Paclitaxel as HIPEC-Drug after Surgical Cytoreduction for Ovarian Peritoneal Metastases: A Randomized Phase III Clinical Trial (HIPECOVA).

Multidisciplinary strategies have transformed the management of advanced ovarian cancer. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of paclitaxel in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) following surgical cytoreduction for ovarian peritoneal metastases in a randomized phase III trial conducted between August 2012 and December 2019. Seventy-six patients were randomized to either the HIPEC or no HIPEC group. Although median values for the primary endpoints (recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS)) revealed superior outcomes for the HIPEC (RFS: 23 months, OS: 48 months) over the control group (RFS: 19 months, OS: 46 months), these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.22 and p = 0.579). Notably, the HIPEC group demonstrated significantly higher 5-year OS and 3-year RFS rates (47.2% and 47.5%) compared to patients without HIPEC (34.5% and 21.3%). Stratification according to Peritoneal Surface Disease Severity Score (PSDSS) showed improved OS and RFS for patients with lower PSDSS (I-II) in the HIPEC-treated group (p = 0.033 and p = 0.042, respectively). The Clavien-Dindo classification of adverse event grades revealed no significant differences between HIPEC and controls (p = 0.482). While overall results were not statistically significant, our long-term follow-up emphasized the potential benefit of HIPEC-associated cytoreduction with paclitaxel, particularly in selected ovarian cancer patients with lower PSDSS indices.

The importance of CXCR4 expression in tumor stroma as a potential biomarker in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the main causes of cancer mortality in the world. A characteristic feature of this cancer is that a large part of the tumor volume is composed of a stroma with different cells and factors. Among these, we can highlight the cytokines, which perform their function through binding to their receptors. Given the impact of the CXCR4 receptor in the interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment and its involvement in important signaling pathways in cancer, it is proposed as a very promising prognostic biomarker and as a goal for new targeted therapies. Numerous studies analyze the expression of CXCR4 but we suggest focusing on the expression of CXCR4 in the stroma. METHODS: Expression of CXCR4 in specimens from 33 patients with PDAC was evaluated by immunohistochemistry techniques and matched with clinicopathological parameters, overall and disease-free survival rates. RESULTS: The percentage of stroma was lower in non-tumor tissue (32.4 ± 5.2) than in tumor pancreatic tissue (67.4 ± 4.8), P-value = 0.001. The level of CXCR4 expression in stromal cells was diminished in non-tumor tissue (8.7 ± 4.6) and higher in tumor pancreatic tissue (23.5 ± 6.1), P-value = 0.022. No significant differences were identified in total cell count and inflammatory cells between non-tumor tissue and pancreatic tumor tissue. No association was observed between CXCR4 expression and any of the clinical or pathological data, overall and disease-free survival rates. Analyzing exclusively the stroma of tumor samples, the CXCR4 expression was associated with tumor differentiation, P-value = 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we reflect the importance of CXCR4 expression in the stroma of patients diagnosed with PDAC. Our results revealed a high CXCR4 expression in the tumor stroma, which is related to a poor tumor differentiation. On the contrary, we could not find an association between CXCR4 expression and survival and the rest of the clinicopathological variables. Focusing the study on the CXCR4 expression in the tumor stroma could generate more robust results. Therefore, we consider it key to develop more studies to enlighten the role of this receptor in PDAC and its implication as a possible biomarker.

Safety of perioperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with gemcitabine in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a pilot study of the clinical trial EudraCT 2016-004298-41.

