Subcutaneous emphysema associated with laparoscopic or robotic abdominal surgery: a retrospective single-center study

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous emphysema (SCE) is a common complication in laparoscopic surgery. However, its precise incidence and impact on the clinical course are partially known. In this study, the incidence and risk factors of SCE were retrospectively analyzed.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic/robotic abdominal surgery (e.g., gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, gynecologic, and urologic surgery) between October 2019 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of SCE was confirmed by either conclusive findings obtained through chest/abdominal X-ray examination immediately after operation, or intraoperative palpation conducted by nurses. X-ray examination was performed in the operation room before extubation.

RESULTS

A total of 2503 patients treated with laparoscopic/robotic abdominal surgery between October 2019 and September 2022 were identified and all of them were included in the analysis. SCE was confirmed in 23.1% of the patients (i.e., 577/2503). SCE was identified by X-ray examination in 97.6% of the patients. Extubation failure was observed in 10 patients; however, pneumothorax was not observed. Female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 2.09; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.69-2.57), age ≥ 80 years (OR 1.63; 95%CI 1.19-2.22), body mass index < 20 (OR 1.32; 95%CI 1.06-1.65), operation time > 360 min (OR 1.97; 95%CI 1.53-2.54), robotic surgery (OR 2.54; 95%CI 1.91-3.38), maximum intraabdominal pressure with CO2 > 15 mmHg (OR 1.79; 95%CI 1.02-3.16), and endo-tidal CO2 > 50 mmHg (OR 1.32; 95%CI 1.08-1.62)were identified as independent factors of SCE. Regarding the extubation failure due to SCE, age (OR 5.84; 95%CI 1.27-26.8) and maximum intraabdominal pressure with CO2 (OR 21.7; 95%CI 4.76-99.3) were identified as risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Although the presence of SCE is associated with a low risk of severe complications, monitoring of the perioperative intraabdominal pressure is essential for performing safe laparoscopic/robotic surgery, particularly in elderly patients.

Is preoperative pancreatic juice cytology useful for determining therapeutic strategies for patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas?

BACKGROUND

We compared the results of preoperative pancreatic juice cytology (PJC) and final pathological diagnosis after resection in patients who underwent resection of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas to determine whether preoperative PJC can help determine therapeutic strategies.

METHODS

Of 1130 patients who underwent surgical resection IPMN at 11 Japanese tertiary institutions, the study included 852 patients who underwent preoperative PJC guided by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

RESULTS

The accuracy of preoperative PJC for differentiation between cancerous and noncancerous lesions were 55% for IPMN overall; 59% for the branch duct type; 49% for the main pancreatic duct type; 53% for the mixed type, respectively. On classifying IPMN according to the diameters of the mural nodule (MN) and main pancreatic duct (MPD), the corresponding values for diagnostic performance were 40% for type 1 (MN ≥5 mm and MPD ≥ 10 mm); 46% for type 2 (MN ≥5 mm and MPD < 10 mm); 61% for type 3 (MN < 5 mm and MPD ≥ 10 mm); 72% for type 4 (MN < 5 mm and MPD < 10 mm), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PJC in IPMN is not a recommended examination because of its low overall sensitivity and no significant difference in diagnostic performance by type, location, or subclassification. Although the sensitivity is low, the positive predictive value is high, so we suggest that pancreatic juice cytology be performed only in cases where the patient is not sure about surgery.

A multi-institutional randomized phase III study comparing minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy versus open distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer; Japan Clinical Oncology Group study JCOG2202 (LAPAN study)

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP), including laparoscopic and robotic distal pancreatectomy, has gained widespread acceptance over the last decade owing to its favorable short-term outcomes. However, evidence regarding its oncologic safety is insufficient. In March 2023, a randomized phase III study was launched in Japan to confirm the non-inferiority of overall survival in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer undergoing MIDP compared with that of patients undergoing open distal pancreatectomy (ODP).

METHODS

This is a multi-institutional, randomized, phase III study. A total of 370 patients will be enrolled from 40 institutions within 4 years. The primary endpoint of this study is overall survival, and the secondary endpoints include relapse-free survival, proportion of patients undergoing radical resection, proportion of patients undergoing complete laparoscopic surgery, incidence of adverse surgical events, and length of postoperative hospital stay. Only a credentialed surgeon is eligible to perform both ODP and MIDP. All ODP and MIDP procedures will undergo centralized review using intraoperative photographs. The non-inferiority of MIDP to ODP in terms of overall survival will be statistically analyzed. Only if non-inferiority is confirmed will the analysis assess the superiority of MIDP over ODP.

DISCUSSION

If our study demonstrates the non-inferiority of MIDP in terms of overall survival, it would validate its short-term advantages and establish its long-term clinical efficacy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials as jRCT 1,031,220,705 [ https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT1031220705 ].

Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine therapy in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: A multicenter single-arm phase II study (NAC-GA trial)

Background

Nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine is a standard treatment for metastatic/locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy with nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (GnP-NAT) in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) remains unclear.

