[Ascending Colon Cancer with Radical Resection after Stent Reimplantation Due to Colonic Stent Obstruction for Palliation-A Case Report].

Since the insurance coverage of colorectal stents for bowel obstruction due to colorectal cancer in 2012, the use of colorectal stenting for palliation has rapidly spread. We report a case of ascending colon cancer in which a colorectal stent was placed for palliation, but the stent was reimplanted due to obstruction, followed by radical resection. The patient was a 92- year-old woman who was brought to the emergency room at the age of 90 years with repeated vomiting and abdominal pain, and was diagnosed as colorectal cancer ileus caused by ascending colon cancer, and a colorectal stent was inserted. She received palliative care and had been asymptomatic for 1 year and 3 months, but due to in-stent stenosis, she had bowel obstruction and sent to emergency room, and another stent was installed. The patient had a good course, but 4 months after the second stenting, she was concerned about restenosis and referred to the department of surgery, then performed a radical resection. The indication for colorectal stents for palliative purposes should be considered on a case-by- case basis, including ADL, stage of the disease, and prognosis.

[A Case of Two-Stage Operation for Esophageal Cancer with Sarcoidosis].

A 69-year-old man with dysphagia was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. He had undergone pancreatic tail and partial transverse colon resection for pancreatic cancer, and right hilar lymph node biopsy and partial lower lobe resection for the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)scan showed no change over time in lymph node enlargement in the mediastinum, so metastasis of esophageal cancer was considered to be negative. Therefore, the diagnosis of advanced esophageal cancer, Mt, type 2, T2N0M0, cStage Ⅱ, was made, and surgery was performed after 2 courses of DCF therapy. Because of the adhesions in the thoracic cavity and possible problems with elevation of the gastric tube and blood flow due to resection of the pancreatic tail, it was decided to perform two-stage operation. Although imaging studies over time, as in the present case, can help in the diagnosis, it is difficult to distinguish whether enlarged lymph nodes are reactive changes or metastases. In this study, we experienced a case of thoracic esophageal cancer complicated by sarcoidosis with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes.

[A Case of Refractory Lymphorrhea after Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy].

An 84-year-old man with gastric cancer, cT2N0M0, cStage Ⅰ underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, D1+dissection, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction. We started enteral nutrition on the second postoperative day, but milky drainage appeared from the drain on the fifth postoperative day. The triglyceride in the ascites was markedly elevated, and it was diagnosed as a lymphorrhea. Neither conservative treatment nor lymphangiography were successful. We decided to perform surgical intervention because the lymphorrhea did not improve for about 1 month after gastrectomy. At laparotomy, we detected the lymphatic ducts using enteral nutrition of fat formulas during surgery and successfully closed the lymphatic ducts by suturing and ligation on the 38th postoperative day. Prolonged lymphorrhea causes extreme deterioration of the patient's general condition. Prolonged total parenteral nutrition also increases the risk of infection. It is important to perform surgical treatment for intractable lymphorrhea that does not improve with conservative treatment without hesitation.

Significance of the effects of chemotherapy on programmed death-ligand 1 expression in triple-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Atezolizumab has been approved as an antibody against programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive immune cells in patients with advanced or recurrent triple-negative breast cancer. However, the optimal timing to examine PD-L1 expression remains controversial. We retrospectively researched PD-L1 positivity rates in biopsy, surgical and recurrent specimens from patients with triple-negative breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We also examined alterations in PD-L1 and their meaning. METHODS: In total, 35 triple-negative breast cancer biopsy specimens obtained before neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 20 corresponding specimens obtained after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 5 corresponding recurrent specimens were obtained. We examined PD-L1 immunohistochemistry on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells using SP142 antibody. RESULTS: In comparison with specimens obtained before neoadjuvant chemotherapy, PD-L1 expression randomly changed in immune cells after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, but PD-L1 expression was significantly reduced in tumor cells. Pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy specimens with low PD-L1 expression (PD-L1 scores of ≤1 for both immune cells and tumor cells) were linked to better disease-free survival (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P < 0.001) than the other specimens. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate PD-L1 expression both before and after chemotherapy in breast cancer and examine its relationship with prognosis. The results suggest that the PD-L1 level may be useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with triple-negative breast cancer who do not have pathological complete responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

[A Case of Colon Cancer with Peritoneal Dissemination and Liver Metastasis That Responded to Comprehensive Treatment by Perioperative Chemotherapy and Cytoreductive Surgery].

