Three Molecular Developmental Pathways of Remnant Pancreatic Cancer after Resection: A Nationwide Project Study of Japan Pancreas Society.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism of remnant pancreatic cancer (PC) development after primary PC resection. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Molecular mechanisms of the development of remnant PCs following primary PC resection are largely unknown. METHODS: Forty-three patients undergoing remnant PC resection after primary PC resection between 2001 and 2017 at 26 institutes were retrospectively analyzed. Clinicopathological features and molecular alterations detected by targeted amplicon sequencing of 36 PC-associated genes were evaluated. RESULTS: These patients showed significantly lower body mass indices and higher hemoglobin A1c values at remnant PC resection than at primary PC resection. A comparison of the molecular features between primary and remnant PCs indicated that remnant PCs were likely to develop via three different molecular pathways: successional, showing identical and accumulated alterations (n=14); phylogenic, showing identical and distinct alterations (n=26); and distinct, showing independent distinctive alterations (n=3). The similarity of gene alterations was associated with time to the remnant PC development (r=－0.384, P=0.0173). Phylogenic pathways were significantly associated with the intraductal spread of carcinoma (P=0.007). Patient survival did not differ significantly depending on these molecular pathways. CONCLUSION: Molecular profiling uncovered three pathways for the development of remnant PCs, namely, successional, phylogenic, and distinct pathways. The vast majority of remnant PCs are likely to be molecularly associated with primary PCs either in the successional or phylogenic way. This information could impact the design of a strategy for monitoring and treating remnant PCs.

Factors Affecting Nonfunctioning Small Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms and Proposed New Treatment Strategies.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite previously reported treatment strategies for nonfunctioning small (≤20 mm) pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs), uncertainties persist. We aimed to evaluate the surgically resected cases of nonfunctioning small pNENs (NF-spNENs) in a large Japanese cohort to elucidate an optimal treatment strategy for NF-spNENs. METHODS: In this Japanese multicenter study, data were retrospectively collected from patients who underwent pancreatectomy between January 1996 and December 2019, were pathologically diagnosed with pNEN, and were treated according to the World Health Organization 2019 classification. Overall, 1490 patients met the eligibility criteria, and 1014 were included in the analysis cohort. RESULTS: In the analysis cohort, 606 patients (59.8%) had NF-spNENs, with 82% classified as grade 1 (NET-G1) and 18% as grade 2 (NET-G2) or higher. The incidence of lymph node metastasis (N1) by grade was significantly higher in NET-G2 (G1: 3.1% vs G2: 15.0%). Independent factors contributing to N1 were NET-G2 or higher and tumor diameter ≥15 mm. The predictive ability of tumor size for N1 was high. Independent factors contributing to recurrence included multiple lesions, NET-G2 or higher, tumor diameter ≥15 mm, and N1. However, the independent factor contributing to survival was tumor grade (NET-G2 or higher). The appropriate timing for surgical resection of NET-G1 and NET-G2 or higher was when tumors were >20 and >10 mm, respectively. For neoplasms with unknown preoperative grades, tumor size >15 mm was considered appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: NF-spNENs are heterogeneous with varying levels of malignancy. Therefore, treatment strategies based on tumor size alone can be unreliable; personalized treatment strategies that consider tumor grading are preferable.

Clinical impact of various drain-fluid data for the postoperative complications after hepatectomy: criteria of prophylactic drain removal on postoperative day 1.

PURPOSE: Prophylactic drains reported to be useful to treat postoperative bile leakage (POBL) and reduce re-intervention after hepatectomy. However, prophylactic drains should remove in the early postoperative period. This study aimed to assess the association between postoperative complications and the drain-fluid data on postoperative day (POD) 1. METHODS: Medical records of 530 patients who underwent hepatectomy were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the drain-fluid data on POD 1, such as bilirubin (BIL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and drain discharge volume. These variables were compared between patients with and without postoperative complications such as POBL and abdominal abscess not due to POBL. RESULTS: POBL was found in 44 patients (8.3%), PHLF was in 51 patients (9.6%), and abdominal abscess not due to POBL was in 21 patients (4.0%). Regarding POBL, drain-fluid BIL concentration and drain discharge volume was higher in the POBL group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, drain-fluid AST, ALT, and ALP concentrations were not different between two groups. As to the abdominal abscess not due to POBL, all drain-fluid data were not significantly different. Multivariate analysis for predicting POBL showed that the drain-fluid BIL concentration ≥ 2.68 mg/dL was an independent predictor (p < 0.001). In the subgroup analyses according to the type of hepatectomy, the drain-fluid BIL concentration was an independent predictor for POBL after both non-anatomical and anatomical hepatectomy. CONCLUSION: The drain-fluid BIL concentration on POD 1 is useful in predicting POBL after hepatectomy.