BACKGROUND: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with gemcitabine, after cytoreductive surgery, may reduce the tumor progression of pancreatic cancer through the reduction of the neoplastic volume and the subpopulation of residual pancreatic cancer stem cells, improving the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer and decreasing the recurrence of the disease. METHODS: A pilot study is performed with the first ten patients in the experimental group. A randomized study (phase II-III clinical trial) that requires a population of 42 patients, with 21 patients in each group. All patients have a diagnosis of ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, which will be surgically resected with curative intention. (I) Group I: after an R0 resection, patients receive individualized adjuvant treatments. (II) Group II: after an R0 resection, HIPEC is performed with gemcitabine (120 mg/m2 for 30 min), and they also receive individualized adjuvant treatments. To analyze the safety of the procedure, the main variables measured were as follows: grades of complications by means of the Clavien-Dindo system: pancreas surgery complications (e.g., pancreatic fistula, perioperative hemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, biliary fistula), operative mortality, and laboratory parameters to control system functions. Values were measured three times: preoperatively, twenty-four hours after surgery, and on the 7th postoperative day. RESULTS: From 2018 to 2019, 31 patients were recruited for our clinical trial. Fifteen patients were excluded because of intraoperative unresectability or a different intraoperative histologic diagnosis. Ten patients were included in the experimental group (resection plus HIPEC gemcitabine). The mean age was 65±7 years, and six patients were female (60%). We confirmed the histologic diagnosis of ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma in all patients prior to HIPEC. Total pancreatectomy was performed in five patients. The surgical median time was 360 min, and the hospital stay was 11 days. Four patients showed complications classified as Clavien-Dindo type II and one showing type I. Six patients were classified as having stage III tumors. To date, no hospital mortality, locoregional recurrence, or differences between the two groups in terms of perioperative complications, biochemical and gasometric values, or Clavien-Dindo complication grades were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our clinical pilot study demonstrated a similar perioperative outcome that allows the trial until main objectives are achieved.

Variante anatómica sintomática de la duplicación de la vía biliar común tipo IV.

INTRODUCTION: Duplicity of the common bile duct is an unusual congenital disorder. CASE REPORT: A 80-year-old woman with duplication of the common bile duct with retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) who did not resolve the symptoms. DISCUSSION: Our case is a variant of type IV to the classification of duplicity of the common bile duct. The magnetic resonance cholangiography and presurgical ERCP allows assessment of the bile ducts, their caliber, and assessment of abnormalities. The treatment before duplicity of the common bile duct will depend on the clinic and the type of opening of the accessory common bile duct. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to perform a pre-surgical study and during surgery with intrasurgical cholangiography.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La duplicidad del conducto biliar común es una alteración congénita insólita. CASO CLÍNICO: Mujer de 80 años con duplicación de la vía biliar común con colangiopancreatografías retrógradas endoscópicas (CPRE) que no solventan la clínica. DISCUSIÓN: Nuestro caso es una variante del tipo IV de la clasificación de duplicidad del conducto biliar común. La colangiopancreatografía por resonancia magnética y la CPRE prequirúrgica permiten valorar las vías biliares, su calibre y sus posibles anormalidades. El tratamiento dependerá de la clínica y del tipo de apertura del conducto biliar común accesorio. CONCLUSIONES: Es importante realizar un estudio prequirúrgico y durante la cirugía con colangiografía intraoperatoria.

Anatomy variant symptomatic of the duplication of the common bile duct type IV.

INTRODUCTION: Duplicity of the common bile duct (BCBD) is an unusual congenital disorder. CASE REPORT: A 80-year-old woman with duplication of the common bile duct with retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) who did not resolve the symptoms. DISCUSSION: Our case is a variant of type IV to the classification of DCBC. The MR cholangiography and presurgical ERCP allows assessment of the bile ducts, their caliber, and assessment of abnormalities. The treatment before DCBC will depend on the clinic and the type of opening of the CBCA. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to perform a pre-surgical study and during surgery with CIO.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La duplicidad del conducto biliar común (DCBC) es una alteración congénita insólita. CASO CLÍNICO: Mujer de 80 años con duplicación de la vía biliar común con colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) que no dilucida la clínica. DISCUSIÓN: Este caso es una variante del tipo IV de la clasificación de DCBC. La colangiorresonancia y la CPRE prequirúrgica permiten valorar las vías biliares, su calibre y las anormalidades. El tratamiento depende de la clínica y el tipo de apertura del conducto biliar común accesorio. CONCLUSIONES: Es importante realizar estudio prequirúrgico y durante la operación con colangiografía intraoperatoria.

