Worldwide survey among polyposis registries of surgical management of severe duodenal adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis

Impact of Endoscopic Treatment in Severe Duodenal Polyposis: A National Study in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The majority of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) develop duodenal adenomas with a risk of progression to duodenal cancer. Endoscopic management of FAP duodenal adenomas has been proposed as a less-invasive option than surgery, but available data still are limited. Our aims were to assess the feasibility and safety of endoscopic treatment in duodenal polyposis and to evaluate its long-term efficacy in terms of recurrence and malignant degeneration.

METHODS

FAP patients with stage IV duodenal polyposis were enrolled in 5 French centers as part of a national cohort and followed up for a median period of 5.66 years (interquartile range, 6.39 y). Primary outcomes were duodenal surgery-free and cancer-free survival. Two groups of patients were identified according to endoscopic procedures: group 1: resection and or destruction (by argon plasma coagulation) of duodenal polyps, and group 2: papillectomy.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were enrolled (29 men; median age, 44 y). Endoscopic therapy was performed in 37 patients in group 1 and in 19 patients in group 2. Duodenal cancer-free and surgery-free survival were 95.8% at 5 years and 92.6% at 10 years. Four patients required surgery and 2 patients developed cancers. In the 58 patients, the calculated Spigelman score decreased from 9.24 points at entry to 6.35 at 5 years and then plateaued. Complications (mostly bleeding and perforation) occurred in 20 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this long-term cohort follow-up evaluation, endoscopic treatment of patients with severe duodenal polyposis appears relatively safe and effective as an alternative to surgery for the prevention of cancer.

Mechanisms of Action of Phytoestrogens and Their Role in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare disease characterized by the development of adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum already in adolescence. If left untreated, patients develop colorectal cancer (CRC) with a 100% probability. To date, the gold standard of FAP management is surgery, which is associated with morbidity and mortality. A chemopreventive agent capable of delaying, preventing and reversing the development of CRC has been sought. Several classes of drugs have been used but to date no chemopreventive drug has been found for the management of this disease. In recent years, the importance of estrogen receptors in FAP and CRC, particularly the β subtype, has emerged. Indeed, the expression of the latter is strongly reduced in adenomatous polyps and CRC and is inversely correlated with the aggressiveness of the disease. Since phytoestrogens have a high affinity for this receptor, they have been suggested for use as chemopreventive agents in FAP and CRC. A combination of phytoestrogens and insoluble fibres has proved particularly effective. In this review, the various mechanisms of action of phytoestrogens were analyzed and the effectiveness of using phytoestrogens as an effective chemopreventive strategy was discussed.

Endoscopic Papillectomy for Ampullary Tumors

Ampullary tumors originate from the ampulla of Vater and are often discovered incidentally during an upper endoscopy. These tumors usually occur sporadically and may be benign or malignant in nature. Tumor growth clinically presents with cholestasis, pancreatitis, and bleeding. Patients with ampullary adenomas are often asymptomatic; however, removal of these lesions is recommended in view of their malignant potential. Following advances in endoscopic techniques and the accumulation of experience, considering high recurrence, mortality, and morbidity rates associated with surgery, endoscopic papillectomy may be useful as first-line treatment for adenomatous lesions with ambiguous malignant changes or focal intraepithelial carcinoma. Although it is relatively safe and easy to perform, the operation is a high-level procedure that may be associated with serious complications. It should be performed by an experienced endoscopist at a well-equipped hospital/center with emergency facilities and support personnel. Accurate resection is associated with high treatment success rates. Most complications are mild and can be treated medically. Pancreatitis is the most common complication, and pancreatic duct stenting is useful for prophylaxis. Recurrence may occur, and is more frequently observed during segmental resection; therefore, close periodic follow-up is essential. Although there are no unified indications or guidelines for endoscopic papillectomy, endoscopic papillectomy may be safe and effective for management of ampullary adenomas. Careful patient selection and follow-up are mandatory.

Efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in familial adenomatous polyposis patients after duodenectomy

Objectives

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients with Spigelman stage IV polyposis should be considered for prophylactic duodenectomy. Post‐surgical pancreaticobiliary complications occur and may require management via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We aimed to assess the success and adverse events of ERCP in FAP patients after pancreas‐sparing duodenectomy (PSD) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

A retrospective review of FAP patients who underwent ERCP after PSD or PD from 1992 to 2020 at a quaternary referral center was completed. The technical success of ERCP was defined as the ability to identify the anastomosis and cannulate the duct. Post‐procedural adverse events were defined by bleeding, perforation, pancreatitis, or cholangitis. Clinical outcomes included the need for surgical intervention and recurrent pancreatitis after ERCP were assessed.

Results

Of 84 FAP patients with duodenectomy, 12 patients with PSD and two patients with PD underwent 17 ERCPs for pancreatic indications and five for biliary indications. The technical success of ERCP in patients with PSD and a single neoampullary complex for pancreatic (n = 6) and biliary (n = 5) indications was 100% but for those with PD (n = 2) or PSD reconstruction with pancreatic divisum or separate anastomoses (n = 3), it was 0%. Surgical intervention was required in 50% of patients with technically failed ERCP after PSD (2/4) and PD (1/2). There were no adverse events.

Conclusions

ERCP is expected to be therapeutically successful for biliary complications following PSD. Assessment and potential therapy for pancreatitis post‐PSD are best in the setting of a single neo‐ampullary complex rather than in PD or PSD with pancreatic divisum.

The Prevalence and Significance of Jejunal and Duodenal Bulb Polyposis After Duodenectomy in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence, natural history, and severity of polyposis of the duodenal bulb and jejunum after duodenectomy in patients with FAP.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Advanced duodenal polyposis stage in FAP requires consideration of duodenal resection to prevent cancer; pylorus-preserving approach of pancreas-sparing duodenectomy (PSD) is preferred. Post-duodenectomy data indicate polyps occur in the duodenal bulb and the post-anastomotic jejunum, but limited data exists regarding their significance.

METHODS

We identified consecutive FAP patients After duodenal resection, including pancreaticoduodenectomy, PSD, or segmental duodenectomy, at Cleveland Clinic. Medical records were used to determine time to diagnosis of duodenal bulb or jejunal polyps, length of follow up, and severity of polyposis including maximal Spigelman stage (SS) of jejunal polyposis (neo-SS).