Patients and Methods

This single-arm phase II trial included 61 patients with BRPC that were treated with two cycles of GnP-NAT, (nab-paclitaxel 125 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2), on days 1, 8, and 15 over a 4-week period, which comprised one cycle. The primary endpoint was overall survival time. In the absence of disease progression, patients underwent planned pancreatectomy.

Results

Median overall survival, the primary endpoint, was 25.2 months, and the median recurrence-free survival was 12.3 months. The overall rate of grade 3/4 events was 73.8%. One patient, who had a history of radiation therapy for past esophageal cancer, died from exacerbation via pneumonia. The overall resection rate was 73.8% (n = 45), and the R0 resection rate was 63.9% (n = 39). Overall, postoperative complications were found in 19 patients (42%) with 24 events, and nine patients (20%) with nine events ≥ grade IIIa, based on Dindo's classification.

Conclusions

This protocol treatment is thought to be a feasible, safe, and promising treatment regimen, but we caution against its use in patients with a history of interstitial lung disease and/or prior pulmonary irradiation. The survival data from this study suggest the need for further investigations of GnP-NAT efficacy in patients with BRPC, as well as prospective evaluation of adverse events.

Clinical Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000024154 and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02926183.

Radiographic duodenal invasion is associated with poor prognosis and early recurrence in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The prognostic impact of radiographic duodenal invasion (rDI) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has yet to be fully elucidated. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of rDI in patients with PDAC after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 223 consecutive patients with resectable (R) and borderline resectable (BR)-PDAC that underwent up-front PD between 2002 and 2018. rDI was assessed by preoperative multi-detector row computed tomography.

RESULTS

Ninety-three (42%) patients with PDAC had rDI, and all of them had pathological DI (pDI). The rDI(+) group had larger tumor size, BR-PDAC was more common, there was higher serum CA19-9 level, and microscopic lymphovascular invasion was more common than in the rDI(-) group. rDI was associated with significant reduction in overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, rDI was an independent prognostic factor in OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38-0.73, P < 0.001] and RFS [HR = 0.56; 95% CI 0.40-0.78, P = 0.001]. rDI was also an independent risk factor for early recurrence within 12 months [odds ratio (OR) = 0.36; 95% CI 0.18-0.73, P = 0.005]. rDI had positive correlation with liver recurrence (P = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Biological aggressiveness of PDAC with rDI implies short OS and early recurrence with frequent liver metastasis. Aggressive perioperative chemotherapy is recommended to improve prognosis, especially for R-PDAC patients with rDI.

Protocol of the RACB study: a multicenter, single-arm, prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of resection of initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with atezolizumab combined with bevacizumab

BACKGROUND

Although the standard therapy for advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is systemic chemotherapy, the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab (atezo + bev) with a high objective response rate may lead to conversion to resection in patients with initially unresectable HCC. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of atezo + bev in achieving conversion surgery and prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) for initially unresectable HCC.

METHODS

The RACB study is a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, phase II trial evaluating the efficacy of combination therapy with atezo + bev for conversion surgery in patients with technically and/or oncologically unresectable HCC. The main eligibility criteria are as follows: (1) unresectable HCC without a history of systemic chemotherapy, (2) at least one target lesion based on RECIST ver. 1.1, and (3) a Child‒Pugh score of 5-6. The definition of unresectable tumors in this study includes macroscopic vascular invasion and/or extrahepatic metastasis and massive distribution of intrahepatic tumors. Patients will be treated with atezolizumab (1200 mg/body weight) and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) every 3 weeks. If the patient is considered resectable on radiological assessment 12 weeks after initial chemotherapy, the patient will be treated with atezolizumab monotherapy 3 weeks after combination chemotherapy followed by surgery 3 weeks after atezolizumab monotherapy. If the patient is considered unresectable, the patient will continue with atezo + bev and undergo a radiological assessment every 9 weeks until resectable or until disease progression. The primary endpoint is PFS, and the secondary endpoints are the overall response rate, overall survival, resection rate, curative resection rate, on-protocol resection rate, and ICG retention rate at 15 min after atezo + bev therapy. The assessments of safety and quality of life during the treatment course will also be evaluated. The number of patients has been set at 50 based on the threshold and the expected PFS rate at 6 months after enrollment of 40% and 60%, respectively, with a one-sided alpha error of 0.05 and power of 0.80. The enrollment and follow-up periods will be 2 and 1.5 years, respectively.

DISCUSSION

This study will elucidate the efficacy of conversion surgery with atezo + bev for initially unresectable HCC. In addition, the conversion rate, safety and quality of life during the treatment course will also be demonstrated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs051210148, January 7, 2022).

A comparative study between computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound in the detection of a mural nodule in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm -Multicenter observational study in Japan

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The detection of malignancy is a major concern in the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). The height of the mural nodule (MN), estimated using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and computed tomography (CT), has been considered crucial for predicting malignant IPMN. Currently, whether surveillance using CT or EUS alone is sufficient for detecting MNs remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the ability of CT and EUS to detect MNs in IPMN.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective observational study was conducted in 11 Japanese tertiary institutions. Patients who underwent surgical resection of IPMN with MN after CT and EUS examinations were eligible to participate. The MN detection rates between CT and EUS were examined.