Clostridium difficile causante de síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo tras pancreatectomía total / Acute respiratory distress syndrome due to clostridium difficile after total pancreatectomy

La diarrea nosocomial, que es la adquirida en el ámbito hospitalario, suele ser producida por Clostridium difficile. Sin embargo, en raras ocasiones puede ocasionar un síndrome de distrés respiratorio. Por ello, el diagnóstico de dicha patología es difícil si no se sospecha. El tratamiento se basa en el uso de antibiótico vía oral. Se expone el caso de una paciente de 66 años con dicha patología tras la realización de pancreatectomía total.

Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) diarrhea is usually caused by Clostridium difficile. On rare occasions it can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Therefore, this condition should be suspected in order to make a diagnosis. Treatment is based on oral antibiotics. We report the case of a 66-year-old female patient with ARDS secondary to Clostridium difficile colitis after total pancreatectomy.

Pancreatectomía con preservación duodenal en un caso de neoplasia mucinosa papilar intraductal / Pancreatectomy with duodenal preservation in a intraductal papillary mucinosus neoplasia case

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Hyperthermic chemotherapy intra-abdominal laparoscopic approach: development of a laparoscopic model using CO2 recirculation system and clinical translation in peritoneal carcinomatosis.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an effective treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). Laparoscopic surgery is performed in the treatment of colorectal and appendiceal cancer, and PC from diverse origin in selected patients. HIPEC management by laparoscopic approach after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) completed locoregional treatment of PC, and may be feasible and safe after appropriate patient selection. OBJECTIVE: Development of an experimental model of HIPEC by laparoscopic approach, with CO2 recirculation. Clinical translation in two patients with PC and low peritoneal cancer index. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed CRS in a porcine model of 5 pigs (35-38 kg) by laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic HIPEC by CO2 recirculation system was performed; laparoscopic access was used for catheter input and output placement (Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 for 60 min at 42 °C). The experimental variables were: blood gases, haemodynamic and intra-abdominal and central temperature. Clinical model application was performed in three cases with PC from colorectal origin. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences was found in blood gases, haemodynamic or temperature in the experimental study. In clinical study, there were no technical complications during laparoscopic-HIPEC approach, and we observed no changes in haemodynamic variables during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: CRS and HIPEC laparoscopic model by CO2 recirculation system is safe and feasible technique in selected patients, that include low PC index, local and accessible tumour recurrences or high-risk of PC tumours.

Usefulness of thermographic analysis to control temperature homogeneity in the development and implementation of a closed recirculating CO2 chemohyperthermia model.

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of thermography to control the distribution of abdominal temperature in the development of a closed chemohyperthermia model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For thermographic analysis, we divided the abdominopelvic cavity into nine regions according to a modification of carcinomatosis peritoneal index. A difference of 2.5 °C between and within the quadrants, and thermographic colours, were used as asymmetric criteria. Preclinical study:· Rats Model: Six athymic nude rats, male, rnu/rnu. They were treated with closed technique and open technique. Porcine Model: 12 female large white pigs. Four were treated with open technique and eight with closed recirculation CO2 technique. Clinical Pilot Study, EUDRACT 2011-006319-69: 18 patients with ovarian cancer were treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermia intraperitoneal chemotherapy, HIPEC, with a closed recirculating CO2 system. Thermographic control and intra-abdominal temperature assessment was performed at the baseline, when outflow temperature reached 41 °C, and at 30´. RESULTS: The thermographic images showed a higher homogeneity of the intra-abdominal temperature in the closed model respect to the open technique. The thermogram showed a temperature distribution homogeneity when starting the circulation of chemotherapy. There was correlation between the temperature thermographic map in the closed porcine model and pilot study, and reached inflow and outflow temperatures, at half time of HIPEC, of 42/41.4 °C and 42 ± 0.2/41 ± 0.8 °C, respectively. There was no significant impact to the core temperature of patients after reaching the homogeneous temperature distribution. CONCLUSIONS: To control homogeneity of temperature distribution is feasible using infra-red digital images in a closed HIPEC with CO2 recirculation.