RESULTS

64 patients with FAP underwent duodenectomy and endoscopic follow up. 28% underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, 61% PSD, and 11% segmental duodenectomy. Postoperatively, 38/64 (59%) were diagnosed with jejunal polyposis, with median time to diagnosis of 55 months and follow up time of 127 months. Jejunal polyposis was advanced in 21% (neo- SS III or IV). Fifty percent were treated endoscopically, 1 patient required surgery. Jejunal polyp-free survival after duodenectomy differed by surgery type (P = 0.008). A total of 55/64 patients underwent a pylorus-preserving procedure, and 6/55 (11%) developed duodenal bulb polyps. All bulb polyps were large (>20 mm) and found after PSD. Endoscopic resection was unsuccessful in 5 patients, but no surgical intervention was required.

CONCLUSIONS

Polyposis occurs in the remaining duodenal and jejunal mucosa in the majority of patients after surgical duodenectomy. Jejunal polyposis is advanced in 1 in 5 patients, but rarely requires surgery. Endoscopic management of jejunal polyposis seems feasible but has proven difficult for duodenal bulb polyps.

Upper gastrointestinal neoplasia in familial adenomatous polyposis: prevalence, endoscopic features and management

Background

To evaluate the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and to discuss current therapeutic recommendations.

Methods

Clinical, endoscopic, histological and treatment data were retrieved from charts of 102 patients [1958-2016]. Duodenal adenomatosis was classified according to Spigelman stages.

Results

this series comprised 59 women (57.8%) and 43 men (42.1%) with a median age of 32.3 years. Patients underwent 184 endoscopic procedures, the first at a median age of 35.9 years (range, 13-75 years). Fundic gastric polyps (n=31; 30.4%) prevailed in the stomach. While only 5 adenomas were found in the stomach, 33 patients (32.4%) presented duodenal ones. Advanced lesions (n=13; 12.7%) were detected in the stomach (n=2) and duodenum (n=11). During follow-up, Spigelman stages improved in 6 (12.2%) patients, remained unchanged in 25 (51.0%) and worsened in 18 (36.7%). Carcinomas were diagnosed in the stomach and duodenum (4 lesions each, 3.9%), at median ages of 50.2 and 55.0 years, respectively. Advanced lesions and carcinomas were managed through local or surgical resections. Severe complications occurred in only 2 patients (one death). Enteroscopy in 21 patients revealed jejunal adenomas in 12, 11 of whom also presented duodenal adenomas.

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of upper GI adenomas and cancer in FAP. There were diagnosed fundic gastric polyps (30.4%), duodenal (32.4%) and jejunal adenomas (11.8%), respectively. One third of duodenal polyps progressed slowly throughout the study. The rates of advanced gastroduodenal lesions (12.7%) and cancer (7.8%) raise the need for continuous surveillance during follow-up.

Risk factors for advanced duodenal and ampullary adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis: a prospective, single-center study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

 To determine the clinical features associated with advanced duodenal and ampullary adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis. Secondarily, we describe the prevalence and clinical significance of jejunal polyposis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 This is a single center, prospective study of 62 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Duodenal polyposis was classified according to Spigelman and ampullary adenomas were identified. Patients with Spigelman III and IV duodenal polyposis underwent balloon assisted enteroscopy. Predefined groups according to Spigelman and presence or not of ampullary adenomas were related to the clinical variables: gender, age, family history of familial adenomatous polyposis, type of colorectal surgery, and type of colorectal polyposis.

RESULTS

 Advanced duodenal polyposis was present in 13 patients (21 %; 9 male) at a mean age of 37.61 ± 13.9 years. There was a statistically significant association between family history of the disease and groups according to Spigelman ( P  = 0.03). Seven unrelated patients (6 male) presented ampullary adenomas at a mean age of 36.14 ± 14.2 years. The association between ampullary adenomas and extraintestinal manifestations was statistically significant in multivariate analysis ( P  = 0.009). Five endoscopic types of non-ampullary adenoma were identified, showing that lesions larger than 10 mm or with a central depression presented foci of high grade dysplasia. Among 28 patients in 12 different families, a similar Spigelman score was identified; 10/12 patients (83.3 %) who underwent enteroscopy presented small tubular adenomas with low grade dysplasia in the proximal jejunum.

CONCLUSIONS

 Advanced duodenal polyposis phenotype may be predictable from disease severity in a first-degree relative. Ampullary adenomas were independently associated with the presence of extraintestinal manifestations.

Advanced duodenal neoplasia and carcinoma in familial adenomatous polyposis: outcomes of surgical management

Background

In addition to the presence of neoplasia in the colon and rectum, patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) may develop numerous polyps and carcinoma within the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Methods

The aim of the present paper was to review the incidence advanced duodenal polyposis or cancer and their surgical outcomes. A retrospective review of patients' records from our department was performed. Information was retrieved from a prospective collected data, including clinical (gender, age, family history), endoscopic [association with colorectal cancer (CRC), polyposis severity, age at diagnosis] and surgical management (age, time from the index surgery, type of procedure, morbidity). Duodenal adenomatosis at the time of surgery was classified according to Spigelman stages.

Results

In a group of 145 FAP patients, 8 (5.5%) had been surgically treated for duodenal advanced neoplasia [3] or cancer [5]. There were included 2 women and 6 men whose first endoscopic examination and diagnosis of advanced neoplasia/cancer was made at median ages of 47.3 [28-63] and 51.8 years, respectively. Duodenal carcinomas occurred later (55.8 years) when compared to advanced adenomatosis (45.3 years). Three patients were diagnosed due to symptoms, while the others were detected under endoscopic surveillance. Age interval between FAP treatment and duodenal neoplasia diagnosis was 15.3 years [0-47]. All but one patient underwent duodenopancreatectomy (DP). Two from the 7 patients undergoing DP died, one from pulmonary embolism 30 days after surgery and the other from recurrent T4N0 duodenal tumor. Thus, major operative morbidity and mortality were 12.5%.

Conclusions

In this single-center Brazilian series of FAP patients: (I) advanced duodenal neoplasia or cancer requiring surgery occurred in 5.5% of patients; (II) when reaching the fifth decade of life, patients should be carefully evaluated to diagnose and treat early lesions; (III) in spite of the technical complexity of DP, operative morbidity is acceptable in experienced hands; and (IV) continuous surveillance is necessary during follow-up.