RESULTS

Two-hundred-and-forty patients who underwent preoperative EUS and CT had pathologically confirmed MNs. The MN detection rates of EUS and CT were 83% and 53%, respectively (p < 0.001). Additionally, the MN detection rate of EUS was significantly higher than that of CT regardless of morphological type (76% vs. 47% in branch-duct-type IPMN; 90% vs. 54% in mixed IPMN; 98% vs. 56% in main-duct-type IPMN; p < 0.001). Further, pathologically confirmed MNs ≥5 mm were more frequently observed on EUS than on CT (95% vs. 76%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

EUS was superior to CT for the detection of MN in IPMN. EUS surveillance is essential for the detection of MNs.

Autophagy Inhibition Increased Sensitivity of Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Carbon Ion Radiotherapy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Pancreatic cancer has the poorest survival rate among all cancer types. Therefore, it is essential to develop an effective treatment strategy for this cancer.

METHODS

We performed carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and analyzed their survival, apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. To investigate the role of CIRT-induced autophagy, autophagy inhibitors were added to cells prior to CIRT. To evaluate tumor formation, we inoculated CIRT-treated murine pancreatic cancer cells on the flank of syngeneic mice and measured tumor weight. We immunohistochemically measured autophagy levels in surgical sections from patients with pancreatic cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) plus CIRT or NAC alone.

RESULTS

CIRT reduced the survival fraction of pancreatic cancer cells and induced apoptotic and necrotic alterations, along with autophagy. Preincubation with an autophagy inhibitor accelerated cell death. Mice inoculated with control pancreatic cancer cells developed tumors, while those inoculated with CIRT/autophagy inhibitor-treated cells showed significant evasion. Surgical specimens of NAC-treated patients expressed autophagy comparable to control patients, while those in the NAC plus CIRT group expressed little autophagy and nuclear staining.

CONCLUSION

CIRT effectively killed the pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting their autophagy-inducing abilities.

Radiological Shape of the Tumor Predicts Progression and Survival in Resected Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The histological features and radiological shape of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA) have not been widely studied in relation to prognosis. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is thought to be useful in diagnosis of progress and tumor distribution; it can also show morphological differences (round, triangular, and square forms) at the tumoral obstruction sites. Histological types of eCCA may be revealed, with potential association with tumor growth and survival.

METHODS

We examined the distribution of tumor radiological shape subtypes on MDCT. The surgical outcomes of consecutive patients with eCCA who underwent macroscopic curative resection were reviewed.

RESULTS

CT subtypes in 109 patients were 62 triangular, 35 square, and 12 round. There were clear prognostic differences in long-term survival rates (P < 0.001); 5-year survival rates were 100% in round, 64% in triangular, and 19% in square types. There was no recurrence in any cases of round-type tumor at the site of obstruction. Depth of tumor invasion and rates of nodal involvement were significantly higher in triangular and square-type tumors than in round-type tumors. In papillary adenocarcinoma, radiological obstructions were round type in seven patients (78%) and triangular type in two patients (22%). In tubular adenocarcinoma, all round-type tumors were well differentiated, the ratio of square-type tumors increasing as the degree of differentiation decreased from "well" to "moderate," and "poor" respectively (23%, 39%, 57%; P = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor radiological shape predicts tumor progression, histological type, and survival in eCCA. This information may be helpful in preoperative radiological staging on MDCT.

Detection of Abdominal Lymph Node Metastasis from Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor by Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy: Comparison with Somatostatin Receptor Type 2 Immunostaining

We report a 58-year-old male with a histopathologically proven grade 2 (G2) pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm and multiple abdominal node metastases by use of a laparoscopic pancreatic body and tail resection procedure, plus abdominal lymph node dissection. A primary pancreatic tail neuroendocrine tumor sized 20 × 25 mm was detected by contrast-enhanced computed tomography, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS), and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) examinations and pathologically diagnosed as a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET, G2) based on positive immunostaining for somatostatin receptor (SSTR) type 2. Of three metastatic histopathological lymph nodes, two measured 18 × 21 and 10 × 12 mm, respectively, with whole strong SSTR immunostaining showing moderate uptake in SRS findings, whereas the other node, sized 8 × 10 mm, had strong SSTR immunostaining only in a small 6 × 6-mm-sized portion and showed no uptake in SRS findings, likely because of the limited spatial resolution of scintigraphy. On the other hand, only the largest node (18 × 21 mm) was visualized by FDG-PET. SRS may be useful for metastatic lymph node diagnosis based on SSTR immunostaining, though a disadvantage is the spatial resolution limitation.

Development, validation, and comparison of a nomogram based on radiologic findings for predicting malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: An international multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Although we previously proposed a nomogram to predict malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) and validated it in an external cohort, its application is challenging without data on tumor markers. Moreover, existing nomograms have not been compared. This study aimed to develop a nomogram based on radiologic findings and to compare its performance with previously proposed American and Korean/Japanese nomograms.

