoma papilar (19,3%, 17/88), leiomiossarcoma (17,0%, 15/88), tumor estromal gastrointestinal (GIST) (12,5%, 11/88) e leiomioma (12,5%, 8/88). Adenocarcinomas localizavam-se principalmente no reto, enquanto leiomiossarcoma e GISTs desenvolveram-se principalmente no ceco. Os neoplasmas epiteliais demonstraram um potencial maior de invasão linfática enquanto que os mesenquimais aparentaram ser mais expansivos, com necrose e hemorragia intratumorais. A imuno-histoquímica mostrou ser uma técnica diagnóstica importante para a identificação de células neoplásicas infiltravas no caso dos carcinomas e uma técnica indispensável para o diagnóstico definitivo de sarcomas.(AU)

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor: epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to review the past year's literature to provide comprehensive information to researchers, physicians, and the general public regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Common ground as well as divergent viewpoints will be highlighted and discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: The diagnosis of GISTs may involve imaging tests such as computed tomorgraphy scan and MRI, endoscopy with or without endoscopic ultrasound, and biopsy. Only biopsy, however, can yield a positive diagnosis. As most GISTs express KIT protein, immunostaining for KIT and/or molecular genetic testing for mutations in KIT can diagnose 95% of GISTs. Regorafenib, a drug that inhibits various protein genes that lead to GIST development is a relatively new treatment modality. SUMMARY: The current review should enable clinicians to best select the diagnostic and treatment approaches to GIST.

Clinical and endoscopic aspects of metastases to the gastrointestinal tract.

BACKGROUND: Studies that describe metastases to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are restricted to small case series. An increase in the frequency of this condition is expected, so it would be useful to better characterize the endoscopic aspects of metastasis to the GI tract. The aims of this study were to describe the frequency and endoscopic features of the lesions, and to analyze the survival rate after diagnosis of metastasis. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study, conducted between 2009 and 2017. Patients with metastasis to the GI tract were included. RESULTS: 95 patients were included. Melanoma (25.3 %), lung (15.8 %), and breast (14.7 %) were the most frequent primary tumors. The most common endoscopic presentation was a solitary, ulcerated lesion in the gastric body. Conventional biopsy was diagnostic in 98.9 % of the cases. The mean and median survival rates were 13.3 months (95 % confidence interval [CI] 8.2 - 18.3) and 4.7 months (95 %CI 3.7 - 5.6), respectively. Palliative treatment with chemo- and/or radiotherapy after the diagnosis of the metastasis was related to a higher survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: Melanoma, lung, and breast cancer were the most common primary tumors to metastasize to the GI tract. The endoscopic features could not predict the primary site of the tumor. The finding of metastasis in the GI tract is related to the final stage of the cancer disease but patients who received palliative treatment with chemo- and/or radiotherapy after diagnosis of GI metastasis had higher survival rates.

Additional malignancies in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST): incidence, pathology and prognosis according to a time of occurrence-based classification.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to clarify if a classification based on the time of occurrence of associated malignancies in GIST patients can help in the understanding of the clinical controversies observed in these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all the patients diagnosed with GIST tumors between January 1999 and October 2016. They were divided into GIST patients associated with other tumors (A-GIST) and those not associated (NA-GIST). A-GIST patients were also divided into four types according to the proposed classification. RESULTS: Of 104 GIST patients, 32 (30.7%) (A-GIST group) had at least one additional primary malignancy. The most frequent location of the associated malignancy was the GI tract (26%). Compared to NA-GIST, A-GIST were more often asymptomatic with a lower risk of recurrence. The main cause of death in NAGIST was GIST itself, being associated tumors the main cause of death in A-GIST group. No differences were found in DFS and OS between A-GIST and NA-GIST. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the proposed classification classifies GIST patients with associated malignancies in different subtypes that differ substantially in terms of incidence, type of neoplasms associated, cause of the association and prognosis.