Pancreas-sparing total duodenectomy for Spigelman stage IV duodenal polyposis associated with familial adenomatous polyposis: experience of 10 cases at a single institution

Duodenal cancer is a leading cause of death in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). In patients with Spigelman's classification (SC) stage IV duodenal polyposis (DP), careful endoscopic surveillance by specialists or surgical intervention is mandatory. We herein report the surgical and pathological outcomes of FAP patients with SC stage duodenal polyposis undergoing pancreas-sparing total duodenectomy (PSTD), which has been rarely reported but seems optimal in such patients. PSTD and distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I type reconstruction in ten consecutive FAP patients with SC stage IV DP are reported. The median duration of surgery was 396 min (range 314-571 min) and the median estimated blood loss was 480 mL (range 100-975 mL). Significant postoperative complications included wound infection in 1 patient, pancreatic fistula [International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula definition (ISGPF) grade B] in 4 patients. Histopathologic examinations revealed a well-differentiated carcinoma in situ in 3 patients and others were all adenomas. Over a median follow-up period of 15 months (range 9-29 months), 1 patient developed a stomal ulcer which improved with medical treatment. There were no patients with a body weight loss of ≥10 % relative to the preoperative body weight. No recurrence were experienced during the follow up period. Patients were free from postoperative diabetes mellitus. PSTD is a feasible and acceptable procedure in FAP patients with SC stage IV DP, in terms of surgical, pathological and clinical outcome. However, accumulation of the patients and long-term follow up study is necessary.

Progression and Management of Duodenal Neoplasia in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the natural history and outcomes of surveillance of duodenal neoplasia in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

BACKGROUND

Duodenal cancer is the most common cause of death in FAP.

METHODS

Cohort study of patients prospectively enrolled in an upper endoscopic surveillance protocol from 1982 to 2012. The duodenum was assessed by side-viewing endoscopy and classified as stage 1 to 5 disease. Endoscopic and/or operative interventions were performed according to stage.

RESULTS

There were 218 patients in the protocol (98 with advanced stage). They had a median of 9 endoscopies (range: 2-25) over a median of 11 years (range: 1-26). Median age at diagnosis of stage 3 disease (adenoma: 2.1-10 mm) was 41 years and stage 4 disease (adenoma >10 mm) was 45 years. Median time from first esophagogastroduodenoscopy to stage 4 disease was 22.4 years. The risk of stage 4 disease was 34.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 23.8-43.4] at 15 years. In multivariate analysis, sex, type of colorectal surgery, years since colorectal surgery, and stage were significantly associated with risk of progression to stage 4 disease. Five of 218 (2.3%) patients developed duodenal cancer at median age of 58 years (range: 51-65). The risk of developing duodenal cancer was 2.1% (95% CI: 0-5.2) at 15 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with advanced duodenal polyposis progress in the severity of disease (size and degree of dysplasia); however, the rate of progression to carcinoma is slow. Aggressive endoscopic and surgical intervention, especially in the presence of large polyps and high-grade dysplasia, appears to be effective in preventing cancer deaths in FAP.

Pancreas-preserving duodenectomy is a safe alternative to high-risk pancreatoduodenectomy for premalignant duodenal lesions

BACKGROUND

Pancreas-preserving duodenectomy (PPD) can be considered a technical alternative to pancreaticoduodenectomy for the treatment of premalignant/low-grade malignant lesions of the duodenum. However, no many data are available comparing surgical results and costs of these two procedures.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from the Karolinska University Hospital's electronic database was analyzed retrospectively for patients who underwent PD and PPD between January 2006 and December 2011. The demographics, length of stay (LOS), postoperative morbidity and mortality, and hospital costs were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty patients operated with PPD and 369 with PD were identified. Of the PDs, 81 were classified as HR-PDs, based on the intraoperative assessment of the gland. PPD patients were younger than those with HR-PD (50 vs 62 years; p = 0.0003), and with slight prevalence of overweight, BMI ≥25 (60 vs 45.7 %; p = 0.2). No differences were found in overall morbidity (55 vs 68 %; p = 0.3), in severe postoperative complications-Dindo-Clavien grade ≥3b (20 vs 30 %; p = 0.3), in delayed gastric emptying (10 vs 12 %, ns), and postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (10 vs 7.4 %, ns) between PPD and HR-PDs. However, the incidence of POPF was marginally lower in the PPD group (15 vs 37 %; p = 0.06) and was treated conservatively, while ten patients in the HR-PD group were reoperated and with POPF-associated mortality of 40 %. Also, shorter ICU stay (5 vs 12.%, ns), lower reoperation rate (10 vs 21 %, ns), lower mortality (0 vs 6.2 %), and shorter LOS (16.9 vs 24.6 days) were observed with PPD compared to HR-PD, but the numbers did not reach statistical significance. PPD was performed with shorter operative time (319 vs 418 min; p < 0.0001) and less intra-operative blood loss than HR-PD (521 vs 1027 ml; p = 0.003). The hospital costs for PPD were significantly lower than for HR-PD (29,170 vs 53,080 Euro, p = 0.03) CONCLUSIONS: PPD for resection of premalignant and low-grade malignant duodenal lesions in this small series shows to be an equivalent alternative to HR-PD, as it can be performed with shorter operative time, less intraoperative blood loss, and comparable, even slightly better, postoperative outcome and with lower costs.

Endoscopic treatment of severe duodenal polyposis as an alternative to surgery for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and severe (stage IV) duodenal polyposis are candidates for pancreaticoduodenectomy, which has high morbidity. Little information is available about the feasibility of therapeutic endoscopy for these patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term efficiency and risks of endoscopic therapy.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

A 2-referral center long-term cohort study.

PATIENTS

Thirty-five FAP patients (15 men, mean age 48 years) presenting with stage IV duodenal polyposis were included. Patients had a mean Spigelman classification score of 9.8 points (range 9-12 points) at their first examination.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients underwent a surveillance endoscopy, including lateral and axial viewing with chromoendoscopy while under sedation, along with 7 ± 4.8 therapeutic endoscopic sessions during a follow-up period of 9 ± 4.5 years (range 1-19 years) after their first endoscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Treatment modalities, adverse events, and efficiency (evolution of the Spigelman score) were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 245 therapeutic endoscopies were performed and 15 adverse events (6%) occurred. During the follow-up period, Spigelman scores decreased in 95% of patients by 6 ± 2.2 points (P = .002). Modeling analysis showed that the mean Spigelman score decreased by 60% after 150 months.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study and the duration of the follow-up, even though this is the longest follow-up reported in medical literature.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic treatment of severe duodenal polyposis in patients with FAP produces few adverse events and allows efficient downstaging of the polyposis. Long-term follow-up data did not reveal a high risk of invasive duodenal cancer in these patients.