METHODS

We recruited 3708 patients who underwent surgical resection at 31 tertiary institutions in eight countries, and patients with main pancreatic duct >10 mm were excluded. To construct the nomogram, 2606 patients were randomly allocated 1:1 into training and internal validation sets, and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was calculated using 10-fold cross validation by exhaustive search. This nomogram was then validated and compared to the American and Korean/Japanese nomograms using 1102 patients.

RESULTS

Among the 2606 patients, 90 had main-duct type, 900 had branch-duct type, and 1616 had mixed-type IPMN. Pathologic results revealed 1628 low-grade dysplasia, 476 high-grade dysplasia, and 502 invasive carcinoma. Location, cyst size, duct dilatation, and mural nodule were selected to construct the nomogram. AUC of this nomogram was higher than the American nomogram (0.691 vs 0.664, P = .014) and comparable with the Korean/Japanese nomogram (0.659 vs 0.653, P = .255).

CONCLUSIONS

A novel nomogram based on radiologic findings of IPMN is competitive for predicting risk of malignancy. This nomogram would be clinically helpful in circumstances where tumor markers are not available. The nomogram is freely available at http://statgen.snu.ac.kr/software/nomogramIPMN.

Malignant potential and specific characteristics of pure main duct type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

BACKGROUND

As the malignant potential of main duct (MD-) type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) has been discussed together with Mixed-type in most previous studies, the malignant potential of pure MD-type IPMN remains unclear. This study evaluated the specific characteristics and predictors of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC) for pure MD-type IPMN.

METHODS

From 1,100 patients with IPMN, this study includes 387 patients that underwent surgery. We evaluated the specific characteristics of pure MD-type IPMN by comparing clinicopathological factors between MD-type (n = 79) and branch duct (BD-) type (n = 146) or Mixed-type IPMN (n = 162), and predictors of HGD/invasive IPMC in pure MD-type IPMN.

RESULTS

The rate of HGD/invasive IPMC was significantly higher in MD-type than in BD-type (70.9 vs. 48.6%, P = 0.001), although there was no difference between MD-type and Mixed-type IPMNs (P = 0.343). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) of patients with MD-type were better than those of patients with Mixed-type (P = 0.008 and P = 0.009, respectively). There were no significant differences in RFS, overall survival, and DSS between patients with MD-type and patients with BD-type IPMNs. Multivariate analysis showed two independent predictors of HGD/invasive IPMC in MD-type IPMN; mural nodule height ≥5 mm (P = 0.025, odds ratio [OR]; 16.949) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level in the pancreatic juice obtained by preoperative endoscopic retrograde pancreatography ≥50 ng/ml (P = 0.039, OR; 9.091).

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of mural nodule height and CEA in the pancreatic juice might be useful in determining surgical indication for pure MD-type IPMN, although further studies for confirmation are essential.

Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of Neuroendocrine Carcinomas of the Gastrointestinal System

The neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastrointestinal system (GIS-NEC) is a rare but highly malignant neoplasm. We analyzed 115 cases using whole-genome/exome sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, DNA methylation assays, and/or ATAC-seq and found GIS-NECs to be genetically distinct from neuroendocrine tumors (GIS-NET) in the same location. Clear genomic differences were also evident between pancreatic NECs (Panc-NEC) and nonpancreatic GIS-NECs (Nonpanc-NEC). Panc-NECs could be classified into two subgroups (i.e., "ductal-type" and "acinar-type") based on genomic features. Alterations in TP53 and RB1 proved common in GIS-NECs, and most Nonpanc-NECs with intact RB1 demonstrated mutually exclusive amplification of CCNE1 or MYC. Alterations of the Notch gene family were characteristic of Nonpanc-NECs. Transcription factors for neuroendocrine differentiation, especially the SOX2 gene, appeared overexpressed in most GIS-NECs due to hypermethylation of the promoter region. This first comprehensive study of genomic alterations in GIS-NECs uncovered several key biological processes underlying genesis of this very lethal form of cancer.

SIGNIFICANCE

GIS-NECs are genetically distinct from GIS-NETs. GIS-NECs arising in different organs show similar histopathologic features and share some genomic features, but considerable differences exist between Panc-NECs and Nonpanc-NECs. In addition, Panc-NECs could be classified into two subgroups (i.e., "ductal-type" and "acinar-type") based on genomic and epigenomic features. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 587.

Pancreatectomy With Artery En-bloc Resection for Pancreatic Neck/Body Cancer: A Single-arm Pilot Study

BACKGROUND/AIM

The potential benefits of pancreatectomy with major arterial resection have been studied in the past, but findings remain controversial. Pancreatic neck/body cancer (PNBC) involving arteries frequently requires combined resection of the pancreas, artery and portal vein.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nine prospectively-registered consecutive patients with PNBC were enrolled, all underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with common hepatic artery en-bloc resection (PD-CHAR). We investigated the safety of PD-CHAR by blood flow evaluation with intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in reconstructed vessels/organs.

RESULTS

Among patients who underwent PD-CHAR, there was no severe morbidity. Artery/portal vein combined resection and reconstruction was performed in all patients. Four (44%) patients had pathological positivity for cancer cell invasion into the nerve plexus of artery at the site of radiographic artery involvement, although one (11%) was diagnosed with pathological artery involvement.