A 64-year-old man was referred to our hospital to determine the cause of fecal occult blood. Colonoscopy revealed a type Ⅱtumor located in the ascending colon. Histopathologic analysis of the tumor biopsy specimen revealed moderately differen- tiated, tubular adenocarcinoma with KRAS exon 2(G12V)mutation. FDG-PET/CT revealed high trace accumulation in the S4 of the liver and in multiple sites spread across the abdominal cavity(cT4aN1M1c2[H1, P3], cStage Ⅳc). Chemotherapy using S-1 plus oxaliplatin(SOX)with bevacizumab(Bmab)was administered. After 8 courses of SOX with Bmab, the volume of the ascending colon cancer and liver metastasis reduced, and peritoneal disseminations disappeared. We, therefore, considered that curability B resection was suitable, and performed right hemicolectomy, total omentectomy, and resection of the rectovesical peritoneum. Histopathological examination of surgical specimens revealed extensive fibrosis from the submucosa to subserosal tissue with some tubular adenocarcinoma cells(histological effect: Grade 2). For maintenance therapy, trifluri- dine/tipiracil plus Bmab was administered after cytoreduction. The patient is in remission for 26 months without recurrence. Perioperative chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery are useful for the treatment of colon cancer with diffuse peritoneal dissemination.

[A Case of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Refractory to Standard Chemotherapies Treated with TAS-102 with Bevacizumab].

A 51-year-oldwoman with lung, liver, andd istant lymph node metastases from sigmoidcolon cancer was treatedusing TAS-102 with bevacizumab as fourth-line chemotherapy. There was a 35%decrease in the size of target lesions after the first 4 cycles of therapy, and disease control has been maintained for 9 months. The only Grade 3 or worse adverse event experiencedwas neutropenia. In patients with refractory colorectal cancer, the combination of TAS-102 with bevacizumab might be an effective andsafe treatment.

[A Case of Multiple Pancreatic Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed Using EUS-FNA].

The patient was a 79-year-old man, who underwent left nephrectomy for left renal cell carcinoma in 2007. In March 2015, he complained ofthirst, polydipsia, and polyuria. A slight elevation ofamylase levels was detected following laboratory testing. Abdominal CT revealed well-enhanced tumors in the pancreatic head and tail. MPD was dilated in the pancreatic body and tail. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)was used to obtain additional pathological findings. We diagnosed multiple pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma using cell block sections from EUS-FNA ofthe pancreatic head tumor. We also identified worsening of diabetes control due to pancreatic disease. A subtotal stomachsparing pancreaticoduodenectomy and a distal pancreatectomy were performed in June 2015. Histological examination confirmed clear cell carcinoma metastases from RCC in both tumors. The patient remains alive without recurrence approximately 1 year after surgery. Glycemic control has improved with a decrease in insulin levels. Cell block sections from EUS-FNA are useful in the diagnosis of pancreatic disease. Although postoperative follow-up ofthe remnant pancreas is important, preservation ofthe pancreas should be considered for multiple pancreatic metastases when complete tumor removal is possible.

[Analysis of Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Elderly Patients Aged 75 Years or Older].

The feasibility of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for elderly patients is controversial. Of 51 patients with pancreatic or bile duct tumor who underwent PD (except portal vein resection), the surgical results of 27 elderly patients aged 75 years or older (elderly group) we retrospectively evaluated and compared with those of 24 patients younger than 75 years (younger group). Although ASA-PS was significantly higher in the elderly group, we did not observe any significant difference in other background characteristics, complications, or length of hospital stay between the two groups. This study suggests that PD is probably safe and feasible with the appropriate surgical indication for elderly patients.

[A Case of Extrahepatic Hepatocellular Cancer Discovered during Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery].