Impact of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy longer than 6 months on survival in patients with resected pancreatic cancer: a nationwide survey by the Japan Pancreas Society based on real-world data.

BACKGROUND: Based on the Japan Adjuvant Study Group of Pancreatic Cancer 01 study, the standard duration of adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 (an oral 5-fluorouracil prodrug consisting of tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil) in patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was considered to be 6 months, but the impact of increasing its duration on postoperative survival was unknown. Here, the authors investigated this question by reviewing real-world data from a large cohort of patients with PDAC. METHODS: In total, 3949 patients who underwent surgery for PDAC during the study period followed by S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy in board-certified institutions were included. Based on the duration of S-1 chemotherapy, two subgroups were defined: a standard-duration group that included patients who were treated for 180 ± 30 days and a longer duration group that included patients who received treatment for >210 days. RESULTS: The median duration of S-1 chemotherapy was 167 days, with a mean ± standard deviation of 200 ± 193 days. After excluding patients who had a recurrence within 210 days after the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy, postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in the standard-duration group (n = 1473) and the longer duration group (n = 975) were compared. RFS and OS did not differ significantly between the standard-duration and longer duration groups (5-year RFS: 37.8% vs. 36.2% respectively; p = .6186; 5-year OS: 52.8% vs. 53.4%, respectively; p = .5850). The insignificant difference was verified by multivariate analysis and propensity-score matching analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings suggest that extending S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy beyond 6 months has no significant additional effect on survival in patients with PDAC. This could be useful in determining whether to extend S-1 chemotherapy in patients who have completed the standard 6-month treatment.

High abundance of Lachnospiraceae in the human gut microbiome is related to high immunoscores in advanced colorectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The tumor microenvironment (TME) in colorectal cancer (CRC) includes the gut microbiome, immune cells, angiogenic factors, and fibroblasts and plays a major role in cancer progression. The Immunoscore (IS) is based on tumor infiltration by immune cells that are known prognostic biomarkers for CRC. However, the interrelation between the IS, microbiome, and other TME factors in human CRC remains unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 94 patients with CRC was examined at the Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital in Japan. The expression levels of CD3, CD8, CD31, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the primary tumor were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The IS was calculated based on the results of the CD3 and CD8 staining assays. Microbiomes in patients with CRC were examined by amplicon sequencing. RESULTS: The expression levels of α-SMA and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in patients with CRC were negatively correlated (P = 0.006). A high IS was associated with high abundance of Lachnospiraceae in the microbiomes of patients with CRC. CONCLUSION: Lymphocyte infiltration into the primary tumor was marked by reduced density of cancer-associated fibroblasts and enrichment of the Lachnospiraceae family in the gut microbiome, which may influence CRC progression.

Gastrojejunostomy versus endoscopic duodenal stent placement for gastric outlet obstruction in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Treatments for patients with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) due to unresectable pancreatic cancers (URPC) include gastrojejunostomy (GJJ) and endoscopic duodenal stent placement (EDSP). This study compared the efficacy and safety of GJJ and EDSP in patients with GOO due to URPC. METHODS: This study retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with GOO due to URPC who underwent GJJ or EDSP between April 2016 and March 2020. The efficacy and safety of GJJ and EDSP were compared with propensity score analysis. Subgroup analyses of overall survival (OS) were compared after propensity matching. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 54 patients who underwent GJJ and from 73 who underwent EDSP at five tertiary care hospitals. After propensity matching, OS was significantly longer in patients who underwent GJJ than EDSP (110 vs. 63 days, respectively; p = 0.019). Evaluation of long-term adverse events showed that the frequency of cholangitis and obstructive jaundice was significantly lower in the matched GJJ than in the matched EDSP group (p = 0.012). Subgroup analyses showed that OS in patients with good performance status (PS; p = 0.041), biliary obstruction (p = 0.007), and duodenal obstruction near the papilla (p = 0.027), and those receiving chemotherapy (p = 0.010), was significantly longer in the matched GJJ group than in matched EDSP group. CONCLUSION: GJJ provides longer OS than EDSP for patients with GOO caused by URPC, especially for patients with good PS, biliary obstruction, and duodenal obstruction near the papilla, and those receiving chemotherapy.