"High rate of recurrent adenomatosis during endoscopic surveillance after duodenectomy in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis"

Advanced duodenal adenomatosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is associated with a significant risk of duodenal carcinoma. Duodenectomy is sometimes indicated to prevent malignant transformation or to resect established carcinomas. Advanced recurrent adenomatosis and cancer formation in the neo-duodenum after duodenectomy in FAP have been reported. The aim of this study was to describe findings during endoscopic follow-up in a cohort of FAP patients after duodenectomy, to assess the indication and whether recommendations can be made for endoscopic surveillance. All FAP patients with a history of duodenectomy performed at a single tertiary referral centre between January 2000 and July 2011 were identified. Patient characteristics and postoperative upper endoscopic procedures were reviewed retrospectively. 19 patients, with a mean age of 49 years at the time of duodenectomy were identified. One patient was lost to follow-up. The majority of patients underwent prophylactic pancreas preserving duodenectomy (95%). Mean duration of postoperative follow-up in 18 patients was 78 months with 4 postoperative endoscopies on average. An increase in neo-Spigelman stage was seen in 9 patients, after an average interval of 35 months. Overall, newly formed adenomas in the neo-duodenum were found in 14 of 18 patients (78%), after a mean of 46 months after duodenectomy. Recurrent adenomas were mostly located in close proximity to the neo-papilla. This included advanced adenomas in 7 patients, warranting enteric re-resection in 2 patients. Continued intensive endoscopic surveillance is indicated after duodenectomy in FAP, especially of the area around the bilio- and pancreatico-enteric anastomoses.

Management of duodenal adenomatosis in FAP: single centre experience

Duodenal and ampullary carcinoma in familial adenomatosis (FAP) is the third leading cause of FAP related deaths. Management of this condition is a challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of multiple targeted endoscopic biopsies and macroscopic appearance as the major determinants for surgical intervention. A secondary aim was to assess histological heterogeneity through comparing endoscopic biopsies and describe the clinical outcomes of our cohort after intervention. We reviewed our FAP surveillance database of 67 patients, between January 1999--June 2011 undergoing upper GI surveillance and where indicated, subsequent surgical intervention. Among 67 patients, 11 underwent surgical resection. Pancreas-preserving duodenectomy was performed in four patients (five procedures), and Whipple's operation in seven patients. The average size of polyps was 43 mm (range 17-65 mm), and the average number of targeted endoscopic biopsies per lesion was 7.5 (range 5-10). Two cases of high-grade (severe) dysplasia were diagnosed on endoscopic biopsies each understaged compared with the subsequent surgical specimen. All carcinomas identified have been resectable with no evidence of local spread or distant metastasis. There was one postoperative death, but no cancer related deaths. We identified both cancers at an early stage and there were no missed or late diagnoses. There have been no recurrences of carcinoma in a more than 7 years follow-up. Due to the heterogeneous nature of these lesions, comprehensive macroscopic assessment should be complemented with multiple targeted biopsies to improve the chance of early detection of advanced lesions.

Laparoscopic pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis

Patients with duodenal polyps associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have a considerable risk of developing duodenal carcinoma. Prophylactic resection of the duodenum for Spigelman stage III disease is the treatment of choice to prevent progression to cancer. Pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy (PPTD) are the techniques that have been described for the surgical treatment of duodenal polyposis. We report the first case of laparoscopic PPTD in a patient with previous total colectomy for FAP and Spigelman stage III duodenal polyposis. A laparoscopic total dissection of the duodenum was carried out and the restoration was achieved performing pancreatico-biliary-jejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy. The postoperative period was uneventful. Laparoscopic PPTD can be performed safely in selected cases for the management of FAP.

Celecoxib and tauro-ursodeoxycholic acid co-treatment inhibits cell growth in familial adenomatous polyposis derived LT97 colon adenoma cells

Chemoprevention would be a desirable strategy to avoid duodenectomy in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) suffering from duodenal adenomatosis. We investigated the in vitro effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and COX-2 expression of the potential chemopreventives celecoxib and tauro-ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). HT-29 colon cancer cells and LT97 colorectal micro-adenoma cells derived from a patient with FAP, were exposed to low dose celecoxib and UDCA alone or in combination with tauro-cholic acid (CA) and tauro-chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), mimicking bile of FAP patients treated with UDCA. In HT-29 cells, co-treatment with low dose celecoxib and UDCA resulted in a decreased cell growth (14-17%, p<0.01). A more pronounced decrease (23-27%, p<0.01) was observed in LT97 cells. Cell growth of HT-29 cells exposed to 'artificial bile' enriched with UDCA, was decreased (p<0.001), either in the absence or presence of celecoxib. In LT97 cells incubated with 'artificial bile' enriched with UDCA, cell growth was decreased only in the presence of celecoxib (p<0.05). No clear evidence was found for involvement of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, caspase-3, or COX-2 in the cellular processes leading to the observed changes in cell growth. In conclusion, co-treatment with low dose celecoxib and UDCA has growth inhibitory effects on colorectal adenoma cells derived from a patient with FAP, and further research on this combination as promising chemopreventive strategy is desired.

Severe duodenal involvement in familial adenomatous polyposis treated by pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy

PURPOSE

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is an alternative to pancreas-sparing duodenectomy for radical treatment of duodenal lesions. The aims of this study were to assess the results of pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) for severe duodenal polyposis in familial adenomatous polyposis in terms of morbidity, long-term influence on functional results, the recurrence rate of cancer or jejunal polyps, and survival.

METHODS

All patients operated on for a PPPD between 1992 and 2009 were included. Clinical data, endoscopic findings, and pathologic examinations were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients underwent PPPD for severe duodenal polyposis (17 Spigelman IV, 1 Spigelman III, and 1 invasive carcinoma). Postoperative mortality was nil. The postoperative morbidity rate was 42%, including 4 pancreatic fistulae (21%) and 2 delayed gastric emptying (11%). Pathologic examination found 7 invasive carcinomas, of which only 1 was known before resection. One third of patients operated on without a preoperative diagnosis of malignancy already had an invasive duodenal carcinoma. After a mean follow-up of 58 months, 16 patients were alive. Thirteen patients underwent endoscopic follow-up, and new adenomas were found in 4 (31%). All were treated successfully during the same endoscopic procedure. PPPD did not modify the functional result after coloproctectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

PPPD remains a safe and efficient therapeutic option for severe duodenal polyposis in familial adenomatous polyposis patients.