The utility of hyperthermic intra-abdominal chemotherapy with gemcitabine for the inhibition of tumor progression in an experimental model of pancreatic peritoneal carcinomatosis, in relation to their behavior with pancreatic cancer stem cells CD133+ CXCR4.

OBJECTIVE: The origin of pancreatic cancer has been identified as a population of malignant pancreatic stem cells CD133+ CXCR4+ immunophenotype. These cells have high capacity for early locoregional invasion, being responsible for early recurrence and high mortality rates of pancreatic cancer. We propose a study for decreasing tumor progression of pancreatic cancer by reducing the volume and neoplastic subpopulation of pancreatic cancer stem cells CD133+ CXCR4+. Therefore, we develop a new therapeutic model, characterized by the application of HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) with gemcitabine. DESIGN: Pancreatic tumor cell line: human cell line BxPC-3. The animal model involved 18 immunosuppressed rats 5 weeks weighing 150-200 gr. The implantation of 13 × 10(6) cells/mL was performed with homogeneous distribution in the 13 abdominopelvic quadrants according to the peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) and were randomized into three treatment groups. Group I (4 rats) received intravenous saline. Group II (6 rats) received intravenous gemcitabine. Group III (8 rats) received HIPEC at 41 °C for 30 min with gemcitabine + gemcitabine IV. A histological study confirmed pancreatic cancer and immunohistochemical quantification of pancreatic cancer stem cells CD133+ CXCR4+ tumor cells. RESULTS: There was a population decline of pancreatic cancer stem cells CD133+ CXCR4+ in the HIPEC group with respect to the other two groups (p < 0.001). There was a decrease in PCI between treatment groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The initial results are encouraging since there is a declining population of cancer stem cells CD133+ CXCR4+ in the HIPEC group and decreased tumor volume compared to the other two treatment groups. All the conclusions are only valid for BxPC3 cell line, and the effects HIPEC on Kras-driven pancreatic tumors remain to be determined.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy hyperthermia (HIPEC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian cancer origin by fluid and CO2 recirculation using the closed abdomen technique (PRS-1.0 Combat): A clinical pilot study.

Background This paper reports a study of 21 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC by means of PRS-1.0 Combat®, a new model for closed abdomen HIPEC aimed at improving fluid distribution with assistance from a CO2 recirculation system. This new technology has been previously shown to be successful in an experimental study (pig model) performed by our group, and has been approved for use in our hospital. Methods Twenty-one patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian cancer origin were included in the study. Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC were performed by a closed abdomen fluid and CO2 recirculation technique using the PRS-1.0 Combat(®) model. We analysed the intraoperative safety tolerance and post-operative morbidity and mortality during the first 30 days. Results Between November 2011 and March 2014 21 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage II-IV, were included in the study. During the procedure there were no significant haemodynamic or analytical disturbances. Complication rates were 38.1% and 57.14% for grade III/IV and minor (grade I/II) complications, respectively. Post-operative mortality was 4.76% (one patient). Complete cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy improved overall survival and disease-free survival in women with advanced ovarian cancer. The association of intra-abdominal hyperthermia with chemotherapy (HIPEC) increased the therapeutic benefit. Conclusions This study has shown that closed abdomen intraperitoneal chemohyperthermia by a fluid and CO2 recirculation system (PRS-1.0 Combat(®)) can be a safe and feasible model for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian cancer origin.