CONCLUSION

PD-CHAR following neoadjuvant therapy might be feasible for PNBC without severe postoperative complications. Survival benefits in PNBC should be confirmed in further studies.

Circulating Tumor DNA as a Potential Prognostic Marker in Patients with Borderline-Resectable Pancreatic Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) might be a promising biomarker for pancreatic cancer in liquid biopsy. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of liquid biopsy for patients with borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer (BR-PC).

METHODS

Patients with BR-PC according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines (2017) and eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by pancreatectomy were recruited at Wakayama Medical University Hospital (UMIN000026647) between March 2017 and April 2020. The study enrolled 55 patients with locally advanced PC, and each patient consented to inclusion in the study. The study investigated the relationship between KRAS status in ctDNA and clinicopathologic features, analyzing ctDNA at three time points: pretreatment, post-NAC, and post-operation.

RESULTS

Of the 55 enrolled patients with a diagnosis of BR-PC, 34 were scheduled to undergo pancreatectomy. From 27 patients with resected BR-PC, 81 blood samples were analyzed in triplicate for ctDNA. The patients with positive pretreatment and post-NAC ctDNA status had no significant decrease in median relapse-free survival (RFS) or overall survival (OS). However, the patients with positive postoperation ctDNA status had a significantly shorter median OS (723 days) than the patients with negative ctDNA results (not reached; P = 0.0148). A combined analysis of postoperative ctDNA and CA19-9 values showed the cumulative effect on both RFS (P = 0.0066) and OS (P = 0.0046). The adjusted hazard ratio for risk of survival computed for the patients carrying risk factors (either detectable ctDNA or CA19-9 > 37 U/ml) increased from 4.13-fold to 17.71-fold (both P = 0.0055) compared with the patients who had no risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Positive ctDNA predicts poor survival for patients with BR-PC who undergo NAC followed by pancreatectomy.

Covered self-expandable metal stents versus plastic stents for preoperative biliary drainage in patient receiving neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: Prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVES

This single-center comparative randomized superiority study compared biliary stenting using fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) and biliary stenting using plastic stents (PS) in preoperative biliary drainage of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) who are planned to undergo a single regimen of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with BRPC who required preoperative biliary drainage before NAC (Gemcitabine plus Nab-paclitaxel) were randomly assigned 1:1 to the FCSEMS or PS group. The primary endpoint was the rate of stent dysfunction until surgery or tumor progression. Secondary endpoints were stent patency, number of re-interventions, adverse events of endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (EBD), operation time, volume of intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospitalization, postoperative adverse events and medical costs.

RESULTS

Eleven patients in each of the groups reached the primary endpoint. The FCSEMS group showed a significantly lower rate of stent dysfunction (18.2% vs. 72.8%, P = 0.015), longer stent patency (P = 0.02), and lower number of re-interventions for stent dysfunction (0.27 ± 0.65 vs. 1.27 ± 1.1, P = 0.001) than the PS group. The adverse events of EBD, operation time, volume of intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospitalization, postoperative adverse events and medical costs did not significantly differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with BRPC for preoperative biliary drainage, stent dysfunction occurred less frequently with FCSEMSs than with PSs. In addition, FCSEMS and PS provided similar preoperative management of BRPC in terms of the safety of surgery and medical costs. (UMIN ID000030473).

ISOlation Procedure vs. conventional procedure during Distal Pancreatectomy (ISOP-DP trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) is an isolation procedure in pancreatosplenectomy for pancreatic body/tail cancer. Connective tissues around the bifurcation of the celiac axis are dissected, followed by median-to-left retroperitoneal dissection. This procedure has the potential to isolate blood and lymphatic flow to the area of the pancreatic body/tail and the spleen to be excised. This is achieved by division of the inflow artery, transection of the pancreas, and then division of the outflow vein in the early phases of surgery. In cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the procedure has been shown to decrease intraoperative blood loss and increase R0 resection rate by complete clearance of the lymph nodes. This trial investigates whether the isolation procedure can prolong the survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who undergo distal pancreatosplenectomy (DPS) compared with those that undergo the conventional approach.

METHODS/DESIGN

Patients with PDAC scheduled to undergo DPS are randomized before surgery to undergo either a conventional procedure (arm A) or to undergo the isolation procedure (arm B). In arm A, the pancreatic body, tail, and spleen are mobilized, followed by removal of the regional lymph nodes. The splenic vein is transected at the end of the procedure. The timing of division of the splenic artery (SA) is not restricted. In arm B, regional lymph nodes are dissected, then we transect the root of the SA, the pancreas, then the splenic vein. At the end of the procedure, the pancreatic body/tail and spleen are mobilized and removed. In total, 100 patients from multiple Japanese high-volume centers will be randomized. The primary endpoint is 2-year recurrence-free survival by intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary endpoints include intraoperative blood loss, R0 resection rate, and overall survival.

DISCUSSION

If this trial shows that the isolation procedures can improve survival with a similar R0 rate and with a similar number of lymph node dissections to the conventional procedure, the isolation procedure is expected to become a standard procedure during DPS for PDAC. Conversely, if there were no significant differences in endpoints between the groups, it would demonstrate justification of either procedure from surgical and oncological points of view.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000041381 . Registered on 10 August 2020. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04600063 . Registered on 22 October 2020.