Surgical management for advanced duodenal adenomatosis and duodenal cancer in Dutch patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: a nationwide retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Duodenal cancer is a major cause of mortality in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The clinical challenge is to perform duodenectomy before cancer develops; however, procedures are associated with complications. Our aim was to gain insight into the pros and cons of prophylactic duodenectomy.

METHODS

Patients with FAP from the nationwide Dutch polyposis registry who underwent prophylactic duodenectomy or were diagnosed with duodenal cancer were identified and classified as having benign disease or cancer at preoperative endoscopy. Surveillance, clinical presentation, surgical management, outcome, survival, and recurrence were compared.

RESULTS

Of 1,066 patients with FAP in the registry, 52 (5%; 25 males) were included: 36 with benign adenomatosis (median: 48 years old; including two (6%) cancer cases diagnosed after operation), and 16 with cancer (median: 53 years old). Cancer cases had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer more often (6% vs 44%; P < .01). Forty-three patients underwent duodenectomy (35 benign/eight cancer): 30-day mortality was 4.7% (n = 2), and in-hospital morbidity occurred in 21 patients (49%), without differences between patients with benign adenomatosis and cancer. Adenomas recurred in reconstructed proximal small bowel in 14 of 28 patients (50%, median time to recurrence: 75 months), and one patient developed cancer. Median survival of all 18 cancer cases in the registry (1.7%; 12 ampullary/six duodenal) was 11 months.

CONCLUSION

Prognosis of duodenal cancer in patients with FAP is poor, which justifies an aggressive approach to advanced benign adenomatosis. Strict adherence to recommended surveillance intervals is essential for a well-timed intervention. Given the substantial morbidity and mortality of duodenectomy, patients' individual characteristics are to be critically evaluated preoperatively. As adenomas recur, postoperative endoscopic surveillance is mandatory.

Endoscopic ampullectomy: techniques and outcomes

Advances in endoscopic ampullectomy continue to mitigate concerns regarding incomplete removal of ampullary neoplasias, postprocedure complications, and insufficient treatment of tumors with undetected malignant foci or intraductal invasion. Advanced T staging of these lesions with endoscopic ultrasound and intraductal ultrasound, while useful tools for selection of candidates for snare polypectomy, should be limited to lesions either greater than 3 cm, bearing the macroscopic appearance of malignancy or unamenable to endoscopic therapy. Intraductal ultrasound has demonstrated T-staging accuracy superior to endoscopic ultrasound. One prospective study of prophylactic pancreatic stent placement and a number of retrospective studies have reported reduced complication rates. Recent studies continue to propose follow-up endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at 3-month intervals after ampullectomy to evaluate for recurrence and ablate residual tissue, with the interval increased to 6 to 12 months for 5 years on obtaining negative biopsies for adenomatous tissue. The development of thermal ablation, notably argon plasma coagulation, for fulguration of residual unresectable tumor, biductal sphincterotomy and prophylactic pancreatic pancreatic stent placement, and advanced diagnostic imaging mitigate the concerns leveled against endoscopic ampullectomy. In experienced hands, endoscopic papillectomy of noninvasive, benign ampullary lesions is a safe, technically feasible, and effective alternative to surgical resection. This study will focus on diagnosis and staging of ampullary adenomas and reviews indications for, and outcomes and complications of, endoscopic papillectomy.

Modified multivisceral transplantation with spleen-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis "Gardner's Syndrome"

BACKGROUND

Liver-sparing "modified" multivisceral transplantation (MMVTx) has recently been more used for patients with diffuse gastrointestinal disorders and preserved hepatic functions. Evisceration techniques with preservation of native spleen were also introduced to reduce risk of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders. This study focuses on the indications of MMVTx for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and the technical feasibility of performing spleen-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SPPD).

METHODS

Between 1993 and 2009, 10 FAP patients required MMVTx. Nine were adults and one was a child, with a female:male ratio of 1:1.

RESULTS

Short gut with duodenal adenomatosis and extensive desmoid tumors with pancreaticoduodenal involvement dictated need for MMVTx. SPPD was technically feasible in four recipients, and conventional evisceration including splenectomy was performed in remaining six recipients. With an overall cumulative survival of 90% at 1 year and 77% at 10 years, all SPPD recipients were alive with no single example of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, graft-versus-host disease, or chronic rejection. However, SPPD was associated with an increase (P>0.3) in total ischemia time, operative time, and packed red blood cells requirement but with shorter (P=0.6) length of hospital stay. With a mean follow-up of 50±45 months (range 18-128 months), none of the 10 recipients experienced intraabdominal desmoid tumor recurrence or developed de novo visceral allograft neoplasm.

CONCLUSION

MMVTx is a valuable therapeutic option for FAP patients who are in need for visceral transplantation with pathologic involvement of the pancreaticoduodenal complex. SPPD is technically feasible, and efforts should always be made to preserve native spleen because of the reported herein therapeutic advantages.

Prevalence of gastric and duodenal polyps and risk factors for duodenal neoplasm in korean patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The prevalence of gastric polyps, duodenal adenoma and duodenal cancer has been reported as being high among familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients, but there have been no reports of this association in Korea. This study evaluated the prevalence of gastric and duodenal polyps and risk factors for duodenal neoplasm in FAP patients in Korea.

METHODS

We reviewed both initial and follow-up endoscopic results from FAP patients. We also investigated the treatment modality of duodenal adenomas and analyzed the risk factors of duodenal neoplasms by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 148 patients with FAP underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and the fi ndings were as follows: gastric polyp 39.9% (fundic gland polyp 25.7% and gastric adenoma 14.2%), duodenal adenoma 15.5%, gastric cancer 2.7%, and duodenal cancer 0.7%. There were two cases of gastric cancer that developed from benign gastric polyps. There were progressions of duodenal adenomatosis during follow-up, and some degree of relapse occurred after endoscopic resection. Patients with gastric polyps showed a correlation with the occurrence of duodenal neoplasm (odds ratio, 2.814; p=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

In Korean FAP patients, gastric cancer was detected more frequently, but fundic gland polyps, duodenal adenoma and duodenal cancer were detected less frequently than in Western patients. FAP patients with gastric polyps should undergo regular EGD, particularly for the early detection of duodenal neoplasia.

Surgical management of the duodenal manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Duodenal adenomas develop in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, incurring a risk of carcinoma. When this risk is high, surgery is indicated. The choice of surgical treatment can be difficult as evidence-based data are lacking.

METHODS

This is a systematic review of the literature on the non-medical management of duodenal lesions arising in the setting of familial adenomatous polyposis. Studies were identified through searching MEDLINE. Studies published between January 1965 and October 2009 were included. Data regarding number of subjects, complications, length of follow-up, recurrence rate and outcome were extracted.