Security and efficiency of a closed-system, turbulent-flow circuit for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy after cytoreductive ovarian surgery: perioperative outputs.

OBJECTIVE: To present physiologic intraoperative data and immediate postoperative outcomes of patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer submitted to cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic peritoneal intraoperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) with a closed-circuit, turbulent-flow system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A closed-circuit system with CO2 turbulent flow was used for paclitaxel HIPEC during 60 min for patients diagnosed with stage II or higher and recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. Perioperative hemodynamic and metabolic statuses were followed, as well as physiologic recovery during the first 12 postoperative hours. A non-parametric statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: At the end of the hyperthermia phase, temperature was 37.7 ± 0.6 °C, heart rate 88 ± 19 bpm, cardiac index 2.8 ± 0.5 L min(-1) m(-2), stroke volume variation 14.6 ± 3.6 % and extravascular lung water 8.7 ± 1.9 mL kg(-1). No hyperdynamic status was recorded. The length of stay in the ICU was 2½ days, and 12.7 ± 7 days in hospital. Average postoperative intubation time was 11.7 ± 17.4 h. At the ICU admission time, glucose, lactic acid and hemoglobin were the only values out of range, but close to normal. SOFA median was 3 at admission and 0 the following day. CONCLUSION: A turbulent-flow, closed-circuit use for hyperthermic peritoneal intraoperative chemotherapy resulted in no hyperdynamic response or coagulopathy, had good tolerance and promoted early physiologic recovery.

Experimental development of an intra-abdominal chemohyperthermia model using a closed abdomen technique and a PRS-1.0 Combat CO2 recirculation system.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is the best operative treatment currently available for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian origin. The open abdomen technique is the classic technique for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. We developed a closed abdomen model that improves temperature control and increases exposure of peritoneal surfaces to the drug by recirculating the perfusate. METHODS: We used a porcine model with 12 female, Large White pigs-4 in the open technique group and 8 in the closed technique CO2 group. We performed cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for 60 minutes using paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2)) at an input temperature of 42°C. Perfusate recirculation was performed under controlled pressure (range, 12-15 mmHg). The infusion of 0.7 L of CO2 via a separate intraperitoneal infusion catheter mixed the perfusate within the peritoneal cavity. Intra-abdominal temperature was assessed using 6 intra-abdominal temperature probes and 2 temperature probes in the inflow and outflow circuits. Drug distribution was assessed using methylene blue staining. RESULTS: Intra-abdominal temperatures remained constant and homogeneous in all intra-abdominal quadrants with a constant input temperature of 42°C and a minimum output temperature of 41.4°C. The infused CO2 caused the fluid to bubble and created agitation inside the abdominal cavity to facilitate a homogeneous distribution of the drug-containing perfusate. CONCLUSION: The closed recirculation hyperthermia with intraperitoneal chemotherapy technique developed in this study is safe and feasible, and may provide a more homogeneous delivery of heated chemotherapy to the peritoneal cavity in patients with peritoneal malignancies.

Nesidioblastosis. A case of hyperplasia of the islets of Langerhans in the adult.

INTRODUCTION: Nesidioblastosis is a rare disease caused by hyperplasia of pancreatic islets, developing a state of hypoglycemia due to an increase in the insulin production. It is the leading cause of hyperinsulinic hypoglycemia in childhood, whereas in adults it only represents the 0.5-5% of cases. The pathogenesis is still unknown. We have studied several genetic mutations associated with dependent potassium channel of ATP present in the beta cells of the pancreas, as well as in patients underwent bariatric surgery because of the metabolic changes involved. REPORT: Woman (38 years old) attends consultation of General Surgery derived from Endocrinology before symptoms of persistent hypoglycemia. Factitious hypoglycemia and syndromes of neuroendocrine origin were ruled out. Imaging tests failed to identify space-occupying lesions. The medical treatment failed, persisting hypoglycemia symptoms. Before the given analytical and radiological findings obtained, and the persistence of symptoms affecting the quality of life of the patient, we opted for surgical treatment performing a pancreatectomy of the 80% of the gland. The final pathologic diagnosis was nesidioblastosis. DISCUSSION: Nesidioblastosis is a rare pathology, but it must be present in the differential diagnosis of hypoglycemia symptoms with endogenous hyperinsulinism in adults, once the intake of sulfonylureas and possible pancreatic neoformations have been ruled out.