Preoperative In-Hospital Rehabilitation Improves Physical Function in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer Scheduled for Surgery

Low preoperative physical function in cancer patients is associated with postoperative complications; however, there have been no reports on the benefits of in-hospital preoperative rehabilitation on preoperative physical function in patients with pancreatic cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantitatively determine the effects of preoperative in-hospital rehabilitation provided under the supervision of a physiotherapist, on preoperative physical function in patients with pancreatic cancer. The study subjects were 26 patients (15 males, 11 females; age 71.2 ± 8.5 years, range: 51-87 years), including four patients with preoperative chemotherapy, scheduled for surgery for pancreatic cancer. Muscle strengthening exercises and aerobic exercises were conducted 11.9 ± 5.1 days prior to surgery. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, 6-minute walk distance, and the Functional Independence Measure score were measured before and after the rehabilitation program. We also investigated the relation between the rehabilitation program and incidence of postoperative complications. All 26 study patients completed the preoperative rehabilitation program and no adverse events were noted. Peak oxygen uptake during cardiopulmonary exercise testing and 6-minute walk distance increased significantly after the rehabilitation program. The Functional Independence Measure score remained constant throughout the intervention. No wound infection, delirium, deep vein thrombosis, or respiratory complications were encountered postoperatively. In-hospital preoperative rehabilitation under the supervision of a physiotherapist significantly improved physical function and maintained physical activity in patients with pancreatic cancer. Such improvements may contribute toward preventing serious postoperative complications, resulting in better outcomes.

Complete circumferential lymphadenectomy around the superior mesenteric artery with preservation of nerve plexus reduces locoregional recurrence after pancreatoduodenectomy for resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of recurrence pattern and risk factors for recurrence are essential for good rates of survival after upfront pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 167 consecutive patients who underwent upfront PD for resectable PDAC between 2000 and 2018. Postoperative recurrences were classified into three patterns according to initial recurrence site: isolated locoregional, isolated distant, and simultaneous locoregional and distant recurrences.

RESULTS

This study found 114 patients who developed postoperative recurrence (68.3%), including 37 patients with isolated locoregional recurrence (32.5%), 67 patients with isolated distant recurrence (58.8%), and 10 patients with simultaneous locoregional and distant recurrences (6.0%). When locoregional recurrence was classified based on the location of recurrent lesions, locoregional recurrence most commonly occurred around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) (70.2%), followed by around the hepatic artery (25.5%) and in the paraaortic region (14.9%). Multivariate analyses showed that complete circumferential lymphadenectomy around the SMA, including not only the right side, but also the left side, was an independent factor for reduction of locoregional recurrence (P = 0.019, odds ratio [OR]: 2.217). Lymph node metastasis was an independent risk factor for both locoregional (P < 0.001, OR: 3.686) and distant recurrences (P < 0.001, OR: 4.315). Non-completion of postoperative adjuvant therapy was a risk factor for distant recurrence (P < 0.001, OR: 3.748).

CONCLUSION

Based on our data, complete circumferential lymphadenectomy around the SMA might contribute to local control, and multidisciplinary treatment including neoadjuvant therapy might be needed for resectable PDAC with high risk for recurrence.

Previous upper abdominal surgery is a risk factor for nasogastric tube reinsertion after pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomy without subsequent nasogastric tube management has not been widely adopted due to delayed gastric emptying, the specific and frequent morbidity associated with this surgical procedure. We assessed the feasibility of pancreaticoduodenectomy without use of nasogastric tubes and the risk factors for subsequent nasogastric tube reinsertion.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 465 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at a single institution between 2010 and 2019. Primary endpoint was the rate of nasogastric tube reinsertion. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors of nasogastric tube reinsertion and delayed gastric emptying.

RESULTS

The rate of nasogastric tube reinsertion was 10.1% (47/465). The rate of delayed gastric emptying was 9.5% (44/465). Logistic regression analysis identified 4 independent risk factors for nasogastric tube reinsertion: male sex (odds ratio = 4.42; 95% confidence interval 1.50-13.0, P = .007), comorbidity of cardiac ischemia (odds ratio = 3.04; 95% confidence interval 1.05-8.79, P = .041), preoperative cholangitis or cholecystitis (odds ratio = 2.21; 95% confidence interval 1.02-4.76, P = .044), and previous upper abdominal surgery (odds ratio = 8.34; 95% confidence interval 3.07-22.7, P < .001). Independent risk factors for delayed gastric emptying were male sex (odds ratio = 3.20; 95% confidence interval 1.11-9.21, P = .031), comorbidity of cardiac ischemia (odds ratio = 3.81; 95% confidence interval 1.34-10.8, P = .012), concomitant organ resection (odds ratio = 3.99; 95% confidence interval 1.10-14.4, P = .035), and previous upper abdominal surgery (odds ratio = 7.21; 95% confidence interval 2.68-19.4, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Pancreaticoduodenectomy without use of nasogastric tubes is feasible, but patients with previous upper abdominal surgery require careful postoperative nasogastric tube management.