RESULTS

Transduodenal resection does not differ from an endoscopic approach in terms of recurrence. Ampullectomy has limited application as only papillary lesions are amenable to treatment in this manner. Duodenectomy with pancreas preservation is preferable to pancreaticoduodenectomy unless malignancy is present, or cannot be excluded.

CONCLUSION

Surgery should be reserved for advanced or malignant polyps.

Gastroduodenal involvement in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Prospective study of the nature and evolution of polyps: evaluation of the treatment and surveillance methods applied

OBJECTIVES

Analysis of the incidence rate and the evolution of duodenal and stomach polyps in our familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients, the suitability of the surveillance method and the cancer-preventing treatment applied and the analysis of the complications arising from each procedure employed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine patients diagnosed with FAP underwent study and endoscopic surveillance of the upper digestive tract. Front-view and side-view endoscopies were used. Papillary biopsies were performed even when the papilla were macroscopically normal. The Spigelman classification was used to determine the seriousness of the condition and to establish the surveillance and treatment intervals.

RESULTS

Duodenal and/or papillary polyps were presented by 79.3% of the patients. Endoscopic polypectomy was performed in 13 patients with duodenal polyps. Endoscopic polypectomies for the papilla were performed in all patients. One patient required a cephalic duodenopancreatectomy and another endoscopic ampullectomy. The condition did not become cancerous in any of the patients who underwent surveillance. We report two complications arising from treatment: one postpolypectomy haemorrhage and one stenosis of the biliary-enteric anastomosis after cephalic duodenopancreatectomy.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows a high incidence rate of duodenal polyps in FAP patients. A minute examination of the duodenum and papilla is necessary, using side-view endoscopes and duodenal papilla biopsies even when papilla appears to be normal. None of the patients having completed the surveillance and the prescribed treatment developed cancer and all have a low Spigelman score. This method, therefore, seems to be adequate for the treatment and surveillance of duodenal polyps.

Cost-effectiveness of prophylactic surgery for duodenal cancer in familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Duodenal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in familial adenomatous polyposis after colorectal cancer. The lifetime risk for developing duodenal cancer is 4% to 10%. Current treatment guidelines recommend endoscopic surveillance with a prophylactic pancreaticoduodenectomy in advanced duodenal polyposis, defined using the Spigelman staging system. Because no clinical trials have assessed this recommendation, a modeling approach was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various treatment strategies.

METHODS

A Markov model was constructed to estimate the life expectancy and cost of three different strategies: pancreaticoduodenectomy at Spigelman stage III, pancreaticoduodenectomy at Spigelman stage IV, and pancreaticoduodenectomy at cancer diagnosis. A cohort of 30-year-old familial adenomatous polyposis patients with total colectomies was simulated until age 80. The analysis was from a societal perspective. Extensive sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the impact of model uncertainty on results.

RESULTS

At all stages of polyposis and all ages <80 years, prophylactic surgery at Spigelman stage IV resulted in the greatest life expectancy. Surgery at stage IV was more effective and more expensive than surgery at cancer diagnosis, with an incremental cost of $3,200 per quality-adjusted life year gained. Surgery at stage III was not a viable option. The results were robust to wide variation in model parameters but were sensitive to the post-pancreaticoduodenectomy quality of life score.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic pancreaticoduodenectomy at stage IV duodenal polyposis in familial adenomatous polyposis is a cost-effective approach that results in greater life expectancy than surgery at either stage III or cancer diagnosis.

Features of duodenal cancer in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Most patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) develop duodenal adenomas; duodenal cancer is a major cause of mortality in this patient group. We reviewed cases of duodenal cancer in patients with FAP to identify factors that determine long-term cancer risk.

METHODS

Twenty FAP patients (12 male) were identified from a registry database search. Data from registry and medical notes and endoscopic and histopathologic reports were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the cancers that developed in these patients, 11 were ampullary and 9 were duodenal. The median age at cancer diagnosis was 53 years. Seventeen patients died (median age at death, 57 y; median survival from diagnosis, 11 mo); the cause of death was metastatic or duodenal/ampullary cancer in 14 patients. Fifteen patients presented symptomatically (including 3 interval cancers while on surveillance). Two were diagnosed at surveillance and 3 were diagnosed during surgery performed for endoscopic features of advanced benign disease. Duodenal cancers were associated with a significantly lower mean colonic polyp count than ampullary cancers (496 +/- 282 vs 1322 +/- 735; P = .025); there appeared to be familial clustering of this cancer. When endoscopic data were available (n = 11 of 20), all ampullary cancers arose from ampullas greater than 1 cm. The Spigelman stage did not predict risk of ampullary cancer but did predict duodenal cancer (median stage 2 vs stage 4 for duodenal cancer).

CONCLUSIONS

Once cancer arises in patients with FAP, prognosis is poor, so cancer prevention should be the main goal. Surveillance intervals should reflect both Spigelman staging and ampullary disease.

Pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy versus standard pancreatoduodenectomy for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and polyps in the duodenum

BACKGROUND

Pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy (PPTD) was introduced as a replacement for pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This study analysed the results of PPTD in the Netherlands and reviewed the relevant literature.

METHODS

All 26 patients who underwent PPTD for FAP in four centres in the Netherlands between January 2000 and January 2007 were compared with a group of 77 patients who had PD for ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma at one centre during the same interval.

RESULTS

Morbidity rates were similar after PPTD for FAP (16 patients, 62 per cent) and PD for ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma (44 patients, 57 per cent) (P = 0.694). One patient (4 per cent) died after PPTD and two (3 per cent) after PD. A review of the literature, including patients from the present study, found that 71 patients had PPTD, with postoperative morbidity in 36 (51 per cent) and one death (1 per cent). In publications containing a total of 94 patients who underwent PD for FAP, 43 (46 per cent) developed complications and three (3 per cent) died.

CONCLUSION

PPTD has similar short-term results to PD in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Complications and follow-up after pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy for duodenal polyps

Background

Patients with duodenal polyps are at risk of duodenal cancer. Pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy (PPTD) is an alternative to partial pancreatoduodenectomy.

Methods

Twelve patients (seven men and five women) with a median age of 59 (interquartile range (i.q.r.) 50–67) years underwent PPTD for large (over 20 mm) solitary polyps or multiple (more than three) duodenal polyps confined to the muscularis propria on endoscopic ultrasonography.