Effect of early administration of tolvaptan on pleural effusion post-hepatectomy.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy of tolvaptan administration at the early stage after hepatectomy to control pleural effusion and improve the postoperative course. METHODS: Patients were administered tolvaptan (7.5 mg) and spironolactone (25 mg) from postoperative day 1 to postoperative day 5 (tolvaptan group, n = 68) for 13 months. Early administration of tolvaptan was not provided in the control group (n = 68); however, diuretics were appropriately administered according to the patient's condition. The amount of pleural effusion on computed tomography on postoperative day 5 was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The amount of pleural effusion and increase in body weight on postoperative day 5 showed significant differences in both groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively). However, the rate of pleural aspiration and the duration of postoperative hospitalization were comparable between the groups. The amount of intraoperative blood loss and lack of early administration of tolvaptan were identified as independent risk factors contributing to pleural effusion on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Early administration of tolvaptan to patients after hepatectomy was found to be capable of controlling postoperative pleural effusion and increase in body weight, but it did not reduce the rate of pleural aspiration or the hospitalization period.

Postoperative computed tomography findings predict re-drainage cases after early drain removal in pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for re-drainage in patients with early drain removal after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 114 patients who underwent PD and prophylactic drain removal on postoperative day (POD) 4 between January 2012 and March 2021. We analyzed the risk factors for re-drainage according to various factors. Peri-pancreaticojejunostomic fluid collection (PFC) index and pancreatic cross-sectional area (CSA) were evaluated using computed tomography on POD 4. The PFC index was calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height at the maximum aspect. RESULTS: Among the 114 patients, 15 (13%) underwent re-drainage due to postoperative pancreatic fistula. Multivariate analysis identified a PFC index ≥ 8.16 cm3 on POD 4 (odds ratio [OR], 20.40, 95%CI 2.38-174.00; p = 0.006) and pancreatic CSA on POD 4 ≥ 3.65 cm2 (OR, 16.40, 95%CI 1.57-171.00; p = 0.020) as independent risk factors for re-drainage. CONCLUSION: A careful decision might be necessary for early drain removal in patients with a PFC index ≥ 8.16 cm3 and pancreatic CSA ≥ 3.65 cm2.

Colonization of the gastric juice by Candida spp. promotes surgical site infection after hepatectomy.

PURPOSE: Candida spp. cause opportunistic infections in conditions of immunodeficiency. Here, we investigated the relationship between colonization of the gastric juice by Candida spp. and surgical site infection (SSI) in hepatectomy. METHODS: Consecutive hepatectomy cases between November 2019 and April 2021 were enrolled. Gastric juice samples (collected intraoperatively through a nasogastric tube) were cultured. We compared factors related to patient background, blood test findings, surgical findings, and postoperative complications between the Candida + group (positive for colonization of the gastric juice by Candida spp.) and the Candida - group (negative). In addition, we identified the factors that contribute to SSI. RESULTS: There were 29 and 71 patients in the Candida + and Candida - groups, respectively. The Candida + group was significantly older (average age: Candida + 74 years vs. Candida - 69 years; p = 0.02) and contained more patients negative for the hepatitis B and C virus (Candida + 93% vs. Candida - 69%; p = 0.02). SSI was significantly more common in the Candida + group (Candida + 31% vs. Candida - 9%; p = 0.01). Postoperative bile leakage and colonization of the gastric juice by Candida spp. were independent predictors of SSI. CONCLUSION: Colonization of the gastric juice by Candida spp. is a risk factor for SSI after hepatectomy.

Clinical effect of home enteral tube feeding supplementation on nutritional status after esophagectomy with retrosternal gastric tube reconstruction.