Helicobacter pylori como patogeno emergente en el ser humano / Helicobacter pylori as an emerging pathogen in the human being

Resumen Desde el descubrimiento de Helicobacter pylori como agente infeccioso patógeno en el ser humano se ha ligado con diferentes enfermedades gástricas en el ser humano (úlcera péptica, adenocarcinoma gástrico y linfoma MALT). En los últimos años se ha encontrado además su potencial relación etiológica con enfermedades extradigestivas, tales como la anemia por deficiencia de hierro y la púrpura trombocitopénica inmune. El entendimiento de los mecanismos de defensa del huésped así como los factores de virulencia y patogenicidad de la bacteria ha permitido establecer indicaciones en las que la erradicación mediante antibióticos brinda un beneficio clínico, principalmente para las enfermedades gástricas. Recientemente ha aparecido creciente evidencia del beneficio de esta terapia en otras condiciones digestivas y no digestivas e incluso se ha demostrado un potencial impacto con la estrategia de tamizaje y erradicación poblacional de la bacteria para enfermedades de alta morbimortalidad como el cáncer gástrico. El aumento de la utilización de terapia antimicrobiana ha ido de la mano de la emergencia de la resistencia a los antibióticos empleados, lo cual acarrea un problema de salud pública. Esta revisión temática pretende actualizar los conceptos biológicos y clínicos de la infección y demostrar que esta infección aun debe considerarse como emergente.

Abstract Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori as a pathogenic infectious agent in humans, it has been linked to different gastric diseases in humans (peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma and MALT lymphoma). In recent years, its potential etiological relationship with extradigestive diseases has also been found, such as iron deficiency anemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura. The understanding of the host defense mechanisms as well as the virulence and pathogenicity factors of the bacteria has allowed us to establish indications in which antibiotic eradication provides a clinical benefit, mainly for gastric diseases. Recently there has been growing evidence of the benefit of this therapy in other digestive and non-digestive conditions and has even shown a potential impact with the population's screening and eradication strategy of the bacteria for diseases of high morbidity and mortality such as gastric cancer. The increase in the use of antimicrobial therapy has gone hand in hand with the emergence of resistance to the antibiotics used, which leads to a public health problem. This thematic review aims to update the biological and clinical concepts of the infection and demonstrate that this infection should still be considered as emerging.

Frequency of human papillomavirus infection in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. / Frecuencia de infección por virus del papiloma humano en pacientes con cáncer del aparato digestivo.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Cancer is the result of the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. It has recently been related to viral infections, one of which is human papillomavirus. The aim of the present study was to describe the frequency of human papillomavirus infection in patients with digestive system cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted on patients with gastrointestinal cancer at 2public healthcare institutes in Veracruz. Two tumor samples were taken, one for histologic study and the other for DNA determination of human papillomavirus and its genotypes. Anthropometric variables, risk factors, sexual habits, tumor location, and histologic type of the cancer were analyzed. Absolute and relative frequencies were determined using the SPSS version 24.0 program. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were studied. They had gastrointestinal cancer located in: the colon (62.26%), stomach (18.87%), esophagus (7.55%), rectum (7.55%), and small bowel (3.77%). Human papillomavirus was identified in 11.32% of the patients, 66.7% of which corresponded to squamous cell carcinoma and 33.3% to adenocarcinoma. Only genotype 18 was identified. Mean patient age was 61.8±15.2 years, 56.60% of the patients were men, and 43.40% were women. A total of 15.8% of the patients had a family history of cancer and 31.6% had a personal history of the disease, 38.6% were tobacco smokers, and 61.4% consumed alcohol. Regarding sex, 5.3% of the patients said they were homosexual, 3.5% were bisexual, 29.8% engaged in oral sex, and 24.6% in anal sex. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that human papillomavirus infection was a risk factor for the development of gastrointestinal cancer, especially of squamous cell origin.

Association between gastrointestinal cancers and fingerprint patterns in the Iranian population.