Results

Median hospital stay was 21 (i.q.r. 10–36) days with no deaths and no blood transfusion. Six patients developed postoperative complications, one requiring reoperation. Histology demonstrated gastrointestinal stromal tumour in three patients, low-grade dysplasia in one, moderate-grade dysplasia in eight and duodenal intramucosal adenocarcinoma in one. During a median follow-up of 20 (i.q.r. 8–41) months one patient experienced recurrent acute pancreatitis (due to hypertriglyceridaemia) and one developed a jejunal adenocarcinoma in the neoduodenum.

Conclusion

The morbidity of PPTD is similar to that of partial pancreatoduodenectomy, but PPTD preserves the whole pancreas and reduces the number of anastomoses.

Is there an advantage in performing a pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy in duodenal adenomatosis?

BACKGROUND

Duodenal adenomatosis is a premalignant condition often not treatable by local resection or endoscopy. An option for treatment is a pylorus-preserving (pp)-Whipple resection. Since the introduction of pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy (PPTD), the question has arisen whether a pp-Whipple resection is still needed to treat duodenal adenomatosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a 5-year period 23 PPTDs were performed for duodenal adenomatosis. In a matched-pairs analysis the outcome following PPTD (16 patients with a follow-up longer than 12 months) was compared with pp-Whipple.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality in all 23 patients was 4.3% and total morbidity 30% after PPTD. Operation time, intensive care and hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality were comparable between the matched paired groups (16 patients). Patients with PPTD had significantly lower intraoperative blood loss. No PPTD patient required pancreatic enzyme substitution, compared with 12 patients after pp-Whipple. Quality-of-life analysis in PPTD patients revealed no difference compared to a normal control population and the pp-Whipple group.

CONCLUSIONS

PPTD is a safe surgical procedure for duodenal adenomatosis that avoids pancreatic head resection, provides high quality of life, and shows advantages over the pp-Whipple procedure.

Polipose gastroduodenal em doentes com polipose adenomatosa familiar Pós-Retocolectomia

RACIONAL: As manifestações extracólicas, como os pólipos gastroduodenais e o tumor do duodeno, são fatores que influenciam a morbimortalidade dos doentes com polipose adenomatosa familiar no seguimento pós-retocolectomia total. OBJETIVO: Investigar a freqüência destas alterações em doentes com polipose adenomatosa familiar e verificar a eficácia do rastreamento endoscópico. MÉTODO:No período de 1984 a 2005, 62 doentes com polipose adenomatosa familiar pós-retocolectomia foram estudados retrospectivamente pelo Grupo de Coloproctologia da Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, SP. O tempo de seguimento médio pós-operatório foi de 81,9 meses, sendo que em 53 (85,5%) foi possível analisar a ocorrência de pólipos gastroduodenais. RESULTADOS: Dos 53 doentes em seguimento, 27 (50,9%) apresentavam pólipos gastroduodenais. Em 8 (15,4%) os pólipos adenomatosos eram gástricos, 14 (27%) pólipos duodenais e 5 (9,6%) pólipos gástricos e duodenais. Dois doentes (3,8%) desenvolveram adenoma duodenal com displasia de alto grau. E outro (1,9%), adenocarcinoma em papila duodenal. CONCLUSÃO: O rastreamento endoscópico, desta forma, é de grande importância e o objetivo é detectar, o mais precocemente possível, os casos de adenocarcinoma duodenal e pólipos gastroduodenais com displasia de alto grau.

[Regional growth preferences in hereditary, synchronous, and metachronous colorectal carcinomas. Basics of tumor surgery Part II]

This article discusses the therapeutic importance of the loss of self-regulation of cell division in polypoid adenomas and in the cloacogenic, cancerophilic rectal segment. Regional growth preferences can observed in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and ulcerative colitis, as in other diseases featuring a cancerous disposition on the mucosa. For example, rectal carcinomas are more common than colon carcinomas if one considers the total mucosal surface area at risk. Malignant changes do not occur randomly in existing adenomas of FAP patients, and the adenomas' cell division--as in other adenomas--is governed by some degree of self-regulation. In FAP patients undergoing proctocolectomy, preferred new growth areas for carcinomas include the duodenum and ileum. In patients with synchronous colorectal cancers, the rectum is more commonly affected than other colon segments. If the rectum is resected, metachronous carcinomas are exceedingly rare in the remaining colon segments. Clinical decisions about rectal resection must be informed by understanding of the importance of this organ for anorectal continence as well as the described growth of colorectal malignancies.

Familial adenomatous polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal-dominant colorectal cancer syndrome, caused by a germline mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, on chromosome 5q21. It is characterized by hundreds of adenomatous colorectal polyps, with an almost inevitable progression to colorectal cancer at an average age of 35 to 40 yr. Associated features include upper gastrointestinal tract polyps, congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium, desmoid tumors, and other extracolonic malignancies. Gardner syndrome is more of a historical subdivision of FAP, characterized by osteomas, dental anomalies, epidermal cysts, and soft tissue tumors. Other specified variants include Turcot syndrome (associated with central nervous system malignancies) and hereditary desmoid disease. Several genotype-phenotype correlations have been observed. Attenuated FAP is a phenotypically distinct entity, presenting with fewer than 100 adenomas. Multiple colorectal adenomas can also be caused by mutations in the human MutY homologue (MYH) gene, in an autosomal recessive condition referred to as MYH associated polyposis (MAP). Endoscopic screening of FAP probands and relatives is advocated as early as the ages of 10-12 yr, with the objective of reducing the occurrence of colorectal cancer. Colectomy remains the optimal prophylactic treatment, while the choice of procedure (subtotal vs proctocolectomy) is still controversial. Along with identifying better chemopreventive agents, optimizing screening of extracolonic cancers and applying new radiological and endoscopic technology to the diagnosis and management of extracolonic features are the major challenges for the future.

Long-term outcome after ampullectomy for ampullary lesions associated with familial adenomatous polyposis

PURPOSE

Up to 90 percent of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis develop adenomas in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Besides pancreaticoduodenectomy, which remains indicated in duodenal and ampullary cancer, less aggressive surgical procedure (such as ampullectomy) must be evaluated in selected patients with familial adenomatous polyposis patients presenting low-risk benign duodenal adenomas.