[Tumor markers in colorectal cancer]. / Marcadores tumorales en el cáncer colorrectal.

INTRODUCTION: In 2008, colorectal cancer represented the third most commonly diagnosed tumor in Spain, and the second tumor with more deaths. Despite the new potential biomarkers in colorectal cancer, there are many challenges that need to be overcome, resulting in a need for the standardization of its determinations. DISCUSSION: The continuous advance in tumor disease knowledge makes this review a summary of the current accepted, recommended and studied tumor markers for the diagnosis and monitoring of colorectal cancer, such as fecal markers, tissue markers and serological markers, and various prognostic markers on which there are different lines of treatment in colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Oncological guidelines recommend only a minority of tumor markers for routine use, such as the study of fecal occult blood, CEA determination in the postoperative followup, microsatellite instability to identify people susceptible to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cáncer, and mutation of APC in the diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis.

Métodos radiológico-quirúrgicos para la identificación de anomalías celiaco-mesentéricas de la arteria hepática ante una duodenopancreatectomía / Radiological-surgical methods to identify celiac-mesenteric anomalies of the hepatic artery before duodenopancreatectomy

Introducción: El sistema hepático arterial presenta variaciones anatómicas en hasta un 45%. La identificación pre o intraoperatoria de estas anomalías anatómicas evitará morbilidad adicional a la realización de una duodenopancreatectomía. Rutinariamente son identificadas en el preoperatorio mediante tomografía computarizada (TC). En determinadas ocasiones no son informadas y solo se descubren durante la intervención quirúrgica. El acceso inicial retroperitoneal de la arteria mesentérica superior (AMS) evitará una intervención poco útil si existe invasión de arteria mesentérica superior, e identificará las variantes anatómicas con origen en arteria mesentérica superior. Estas anomalías adquieren importancia dado que su lesión inadvertida ocasionaría severo compromiso vascular y/o hemorragias perioperatorias. Objetivos• Analizar anomalías celiaco-mesentéricas de la arteria hepática ante una duodenopancreatectomía, mediante información de tomografía computarizada multicorte (TCMD), en régimen no protocolizado, •protocolizado y con reconstrucción multidimensional, proyección de intensidad máxima (MIP), tras acceso quirúrgico inicial a AMS. Enfermos y método Estudio restrospectivo de variables clínicas, anatomopatológicas y quirúrgicas de enfermos con (..) (AU)

Introduction: Up to 45% anatomical variations are found in hepatic arterial system. Identifying these anatomical anomalies before or during surgery would prevent additional morbidity in performing a duodenopancreatectomy. They are routinely (..) (AU)