Advances in immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Advances in immunotherapy against advanced cancers can be considered stunning and epoch-making. Meanwhile, efficacy of immune-based therapies, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, remains insufficient in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, differing from other immunogenic cancers. To date, neither immunotherapies targeting immune system acceleration nor release of immunologic brakes have been able to overcome the robust immune barrier in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, which is characterized by rich fibrotic stroma and accumulation of immunosuppressive myeloid cells. However, by receiving an immune checkpoint blockade, patients with abundant tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma clearly have better prognosis, and patients with mismatch repair deficiency have achieved better outcomes, albeit in a small population of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We overview recent preclinical and clinical studies that have been concerned with immune-based therapies including cancer vaccine and immune checkpoint inhibitors. By providing a deep insight into the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, we suggest the possibility of comprehensive immune intensification that could reverse the tumor microenvironment, making it conducive to cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity for overcoming pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Prognostic impact of adjuvant chemolipiodolization and treatment frequency on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy: Prospective study with historical control group

BACKGROUND

Reducing or minimizing metastatic recurrence is a consideration in prolongation of survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. We previously proposed single adjuvant chemolipiodolization (ACL) as a possible adjuvant treatment. The current study aims to further improve prognosis by performing ACL three times (sequential-ACL).

METHODS

We examined the prognostic impact of sequential-ACL compared with our historical cohort groups: resection alone (non-ALC) and single-ACL. We evaluated recurrence-free survival (RFS), recurrence pattern, and overall survival. Multivariate prognostic analyses were used to adjust baseline bias between three treatment groups.

RESULTS

Non-ACL (n = 64), single-ACL (n = 137), and sequential-ACL (n = 95) showed 40, 54, and 62% of two-year RFS rates (P = 0.03 and P = 0.007 compared with non-ACL). Recurrence pattern beyond Milan criteria was frequently observed in the non-ACL group (P = 0.003). Five-year overall survival rates of these three groups were 53, 69, and 77% (P = 0.02 and 0.002 compared with non-ACL). Single- and sequential-ACL were selected as independent favorable factors for five-year overall survival; their hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 0.61 (0.37-0.99) and 0.48 (0.26-0.86). However, compared with single-ACL, there was no additional prognostic effects of sequential-ACL.

CONCLUSIONS

Single- and sequential-ACL treatment both showed better RFS and overall survival with minimized recurrence patterns than resection alone. There was not sufficient additional benefit by sequential-ACL, however, over single-ACL. Single-ACL might therefore be appropriate as an adjuvant therapy.

No Significant Effect of Daikenchuto (TJ-100) on Peritoneal IL-9 and IFN-γ Levels After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Aim and Background

TJ-100 is a traditional Japanese medicine that affects inflammation and gastrointestinal motility, and is used as a preventive and treatment for paralytic ileus. This study aims at determining the effect of TJ-100 on the peritoneal levels of IFN-γ/IL-9, cytokines related to ileus, after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in a clinical setting.

Methods

This was a subsidiary study of the clinical trial investigating the effect of TJ-100 on postoperative bowel function. Ascites was collected from 180 patients using an abdominal drainage tube on postoperative day 1 and 3 after PD (POD 1 or POD 3) and used to measure 27 cytokines. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses using several perioperative variables and administration of TJ-100/placebo to determine the effect of TJ-100 on the levels of IFN-γ and IL-9.

Results

Peritoneal levels of IL-9 and IFN-γ decreased between POD 1 and 3 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test p<0.001). Multivariate analysis was performed after univariate analysis to select the variables and patients with a body mass index of ≥22 kg/m², older age, use of epidural anesthesia, and longer surgery correlated with the levels of IL-9 and IFN-γ. However, we could not detect a correlation between the use of TJ-100 and cytokine levels in ascites either on POD 1 or 3.

Conclusion

TJ-100 did not affect peritoneal IL-9 and IFN-γ levels after PD. This was in accordance with published clinical findings showing no improvement in bowel function after PD and TJ-100 treatment.

Impact of Ninjin'Yoeito on Fatigue in Patients Receiving Nab-Paclitaxel Plus Gemcitabine Therapy: A Prospective, Single-Arm, Phase II Open Label, Nonrandomized, Historically-Controlled Study

Background

Ninjin'yoeito, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, is used to prevent fatigue, loss of appetite, and coldness of limbs. Fatigue is an especially common issue during chemotherapy and can affect quality of life and the ability to complete scheduled treatment.

Objectives

This prospective exploratory trial evaluates the efficacy of ninjin'yoeito for fatigue in patients undergoing nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine therapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer. The primary end point was evaluation of fatigue according to Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score during 2 courses of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine therapy. Secondary end points included evaluation of dose intensity, appetite loss using numerical rating scale, and peripheral neuropathy using a patient neurotoxicity questionnaire.

Methods

We compared data from this interventional trial with a prior observational trial without administration of ninjin'yoeito with identical definition of end points (UMIN000021758). Thirty patients were required by the study.