Recently, laparoscopic surgery has become increasingly popular because of its lesser invasiveness, including smaller incisions, and fewer post-operative complications. It is also possible to observe the abdominal cavity by laparoscopy. We report a hepatocellular carcinoma arising in an accessory liver lobe detected during gynecological laparoscopic surgery. A 48-year-old woman who was undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for uterine fibroids was found to have a protruding, extrahepatic pedunculated tumor by intraoperative observation of the abdominal cavity during the fibroid procedure. We suspected FNH based on preoperative imaging findings, including abdominal ultrasound, computed tomographic scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging. We performed a laparoscopic partial hepatectomy. The cut surface of the tumor was similar to normal liver tissue. The pathological findings identified normal liver tissue and vessels, suggesting it was the accessory liver lobe. It also included a well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. The final diagnosis was hepatocellular carcinoma arising in the accessory liver lobe. There have been no prior reports of extrahepatic liver tissue detected during gynecological surgery. This case reminded us of the importance of intra-abdominal observation during laparoscopic procedures. The opportunities to discover other cases of extrahepatic liver tissue by laparoscopy will increase.

[A Resected Case of Acinar Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed by Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Prior to Surgical Treatment].

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is an extremely rare tumor type, accounting for approximately 1% of all pancreatic neoplasm. Here, we report a rare case of ACC of the pancreas diagnosed on the basis of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) findings prior to surgical treatment. A 73-years-old woman was being followed-up for chronic hepatitis C at our institution. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography showed an enhanced region, 16 mm in size, near the head of the pancreas on early-phase images. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography did not show interruption or dilatation of the main pancreatic duct. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed an increased FDG uptake in the mass (SUVmax=12.7). EUS-FNA indicated a diagnosis of ACC, and pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ACC. The patient was discharged after an 18-day hospital stay. Two years later, the patient has not shown any sings of recurrence.

[Analysis of portal vein resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic cancer].

The feasibility of portal vein resection (PVR) during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for cancer of the pancreatic head is controversial. We retrospectively evaluate the surgical results and prognosis of 26 patients with pancreatic cancer who received PD with PVR (PVR group, n=14) or without PVR (non-PVR group, n=12). The operation time was significantly greater in the PVR group, with a mean time of 13.6 ± 2.4 minutes. There were no differences between the PVR and non-PVR groups in the incidence of complications or the number of days in hospital. In the PVR group, 7 patients were histopathologically diagnosed with portal vein invasion (PV), but there was no difference in the postoperative survival between PV negative and positive patients. PVR during PD appears to be a safe and feasible treatment for appropriate stage pancreatic cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.

[A case of long-term survival in rectal cancer with late lung and kidney metastases treated with combined multimodality therapy].

A 59-year-old man was diagnosed with rectal cancer and a low anterior resection was performed. Bilateral lung metastases appeared 4 years and 4 months after the primary surgery. The lung metastases were resected and FOLFOX6 neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan 7 years and 11 months after the primary surgery revealed bilateral multiple lung metastases, a left renal tumor, and swelling in the surrounding lymph node. A left nephrectomy and lymph node dissection were performed. A diagnosis of renal tumor from rectal cancer metastasis was made. For the lung metastases, chemotherapy (sLV/5FU2+Bmab) was administered in 26 courses and stable disease was achieved. It is important to combine adequate surgical resection and systemic chemotherapy for long survival.

[A case of partial hepatectomy and gastrectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma with direct invasion to the stomach].

An 81-year-old man treated with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was diagnosed in 2010 with HCC recurrence (subclass S2) on computed tomography (CT). He refused surgery and was followed up without treatment. In 2012, he was admitted to our hospital because of hematemesis. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a large tumor in the upper gastric corpus, and pathological examination of the tumor revealed HCC; hence, we diagnosed the patient with direct HCC invasion to the stomach. Although active bleeding from the tumor was controlled, he experienced repeated episodes of hematemesis, and the tumor increased in size. Therefore, partial hepatectomy and gastrectomy were performed. It was confirmed that the tumor invaded the stomach wall. Although surgery was effective for gastrointestinal bleeding caused by HCC invasion, the patient died 12 months after surgery because of multiple liver metastases and exacerbated liver failure.

Ultrasound-guided infraclavicular axillary vein puncture is effective to avoid pinch-off syndrome: a long-term follow-up study.