Gastrointestinal cancers are malignant diseases with high mortality rate. Early diagnosis of patients could improve the results of treatment. Many studies used dermatoglyphics as a biomarker to predict the incidence of genetic diseases and cancers. This study assessed the association between gastrointestinal cancers and particular fingerprint patterns, which could be useful in early diagnosis of these malignancies. The study was conducted on 153 histopathologically confirmed gastrointestinal cancer patients and 299 healthy individuals. The fingerprints were taken by a specific method of rolling the subject's fingers or thumbs in ink. The data were analyzed for the significance using the chi-square test and the t-test. Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Dermatoglyphic analysis showed that whorl and loop patterns significantly changed in the case group as compared to control. However, the odds ratio suggested that whorl pattern in 6 or more fingers might be a risk factor for developing gastrointestinal cancers. Our results showed that there is an association between fingerprint patterns and gastrointestinal cancers, and so, the dermatoglyphic analysis may aid in the early diagnosis of these cancers.

Incidental Finding of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors during Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Obese Patients.

INTRODUCTION: The frequency of incidental pathology found during laparoscopic bariatric surgery has been estimated to be 2%. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are infrequent lesions and account for less than 1% of all digestive tract tumors. The reported incidence of this type of tumors during bariatric surgery is around 0.8%. The objective of this study was to evaluate incidence, characteristics, and evolution of incidentally found GISTs in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for the treatment of obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis from a prospectively collected database was conducted. Demographic data, clinical data, laboratory tests, preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), postoperative pathology report from surgical specimen with tumor markers, and patient's outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: From June 2006 to January 2014, 915 patients underwent LSG at our institution. Five (0.5%) patients were found to have incidental GIST. There were four (80%) women; average age was 59.6 ± 6.3 years (range 46-63). None of them had symptoms that served as orientation for preoperative diagnosis. EGD findings were non-suggestive of this pathology in any of these cases. Superficial chronic gastritis was the most common finding in the endoscopic biopsy (60%). All the tumors found in the surgical specimen were of low or very low risk of malignancy, with less than 5 mitoses per 50 fields, less than 2 cm in diameter, and disease-free surgical margins. Cluster of differentiation (CD) 117 and CD 34 were positive in 100% of the cases. None of the patients required adjuvant therapy after the surgery. At 5-year follow-up, all patients were asymptomatic and disease free. CONCLUSION: The incidence of unsuspected GIST in LSG specimens in our series was low and similar to what has been reported. The lack of symptoms and the preoperative EGD findings were not suggestive of this diagnosis in any case. The degree of tumor malignancy was low in all patients and LSG was the definitive treatment, without recurrence at 5-year follow-up.

Is there a link between upper gastrointestinal polyps and colonic polyps? A retrospective study from a Turkish cohort / Existe conexão entre pólipos gastrointestinais proximais e pólipos colônicos? Estudo retrospectivo de uma coorte turca

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence and associated demographical and clinical factors related to lower GI polyps and neoplasms in patients with upper GI polyps and neoplasms. METHODS: We investigated 99 patients who had upper GI polyps and neoplasms and who were screened with colonoscopy: the following data were collected: demographical and clinical data consisting of age, sex, smoking status, presence of H. pylori infection, placement of upper GI polyps or neoplasms, presence of gastric atrophy, usage of proton pump inhibitors (PPI), presence of lower GI polyp or neoplasm, type of colon polyp, pathological grade of colon polyp. The patients were grouped according to having/not having lower GI polyps and neoplasms; data was compared between groups. RESULTS: Smoking rate was significantly higher in patients with lower GI polyps and neoplasms (χ2: 4.35, p: 0.03). Furthermore, there was a signifant association between presence of lower GI polyps and neoplasms vs. smoking (OR: 2.44 CI: 1.01-5.84, p: 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with upper GI polyps and neoplasms who are smokers should be considered as candidates for having lower GI polyps and neoplasms and should be screened and followed more carefully. Additionally, we believe that large sampled and prospective studies are needed to higligt the association between upper GI polyps and presence of lower GI polyps and neoplasms.