Body weight loss and poor nutritional status are frequently observed after esophageal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to pilot an investigation on the impact of home enteral tube feeding supplementation (HES) for up to 3 months after esophageal cancer surgery. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive 67 esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction. We started HES from April 2017. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Among 67 patients, 40 patients underwent HES between April 2017 and November 2020 (HES group). Other 27 patients who underwent esophagectomy between January 2012 and March 2017 were not administered HES (C group). Thereafter, multiple factors concerning patient nutritional status at long-term follow-up were evaluated. The baseline characteristics were balanced between the two groups. There were no significant differences in nutritional status scores before esophagectomy. The percentage weight loss was less in the HES group compared with the C group both at 3 months and 1 year after surgery: 7.3% (-7.6 to 15.2), 7.7% (-4 to 13.9) in the HES group and 10.6% (-3.6 to 29.1), 10.8% (-5.8 to 20.0) in C group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). In the patients with anastomotic stenosis, the percentage weight loss was less in the HES group compared with the C group: 7.2% (2.0-14.9) and 14.6% (6.2-29.1), P < 0.05. HES may improve early weight loss in postesophagectomy patients.

Effect of the Gastrojejunostomy Position on the Postoperative Amount of Oral Intake in Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the effect of the gastrojejunostomy position on the postoperative oral intake in patients who have undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: We investigated 119 patients who underwent PD between June 2013 and December 2019 and examined the effect of the horizontal and vertical distance rates of the gastrojejunostomy position on the postoperative oral intake. The patients were categorized as having poor or good oral intake based on whether their intake was up to half the required calorie intake. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the number of cases with grade B or C postoperative pancreatic fistula (good, 20.3% vs. poor, 60.0%; p < 0.001), horizontal distance rate (good, 0.57 vs. poor, 0.48; p = 0.02), and postoperative hospitalization period (good, 15 vs. poor, 35 days; p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the vertical distance rate (good, 0.67 vs. poor, 0.71; p = 0.22). The horizontal distance rate was the independent risk factor for postoperative poor oral intake at 2-3 weeks (risk ratio, 3.69; 95% CI: 1.48-9.20). DISCUSSION: The oral intake was greater in patients whose gastrojejunostomy position in PD was farther from the median, suggesting the necessity of intraoperative placement of the gastrojejunostomy position as far from the median as possible.

Preoperative Predictive Nomogram Based on Alanine Aminotransferase, Prothrombin Time Activity, and Remnant Liver Proportion (APART Score) to Predict Post-Hepatectomy Liver Failure after Major Hepatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a serious complication associated with major hepatectomies. An accurate prediction of PHLF is necessary to determine the feasibility of major hepatectomy. This study aimed to assess the association between PHLF and preoperative laboratory and computed tomography (CT) findings. METHODS: Medical records of 65 patients who underwent major hepatectomy and preoperative CT were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated future remnant liver volume evaluation models and remnant liver hemodynamics, which were assessed by arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) by using preoperative CT. Variables, including CT findings, were compared between patients with and without PHLF after major hepatectomy, and the preoperative PHLF-predicting nomogram was constructed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The PHLF group included 21 patients (32.3%). The AEF was not significantly different between the two groups. In the future remnant liver volume evaluation models, future remnant liver proportion (fRLP) had the highest concordance index (C-index) in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (C-index, 0.755). Multivariate analysis of preoperative evaluable factors revealed that alanine aminotransferase levels (p = 0.034), prothrombin time activity (p = 0.021), and fRLP (p = 0.012) were independent predictive factors of PHLF. A nomogram (APART score) was constructed using these three factors, with a receiver operating curve showing a C-index of 0.894. According to the APART score, scores of 51-60 indicated moderate risk (40.0%), and scores over 60 indicated a high risk of PHLF (83.3%) (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: The APART score may help predict PHLF in patients indicated for major hepatectomies.

Preoperative Physical Activity Level Measurement by Accelerometer for Predicting Post-Hepatectomy Complications: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, accelerometers have received much attention around the world. This study examined whether the preoperative physical activity level measured by an accelerometer could be a useful predictor of post-hepatectomy complications. METHODS: Between December 2016 and December 2020, the physical activity levels of 185 patients were measured using an accelerometer 3 days before hepatectomy and from postoperative day 1 to 7. The patients without postoperative complications (n = 153) and those with postoperative complications (n = 32) were compared using either the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test for nominal variables; continuous variables were analyzed using either Student's t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Differences were considered statistically significant when the p value was <0.05. Risk factors for postoperative complications following hepatectomy were also investigated. RESULTS: The number of patients with an anatomical resection was significantly higher in patients with postoperative complications (p = 0.001). Furthermore, laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed in 65.4% of patients without postoperative complications and in 25.0% of those with postoperative complications; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The average preoperative physical activity level was 150.6 kcal/day in patients without postoperative complications and 84.5 kcal/day in those with postoperative complications (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified blood loss, operative time, and preoperative physical activity level as independent risk factors for postoperative complications. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Patients with lower preoperative physical activity levels are at a high risk of developing postoperative complications after hepatectomy. Hence, preoperative physical activity level measurement may be useful in predicting post-hepatectomy complications.