PURPOSE: Pinch-off syndrome (POS) is a serious complication encountered during the long-term management of totally implantable access ports (TIAPs). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of ultrasound-guided infraclavicular axillary vein puncture to avoid POS in patients with long-term use of a TIAP. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 207 consecutive TIAPs: one hundred devices implanted using an anatomical landmark technique were used as historical controls (Landmark group), while 107 devices were implanted using an ultrasound (US)-guided puncture method (US group). The pinch-off grade (POG) was determined using chest X-ray findings following the definition of Hinke, and the progression of POG during the follow-up period of the Landmark and US groups was compared. RESULTS: Sixteen cases in the Landmark group were POG-1 and 3 were POG-2, while all cases in the US group were POG-0 at the time of venipuncture (p < 0.001). Eleven patients in the Landmark group showed some degree of progression of the POG during the follow-up period. In contrast, there were no cases showing progression of the POG in the US group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: US-guided infraclavicular axillary vein puncture was found to effectively make it possible to avoid POS for the long-term management of TIAPs, as well as at the time of implantation.

[Bypass surgery or stent placement for biliary obstruction in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer].

The therapeutic strategy for biliary obstruction in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer is controversial. We compared complications and prognosis between 2 groups: the B group, 8 patients who were diagnosed as having inoperable pancreatic cancer at laparotomy and underwent bypass surgery, and the S group, 7 patients who underwent endoscopic stent placement for biliary obstruction due to clinically unresectable pancreatic cancer. Although 1 patient developed cholangitis and surgical site infection in the B group, there was no difference in the duration of hospital stay between the 2 groups. In terms of long-term complications, re-drainage was performed in 1 patient because of stent deviation and gastrointestinal bypass surgery was performed in 2 patients because of duodenum stenosis in the S group. There was no difference in postoperative survival between the 2 groups. Stent placement is less invasive and is recommended for the treatment of biliary obstruction in patients with clinically unresectable pancreatic cancer. However, bypass surgery is acceptable for the treatment of patients diagnosed as having inoperable pancreatic cancer at laparotomy.

[A case of partial pancreatectomy for recurrent metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the remnant pancreas after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy].

We report a case in which recurrent pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma( RCC) in the remnant pancreas was resected 6 years after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD). A 74-year-old man underwent right nephrectomy for RCC in 1991, left partial nephrectomy for left renal RCC metastasis in 1996, and SSPPD for pancreatic RCC metastasis in 2007. In November 2012, he was referred to our hospital with a tumor in the remnant pancreas, as seen on abdominal computed tomography (CT). Partial pancreatectomy for the recurrent metastatic RCC in the remnant pancreas was performed in January 2013. The tumor was histologically diagnosed as metastasis from clear cell RCC in the remnant pancreas. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the blood glucose level after surgery was well controlled using an oral hypoglycemic agent.

[Two cases of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive advanced gastric cancer successfully treated with S-1, cisplatin, and trastuzumab combination therapy followed by curative resection].

We report 2 cases of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive advanced gastric cancer successfully treated with a combination therapy of S-1, cisplatin( CDDP), and trastuzumab followed by curative resection. Case 1 involved a 62-year-old man with type 3 HER2-positive gastric cancer spanning the antrum of the stomach to the duodenal bulb and directly invading the pancreatic head( cT4b[ Panc] N3H0P0M0, Stage IIIC). We diagnosed it as an unresectable cancer, and selected S-1, CDDP, and trastuzumab for combination chemotherapy. S-1 (120 mg/body/day) was administered orally for 2 weeks, followed by 1 drug-free week as a course, and CDDP (60 mg/m2) and trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose and 6 mg/kg maintenance) were administered by intravenous infusion on day 1. After the third course, significant tumor and lymph node reduction was observed; however, pyloric stenosis developed. Distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy was performed. Case 2 involved a 62-year-old woman with type 4 HER2-positive gastric cancer from the angle of the stomach to the duodenal bulb and directly invading the pancreatic head (cT4b [Panc] N2H0P0M0, Stage IIIC). After the third course of combination therapy, significant tumor reduction and disappearance of lymph nodes metastasis was observed. We diagnosed the patient as having a resectable cancer, and performed distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy.