OBJETIVO: investigar a incidência, demografia associada e fatores clínicos relativos a pólipos e neoplasias gastrointestinais distais em pacientes com pólipos e neoplasias do trato gastrointestinal superior. MÉTODOS: Foram investigados 99 pacientes que apresentaram pólipos ou neoplasias gastrointestinais superiores selecionados através de colonoscopia: os seguintes dados foram coletados: dados demográficos e clínicos consistentes em idade, sexo, tabagismo, presença de infecção por H. pylori, a presença de pólipos ou neoplasias gastrointestinais proximais, presença de atrofia gástrica, uso de inibidores da bomba de prótons (IBP), presença de pólipo ou neoplasia gastrointestinal distal, tipo de pólipo de cólon, grau patológico de pólipo de cólon. Os pacientes foram agrupados de acordo com ter/não ter pólipos ou neoplasias distais; os dados foram comparados entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: A taxa de tabagismo foi significativamente maior nos pacientes com pólipos e neoplasias distais (χ2: 4.35, p: 0,03). Além disso houve uma associação significante entre a presença de pólipos e neoplasias distais e tabagismo (OR: 2,44 CI: 1,01-5,84, p: 0,04). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes fumantes com pólipos e neoplasias do trato gastrointestinal superior devem ser considerados candidatos a pólipos e neoplasias distais e devem ser rastreados e seguidos com mais cuidado. Adicionalmente, grandes amostras e estudos prospectivos são necessários para esclarecer a associação entre pólipos gastrointestinais superiores e a presença de pólipos e neoplasias gastrointestinais distais.

Comportamiento clínico, epidemiológico, endoscópico e histológico del cáncer gástrico de tipo epitelial / Clinical, epidemiological, endoscopic and histological behavior of epithelial gastric cancer

INTRODUCCIÓN: el cáncer gástrico constituye un grave problema de salud mundial por ser una de las enfermedades de más difícil control. OBJETIVO: describir las principales características clínicas, epidemiológicas, endoscópicas e histológicas del cáncer gástrico de tipo epitelial. MÉTODOS: estudio observacional de casos y controles, en el Instituto de Gastroenterología, entre septiembre de 2012 y agosto de 2014. Se incluyeron 27 casos y 54 controles. RESULTADOS: predominaron las mujeres (59,3 %, n= 27), fue más frecuente entre 70 a 79 años, edad media de 63,9 años. La epigastralgia fue el síntoma más frecuente en ambos grupos [85,2 % (casos) vs 81,5 % (controles)], su asociación con náuseas, vómitos, astenia, anorexia y pérdida de peso fue más frecuente en los casos, se mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas (P= 0,008, IC= 1,39-25,31). El signo físico más frecuente fue la palidez cutáneo-mucosa. Fueron más frecuentes las lesiones mayores de 2 cm, en los dos tercios distales del estómago, así como el tipo III (clasificación de Paris). El carcinoma de células en anillo de sello predominó (48,1 %). CONCLUSIONES: la epigastralgia asociada a la astenia, la pérdida de peso y la anorexia constituyen la sintomatología clínica más frecuente en los pacientes con cáncer gástrico de tipo epitelial. El tipo histológico más frecuente fue el carcinoma de células en anillo de sello.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer is a serious health problem due to the complexity of its control. OBJECTIVE: Describe the main clinical, epidemiological, endoscopic and histological characteristics of epithelial gastric cancer. METHODS: An observational case-control study was conducted at the Institute of Gastroenterology from September 2012 to August 2014. The study sample consisted of 27 cases and 54 controls. RESULTS: There was a predominance of the female gender (59.3 %, n= 27) and the 70-79 age group, with a mean age of 63.9 years. Epigastralgia was the most common symptom in both groups [85.2 % (cases) vs. 81.5 % (controls)]. Its association with nausea, vomiting, asthenia, anorexia and weight loss was more frequent in cases, with statistically significant differences (P= 0.008, CI= 1.39-25.31). The most common physical sign was skin and mucous pallor. The most frequent lesions were those larger than 2 cm, located in the two distal thirds of the stomach, and type III of the Paris classification. Signet ring cell carcinoma predominated (48.1 %). CONCLUSIONS: Epigastralgia associated to asthenia, weight loss and anorexia are the most common clinical symptoms in patients with epithelial gastric cancer. The most frequent histological type is signet ring cell carcinoma.

Upper gastrointestinal Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV-infected patients: ten years of endoscopy observation at a single Brazilian center.