Serum VEGF and VEGF-C values before surgery and after postoperative treatment in gastric cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are essential processes for the formation of blood and lymphatic vessels that allow tumour growth and spread. The binding of VEGF and VEGF-C factors with their receptors (VEGFR2, VEGFR3) in endothelial cells triggers signals that regulate these processes. We compared preoperative serum VEGF and VEGF-C levels with samples obtained after completion of surgery and adjuvant treatment in patients with gastric cancer. In addition, we determined the prognostic value and relationship to survival of serum VEGF and VEGF-C levels. METHODS: We used a prospective cohort study of 59 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery. Serum VEGF and VEGF-C were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) the day before surgery and 6 months later, after completion of adjuvant treatment. RESULTS: Serum VEGF values decreased after treatment in patients with resectable tumours (mean ± SD) (405.42 ± 298.38 vs. 306.38 ± 212.47 pg/ml; p < 0.01), poorly differentiated and undifferentiated tumours (G3, G4) (438 ± 339.71 vs. 322.47 ± 210.71 pg/ml; p = 0.01), locally advanced gastric tumours (T4 stage) (424.27 ± 323.08 vs. 333.62 ± 221.72 pg/ml; p = 0.03) and tumours with a greater number of involved regional lymph nodes (N3) (442.38 ± 311.52 vs. 337.4 ± 203.64 pg/ml; p = 0.04). Serum preoperative VEGF values over 761 pg/ml were associated with shorter patient survival. The mean overall survival time for patients with serum VEGF levels higher than 761 pg/ml was 7 ± 2.99 months (95 % CI 1.14-12.86) while for patients with serum VEGF levels of less than 761 pg/ml was 21.18 ± 2.88 (95 % CI 15.54-26.83) The mean disease-specific survival time for patients with serum VEGF levels higher than 761 pg/ml was 6.25 ± 2.53 months (95 % CI 1.29-11.21) while for patients with serum VEGF levels of less than 761 pg/ml was 27.57 ± 3.45 (95 % CI 20.80-34.35). Multivariate analysis identified preoperative serum VEGF levels as an independent prognostic factor (HR = 0.144; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Serum VEGF levels decreased after the completion of treatment in patients with resected tumours, suggesting VEGF tracking may be useful in monitoring progression. Preoperative measurement of serum VEGF may help us identify patients with a poor prognosis.

[Radiological-surgical methods to identify celiac-mesenteric anomalies of the hepatic artery before duodenopancreatectomy]. / Métodos radiológico-quirúrgicos para la identificación de anomalías celiaco-mesentéricas de la arteria hepática ante una duodenopancreatectomía.

INTRODUCTION: Up to 45% anatomical variations are found in hepatic arterial system. Identifying these anatomical anomalies before or during surgery would prevent additional morbidity in performing a duodenopancreatectomy. They are routinely identified before surgery using CT imaging, but on certain occasions they are not reported and are only discovered during the surgical operation. The initial retroperitoneal access by the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) will avoid a fairly useless intervention if there is superior mesenteric artery invasion, and will identify the anatomical variations originating in the superior mesenteric artery. These anomalies acquire importance in that their unnoticed injury could lead to severe vascular compromise and/or perioperative bleeding. OBJECTIVES: To analyse celiac-mesenteric anomalies of the hepatic artery before duodenopancreatectomy using the information from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) using a non-standardised method, a standardised method with multidimensional reconstruction, and maximum intensity projection (MIP), after initial surgical access to the SMA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the clinical, histopathological and surgical variables was conducted on patients with an indication for duodenopancreatectomy in our Department from 2008 until April 2010. A study was performed on the reports made after image acquisition by MDCT. A blind, three-dimensional, MIP reconstruction was performed on all the patients to identify arterial anomalies. A description is given of hepatic artery anomalies after initial access to the SMA. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 65 ± 11 years, with 33 (54%) males and 28 (46%) females. Vascular anomalies, right hepatic artery (RHA) (SMA) substitute (subst), 5 (8%); RHA (SMA) accessory (acc), 4 (7%); left hepatic artery (LHA) (left gastric artery) (LGA) acc 3 (5%); common hepatic artery (CHA) (SMA) subst 3 (5%); RHA (SMA) acc+LHA (LGA) acc2 (3%); CHA (aorta) subst, 1 (2%); RHA+RGA+2 LHA (celiac trunk), 1 (2%); and CHA (SMA)+LHA (LGA) acc. CONCLUSION: On being able to identify arterial anomalies with a mixture of preoperative radiological and methodological criteria, with three-dimensional reconstruction, MIP, and initially performing a dissection of the superior mesenteric artery could avoid duodenopancreatectomies that may not benefit the patient and compromise bleeding.