[A case of sigmoid colon cancer with Virchow's lymph node metastasis successfully treated with chemotherapy].

We report the case of a 71-year-old woman suffering from advanced sigmoid colon cancer with Virchow's and para- aortic lymph node metastasis. Sigmoidectomy was performed for sigmoid colon cancer in January 2008, and pathological analysis revealed that it was Stage II(pT3, pN0, pM0, Cur A). The patient received capecitabine regimen as adjuvant chemotherapy from February 2008 to July 2008. However, in August 2008, a left cervical mass was detected associated with swelling, which was partially resected. Microscopic findings revealed lymph node metastasis from sigmoid colon cancer, and Virchow's and para-aortic lymph node metastasis were diagnosed. Therapy with FOLFOX and bevacizumab (Bmab) was started and continued for 8 cycles. Virchow's and para-aortic lymph node metastasis could no longer be detected in June 2009. FOLFOX+Bmab treatment was administered for 33 cycles and oxaliplatin was temporarily stopped due to adverse reactions, including neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, and appetite loss. She had no recurrence for almost 3 years after stopping chemotherapy for Virchow's and para-aortic lymph node metastasis.

Capecitabine in Combination with Endocrine Therapy as Maintenance Therapy after Bevacizumab Plus Paclitaxel Induction Therapy for Hormone Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer: KBCSG-TR1214.

Optimal treatment strategies for hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer (AMBC) remain uncertain. We investigated the clinical usefulness of adding capecitabine to maintenance endocrine therapy after induction chemotherapy and the efficacy of reinduction chemotherapy. Patients who had received bevacizumab-paclitaxel induction therapy and did not have progressive disease (PD) were randomized to maintenance therapy with endocrine therapy alone (group E) or endocrine plus capecitabine (1657 mg/m2/day on days 1-21, q4w) (group EC). In case of PD after maintenance therapy, patients received bevacizumab-paclitaxel reinduction therapy. Ninety patients were randomized. The median progression-free survival (PFS) under maintenance therapy (primary endpoint) was significantly longer in group EC (11.1 {95% CI, 8.0-11.8} months) than in group E (4.3 {3.6-6.0} months) (hazard ratio, 0.53; p < 0.01). At 24 months from the induction therapy start, the overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in group EC than in group E (hazard ratio, 0.41; p = 0.046). No difference was found in the time to failure of strategy (13.9 and 16.6 months in groups E and EC, respectively). Increased capecitabine-associated toxicities in group EC were tolerable. Addition of capecitabine to maintenance endocrine therapy may be a beneficial option after induction chemotherapy for HR-positive, HER2-negative AMBC patients.

Expression and function of the inducible costimulator ligand B7-H2 in human airway smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND: B7-H2 is a ligand for the inducible costimulator (ICOS). The aim of this study was to examine the expression and function of B7-H2 in human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and compare them with those of CD40 or OX40 ligand (OX40L). METHODS: Expression of B7-H2, CD40 and OX40L in ASM cells and their respective counterparts in T cells was analyzed by RT-PCR or flow cytometry. The modulating effect of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) on expression of B7-H2, CD40 and OX40L was also examined. The function of these three molecules was evaluated by virtue of adhesion of anti-CD3-activated T cells, IL-6 and IL-8 production and DNA synthesis. RESULTS: ASM cells constitutively expressed B7-H2, CD40 and OX40L that mediated adhesion of activated T cells expressing ICOS, CD40L and OX40. ASM cells responded to poly I:C with upregulated expression of B7-H2, CD40 and OX40L and displayed enhanced adhesion of activated T cells. Functional analysis performed on untreated ASM cells showed that engagement of B7-H2 with ICOS-Ig clearly induced DNA synthesis, whereas that of CD40 or OX40L with trimeric CD40L or OX40-Ig greatly increased IL-6 and IL-8 production. These responses were enhanced in poly I:C-treated ASM cells. CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that ASM cells express functionally active B7-H2, CD40 and OX40L and suggest that B7-H2-dependent signaling may play an active role in a proliferative response rather than in cytokine and chemokine production. In addition, the modulation of B7-H2, CD40 and OX40L expression and function by poly I:C may have important implications for the function of virus-infected ASM cells.