BACKGROUND: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common neoplasm among HIV-infected individuals. The frequency of involvement of KS in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the associated epidemiological, immune, endoscopic, and histopathological features in HIV-infected patients, were evaluated in this study. METHODS: A review of the medical and endoscopy reports of 1428 HIV-infected patients, who had undergone upper GI endoscopy at the Endoscopy Service, Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto between January 1999 and June 2009, was performed. Clinical, epidemiological, immunological, endoscopic, and histological data were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (1.9%) patients were diagnosed with GI KS. Patients were predominantly male (81.5%). Sexual activity was the main route of HIV transmission (81.5%). Cutaneous involvement was noted in 21 patients (78%). Fifteen patients (55%) received highly active antiretroviral therapy for a mean duration of 12.6 weeks (range 2-52 weeks) before endoscopy. GI lesions were mainly found in the stomach (55%). Analysis of the immunohistochemical methods HHV8 LNA-1, CD31, and CD34 for the diagnosis of gastric KS indicated high agreement (kappa=0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.32-0.94). There was no relationship between CD4 levels (p=0.34) or HIV viral load (p=0.99) and HHV8 LNA-1 positivity in gastric KS. CONCLUSIONS: GI KS is an infrequent finding in patients with HIV infection. Among those with GI KS, 80% had concomitant skin lesions. Immunohistochemical methods for CD31, CD34, and LNA-1 were important tools in the diagnostic assessment of lesions suggestive of KS in the GI tract. Further studies are required to confirm these data, and the need for routine endoscopic investigation of the GI tract in HIV-infected patients with cutaneous KS should be assessed.

NAT2, XRCC1 and hOGG1 polymorphisms, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and risk of upper aerodigestive tract cancer.

AIM: To evaluate associations between polymorphisms of the N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), human 8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) and X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1) genes and risk of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case-control study involving 117 cases and 224 controls was undertaken. The NAT2 gene polymorphisms were genotyped by automated sequencing and XRCC1 Arg399Gln and hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphisms were determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. RESULTS: Slow metabolization phenotype was significantly associated as a risk factor for the development of UADT cancer (p=0.038). Furthermore, haplotype of slow metabolization was also associated with UADT cancer (p=0.014). The hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism (CG or GG vs. CC genotypes) was shown as a protective factor against UADT cancer in moderate smokers (p=0.031). The XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism (GA or AA vs. GG genotypes), in turn, was a protective factor against UADT cancer only among never-drinkers (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: Interactions involving NAT2, XRCC1 Arg399Gln and hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphisms may modulate the risk of UADT cancer in this population.

Second primary malignancies in patients with neuroendocrine tumors.

PURPOSE: An association between neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and second primary malignancies (SPMs) has been reported. We have examined the incidence and etiology of SPMs in patients with NETs included in the Neuroendocrine Tumor Association of Andalusia (ATNEA) Registry. METHODS: Data on 111 patients were collected. Sex, age, NET site, chromogranin A levels, neuropeptide secretion and disease stage were compared between NETs with and without SPMs. RESULTS: SPMs were present in 21 patients (18.9 %): five colorectal tumors, four non-small-cell lung cancers, three gastric cancers, two tumors in the small intestine, one hepatocarcinoma, two ovarian tumors, one breast adenocarcinoma, one hypernephroma, one bladder cancer, and one neuroblastoma. SPMs were present in 18 % of patients with a gastrointestinal NET and 22 % of those with a non-gastrointestinal NET. SPMs were found in 23 % of patients with elevated levels of serum chromogranin A, compared to 17 % of patients with normal levels, and in 22 % of patients with functional tumors, compared to 11 % of those with non-functional tumors. Finally, SPMs were observed in 24 % of patients with a local or locoregional tumor but in only 13 % of those with a metastatic tumor. No other differences between patients with and without SPMs were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of patients with SPMs in the ATNEA Registry is similar to those reported in other series. In our registry, patients with functional NETs and local/locoregional tumors have higher probability of SPMs. The low number of patients, selection bias and other etiologic factors of SPMs may have influenced our results.