Transanal total mesorectal excision for primary rectovaginal carcinosarcoma: A case report and literature review.

We report a case of rectovaginal septum carcinosarcoma successfully treated with surgical excision via transanal total mesorectal excision following platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A 48-year-old woman presented with a 3-week defecation pain preceding the visit. Pelvic imaging showed an 8-cm sized lesion in the lower rectovaginal septum. Transvaginal biopsy and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. After three courses of carboplatin-paclitaxel-bevacizumab therapy, the mass reduced by half. Subsequently, laparoscopic excision with transanal total mesorectal excision, and radical hysterectomy were performed. The anus was preserved, and dysuria improved within a month. The final histopathological diagnosis was carcinosarcoma of the rectovaginal septum from an uncertain origin, presumably endometriotic or mesonephric. Twelve months following surgery, solitary liver metastasis was confirmed; however, there was no evidence of local recurrence. Total mesorectal excision following platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be an ideal treatment for gynecological malignancies in the rectovaginal septum, especially for large tumors localized deep into the pelvis.

Clinical impact of postoperative malnutrition after pancreaticoduodenectomy: prediction based on estimated functional remnant pancreatic volume, prognostic nutritional index, and body mass index.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the association between estimated functional remnant pancreatic volume (eFRPV) and postoperative malnutrition after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: The medical records of 131 patients who underwent PD and preoperative computed tomography were retrospectively reviewed. Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was assessed 6-months after PD. Patients with PNI values of at least 45 were included in the non-malnutrition group, while those with values <45 and <40 were included in the mild and severe malnutrition groups, respectively. Associations between eFRPV and postoperative nutritional status were evaluated to identify factors predictive of severe malnutrition after PD. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (40%) were included in the non-malnutrition group, while 38 (29%) and 40 (31%) were included in the mild and severe malnutrition groups, respectively. Overall survival was significantly shorter in the severe malnutrition group (p < 0.001). The eFRPV was significantly lower in the severe malnutrition group (p = 0.003; Jonckheere-Terpstra trend test, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, eFRPV ≤55.2 mL·HU (odds ratio [OR] = 5.20; p = 0.004), preoperative PNI ≤41.9 (OR = 6.37; p = 0.010), and body mass index ≤19.1 kg/m2 (OR = 3.43; p = 0.031) were independent predictors of severe malnutrition after PD. CONCLUSION: The current results indicate that eFRPV may predict low PNI values after PD.

[A Case of Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection with TpTME for Adenocarcinoma of Anal Canal with Pagetoid Spread].

A man in his 80s was referred to our hospital with the chief complaint of perianal erosion. Colonoscopy revealed a peripheral flat lesion in the anal canal. Since immunohistological examination showed positive for CK20 and negative for GCDFP15, we made a preoperative diagnosis of anal canal cancer with Pagetoid spread. It was diagnosed as cT1bN0M0, cStage Ⅰ by TNM classification, and laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with TpTME was performed. Negative biopsy of the perianal skin was confirmed both preoperation and during the operation. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no urinary dysfunction was observed. The patient was discharged 15 days after the operation. The histopathological diagnosis was negative margin. The patient is alive without recurrence 1 year after the operation. Adenocarcinoma of anal canal with Pagetoid spread is rare, and differentiation from Paget's disease is important for determining treatment policy. By conducting a detailed examination of the extent of tumor progression and using TpTME together, it was possible to perform surgery that both secured the CRM and preserved urinary function.

[A Case of Postoperative Anastomotic Leakage with Septic Shock after Esophageal Cancer Surgery Treated by Two Stage Operation Using Ileocolic Reconstruction].