METHODS

From 1995 to 2000, we performed a retrospective, observational study, which included eight patients (5 females) with familial adenomatous polyposis underwent ampullectomy (with frozen sections) for presumed benign polyposis lesions. Six patients had an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis performed 2 to 27 years before ampullectomy. The remaining two patients had ampullectomy during the same operation than ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

RESULTS

No patient died postoperatively. Mean hospital stay was 15 +/- 6.5 (range, 10-21) days. There was one major complication (pancreatic fistula), which was treated conservatively. Final pathologic examination of the specimens revealed that three patients had a severe dysplasia. Mean follow-up of the patients was 58 +/- 37 (range, 24-119) months. During endoscopic follow-up, although all the patients underwent endoscopic resection of duodenal polyps, none presented recurrence at the ampullectomy site.

CONCLUSIONS

Ampullectomy could be safely proposed in selected familial adenomatous polyposis patients. Our low morbidity and the absence of recurrence after almost five years of follow-up suggests that such conservative treatment could be proposed before pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with high-risk ampullary adenomas without invasive carcinoma.

Endoscopic management of familial colonic neoplasia

Heredity plays an important causative role in a large percentage of colorectal cancers. Clinical recognition of the hereditary polyposis syndromes, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, and common familial colorectal cancer is essential because screening, surveillance, and treatment among affected individuals and their family members differs from that recommended for the general population. More intensive cancer screening and surveillance is required if premature death is to be avoided. Genetic testing is commercially available for most of the hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes and can greatly facilitate the management of patients if properly undertaken.

Clinical analysis of eight kindreds of familial adenomatous polyposis

AIM: To study the early diagnosis and management of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

METHODS: Eight pedigrees of FAP were collected and their pedigree trees were protracted. Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of FAP patients in these kindreds were analysed.

RESULTS: A total of 157 members were investigated in eight kindreds and 25 patients with FAP were diagnosed. The ratio of male patients and female patients was 16:9 and the average age at onset was 38 years. Among them, six patients died of cancer with a mortality rate of 28%, and 36% (9/25) FAP patients were diagnosed as synchronous colorectal cancer on the basis of FAP. A proband was diagnosed as synchronous colorectal cancer with liver metastasis and died 11 mo later after partial colectomy and hepatic metastatic lesion biopsy. The other seven probands received total abdominal colectomy and rectal mucosectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), and one of them was diagnosed as synchronous colon cancer on the basis of FAP and was still alive after 7.5 years follow-up. Among the other seven patients with synchronous colorectal cancer on the basis of FAP underwent total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA), one underwent total remnant rectum resection and ileostomy for recurrent carcinoma in the retained rectum 2.5 years later after the IRA and was still alive, while the others all died of recurrence with a median survival time of 4.6 years. Through close follow-up and termly endoscopic surveillance, three FAP patients were detected before presenting symptoms at the age of 18, 20 and 23 years, respectively. Prophylactic IPAA was performed and results were satisfactory after the patients were followed-up for 6, 1, and 8 years, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Pedigree investigation, close follow-up and termly endoscopic surveillance are very important for early detection of FAP. Prophylactic IPAA can give satisfactory results to FAP patients.

Liposome-mediated adenomatous polyposis coli gene therapy: a novel anti-adenoma strategy in multiple intestinal neoplasia mouse model

PURPOSE

Familial adenomatous polyposis is a highly penetrant, autosomal dominant disease resulting from a germline mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene. Besides colorectal polyps and cancer, more than 90 percent of familial adenomatous polyposis patients also develop duodenal polyposis with an approximately 5 percent lifetime risk of malignant transformation. Because adenomatous polyposis coli protein has a "gatekeeper role" in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, replacing its function may reduce polyp formation. We studied the functional outcome of per-oral, liposome-mediated adenomatous polyposis coli gene replacement therapy in a multiple intestinal neoplasia mouse model.

METHODS

Twenty multiple intestinal neoplasia mice, heterozygous for the human homologue adenomatous polyposis coli gene, were randomly assigned to three groups: no treatment (n = 8); control plasmid containing green fluorescence protein reporter gene (n = 6); and plasmid containing the full-length adenomatous polyposis coli gene (n = 6). For the adenomatous polyposis coli-treated and green fluorescence protein reporter gene-treated groups, each mouse received the appropriate plasmid complexed with liposome, administered twice per week by oral gavage regime. Treatment lasted four weeks and all animals were killed at the end of treatment period with harvesting of intestinal tissue for polyp number estimation.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant 25 percent reduction in the total number of polyps in the adenomatous polyposis coli-treated (73.1 +/- 1.4) group compared with untreated control (97.8 +/- 5.3, P < 0.01, Tukey test) and multiple intestinal neoplasia mice treated with control green fluorescence protein gene (103.3 +/- 1.7, P < 0.01, Tukey test).

CONCLUSION

Adenomatous polyposis coli gene dysfunction underlies tumorigenesis in familial adenomatous polyposis patients and multiple intestinal neoplasia mice. This in vivo study provides evidence to support a novel anti-adenoma strategy using enteral adenomatous polyposis coli gene replacement therapy.

Serrated adenoma of the duodenum

The duodenum is the most common site for extracolonic adenomas in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). These adenomas are usually tubular, villous, or tubulovillous. This report describes a patient with FAP who had a duodenal adenoma with a different histology--it had the microscopic attributes of a serrated adenoma--tumours that are relatively common in the colorectal mucosa and are occasionally found in the stomach. A 78 year old man with FAP and multiple adenomas was colectomised and the rectum amputated. Several years later he developed silent jaundice. The surgical specimen showed an adenomatous growth juxtaposing the papilla of Vater. The adenoma had epithelial fronds with crenated, sawtooth-like configurations caused by scalloped epithelial infolding. The nuclei covering the notched fronds were pleomorphic, stratified, either cigar shaped with irregular chromatin deposits or vesicular shaped with a large nucleolus. One area showed involvement of a duct by neoplastic epithelium with extension into periluminal glands. No invasive carcinoma was present. Serrated adenomas differ from tubular and villous adenomas in their histological organisation and their initial pattern of cell proliferation and genotypic aberration. Increased awareness of the existence of serrated neoplasms in the duodenum may result in similar cases being reported in the future.

Evaluation and management of periampullary tumors

Periampullary cancers make up 5% of all gastrointestinal cancers. The complexity of the periampullary anatomy makes determination of the origin of some of these tumors difficult. However, advances in imaging have helped with diagnosis as well as defining the extent of the lesion and its potential resectability. For many of these tumors, surgery is the recommended treatment. However, endoscopic removal is being extended to different lesions with encouraging preliminary results. Improvements in overall prognosis for periampullary tumors will be limited until diagnosis can be established earlier in the course of the disease and adjuvant therapies become more effective.