The patient was a 60s male. He underwent esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction for Barrett's esophageal cancer( pT3N1M0, pStage Ⅲ). Postoperatively, anastomotic leakage and mediastinitis resulted in septic shock. On the 8th day after first surgery, he transferred to our hospital. At the time of admission, qSOFA was 3 points. We judged to be difficult to treat with conservative treatment. Emergency right thoracotomy drainage underwent with resection of the esophagogastric anastomosis and cervical esophagostomy construction. He was discharged on the 55th postoperative day with home enteral nutrition. He underwent presternal ileocolic reconstruction on the 97th day after right thoracotomy drainage. On the 19th day after reconstruction, oral intake was started. The general condition is good without recurrence, and oral intake is sufficient at 1 year after reconstruction. We report a case of anastomotic leakage with septic shock after esophageal cancer surgery successfully treated by 2 stage ileocolic reconstruction.

[Clinical Outcomes of Treatment for Esophageal Cancer Recurrence after Surgery].

Many cases with esophageal cancer recurrence have worse clinical survival. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)has been reported to result in significantly longer overall survival. We investigated the clinical outcomes in 30 patients with esophageal cancer recurrence who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery, chemotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy. Results: Of the 30 patients investigated, 25 were men. Median patient age was 70(range 52-84)years. The recurrence sites are as follows: 17 in locoregional, 5 in lung, 2 in bone, 3 in liver, and 5 in others. The overall survival in early recurrence(within 6 months after surgery)cases and multiple recurrence cases were significantly shorter than that in later recurrence(>6 months after surgery)and single recurrence(p=0.031, p<0.01). Of 30 recurrence cases, 9 cases (30%)achieved complete response(CR). Five of CR cases were treated by chemotherapy with ICI. In esophageal cancer recurrence, treatment with ICI showed good response and survival benefit. In future, the indication of ICI is evaluated for adjuvant therapy after surgery.

Predictors and clinical impact of postoperative diarrhea after colorectal cancer surgery: a prospective, multicenter, observational study (SHISA-1602).

PURPOSE: Postoperative diarrhea, including high-output stoma (HOS), frequently occurs after colorectal surgery; its risk factors and clinical implications on subsequent complications remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and clinical implications of postoperative diarrhea after primary colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. METHODS: This prospective observational study included patients with CRC who underwent radical surgery at six hospitals between June 2016 and December 2017. The patients were categorized into three groups (non-stoma, colostoma, and ileostoma groups). RESULTS: A total of 178 patients participated in the study. In the non-stoma group, the incidence of postoperative diarrhea was 18.4% (27/147). The incidence of HOS was 28.6% (4/14) in the ileostoma group, and 0% in the colostoma group. Multivariable analyses of the incidence of diarrhea in the non-stoma group indicated that habitual smoking and hypertension were significantly associated with postoperative diarrhea (P = 0.012 and P = 0.0274, respectively). Postoperative diarrhea was more likely to occur in patients with rectal cancer than in those with colon cancer (P = 0.0501). In the non-stoma and ileostoma groups, the probability of the occurrence of other complications with Clavien-Dindo (C-D) grades II or higher was significantly higher in patients with C-D grade I diarrhea, including HOS, than in patients without diarrhea (39.3% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.0061). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking and hypertension are the independent predictors of postoperative diarrhea after an elective CRC surgery. Rectal cancer surgery seems to be associated with postoperative diarrhea more than colon cancer surgery does. Mild postoperative diarrhea may lead to more severe complications.

Estimated tumor blood flow as a predictive imaging indicator of therapeutic response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: use of three-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is a common strategy for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study aimed to assess the association between the therapeutic response in PDAC and tumor blood circulation. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy prior to pancreatectomy for PDAC were reviewed. Of these, patient data that included three-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) findings before treatments were used in this study. We evaluated the estimated tumor blood flow (eTBF) using CECT. According to the therapeutic histopathological response defined by the Evans classification, patients were divided into poor (grade I/IIa) and good (grade IIb/III/IV) responder groups. The variables, including eTBF, were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Thirty patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 13 (43.3%) (grade IIB/III/IV: 8/4/1 patients) were categorized into the good responder group and 17 patients (56.7%) (grade I/IIA: 4/13 patients) were categorized into the poor responder group. eTBF was significantly higher in the good responder group (0.39 s-1 vs. 0.32 s-1, p = 0.007). An eTBF ≥ 0.36 s-1 was found to be an independent predictive factor for the destruction of over 50% of tumor cells (p = 0.036; odds ratio, 9.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-81.30). CONCLUSIONS: eTBF can be used to predict the therapeutic histopathological response in PDAC prior to treatment.