Results

Threshold mean of Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score across 8 weeks during chemotherapy was under 5.3 (P = 0.002). Secondary end points did not reveal any specific patterns in appetite loss or degree of pain. No significant changes in patient neurotoxicity questionnaire concerning sensory/motor disorders were observed, but the mean (SD) incidence of patients with sensory disturbance was higher between the fifth and eighth weeks (8.8 [1.26]) than during the first and fourth weeks (4.8 [0.96]) (P = 0.003). Clinically significant adverse reactions of ninjin'yoeito were not observed.

Conclusions

Ninjin'yoeito may be useful for improving the symptoms of fatigue caused by nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry identifier: UMIN000025606. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX–XXX)

Surgical indication for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm without mural nodule ≥5 mm

BACKGROUND

In intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, a mural nodule ≥5 mm is an important predictor of malignancy. Surgical indication is less clear in cases of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm without mural nodule ≥5 mm. This is a retrospective study evaluating predictors of high-grade dysplasia or invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm without mural nodule ≥5 mm.

METHODS

Among consecutive patients who underwent surgery for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm between 1999 and 2018, 174 had intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with mural nodule ≥5 mm (mural nodule[+] ≥5 mm group). The remaining 155 patients had intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm but did not have mural nodule ≥5 mm: 24 patients with mural nodule <5 mm (mural nodule[+] <5 mm group) and 131 patients without mural nodule (mural nodule[-] group). We investigated predictors of high-grade dysplasia or invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm in cases of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm without mural nodule ≥5 mm.

RESULTS

The frequency of high-grade dysplasia invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm was significantly higher in the mural nodule(+) ≥5 mm group (87.4%) than in the mural nodule(+) <5 mm group (37.5%, P < .001) and mural nodule(-) group (45.0%, P < .001). However, frequency was not significantly different between mural nodule(+) <5 mm and mural nodule(-) groups (P = .494). Multivariate analysis showed three independent predictors of high-grade dysplasia invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm without mural nodule ≥5 mm: branch cyst ≥40 mm (P = .038, odds ratio 3.704; 95% confidence interval, 1.075-12.821), positive cytology of pancreatic juice (P = .039, odds ratio 16.792; 95% confidence interval, 1.152-244.744), and carcinoembryonic antigen in pancreatic juice ≥30 mg/mL (P < .001, odds ratio 14.925; 95% confidence interval, 4.525-50.0).

CONCLUSION

For cases of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm without mural nodule ≥5 mm, large cysts, positive cytology of the pancreatic juice, and high levels of carcinoembryonic antigen in pancreatic juice may be useful to determine surgical indication, although further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Radiographic Splenic Artery Involvement Is a Poor Prognostic Factor in Upfront Surgery for Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Body and Tail Cancer

PURPOSE

The prognostic impact of radiographic splenic vessel involvement in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. We evaluate its oncological significance in resectable pancreatic body/tail cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively review 102 cases of resectable pancreatic cancer and 51 of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) who underwent pancreatectomy for pancreatic body/tail cancer. Resectable pancreatic body/tail cancer was classified into one of three categories based on radiographic splenic vessel involvement.

RESULTS

Among 102 cases of resectable pancreatic cancer, 37 (36.3%), 35 (34.3%), and 30 cases (29.4%) were classified as no splenic vessel involvement (R_none), splenic vein involvement (RV), and splenic artery involvement (RA), respectively. Disease-free survival (DFS) among patients with R_none, RV, RA, and BRPC was 58.5, 18.4, 10.8, and 9.2 months, respectively. Patients with RV and RA had significantly poorer DFS than patients with R_none (P = 0.010, P < 0.001, respectively). Median survival among R_none, RV, RA, and BRPC was 80.6, 23.4, 15.1, and 21.3 months, respectively. Patients with RV and RA had significantly poorer survival than patients with R_none (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively) and had short survival similar to that of those with BRPC. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis detected preoperative CA19-9 ≥ 37 IU/L, radiologic splenic vein involvement, radiologic splenic artery involvement, intraoperative bleeding ≥ 500 ml, transfusion, positive washing cytology, and noncompletion of adjuvant therapy as independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiographic splenic artery involvement is a poor prognostic factor in resectable pancreatic body/tail cancer and may have a role in stratification of treatment strategy.

Effective Response of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma to Pembrolizumab: A Case Report

BACKGROUND/AIM

The efficacy of pembrolizumab for intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (IHCCC) is not widely reported.

CASE REPORT

We began pembrolizumab treatment in a 69-year-old male with recurrent IHCCC at 18 months after his surgery because of the proven microsatellite instability (MSI)-high status. The patient had partial response, with an 82.5% reduction at the end of 18 courses. Immunostaining of the primary tumor revealed intra-tumoral infiltration of both PD-1+ and CD8+ T cells, and a low expression of PD-L1.

CONCLUSION

Intra-tumoral infiltration of both PD-1+ and CD8+ T cells may be a predictive factor of the efficacy of pembrolizumab. Expression of PD-L1 did not correlate with a therapeutic effect, but the tumor microenvironment of our patient's recurrent lesions may have been modified by conventional chemotherapy and CD8+ T cells.

Preoperative Scoring System to Predict Prognosis in Patients Who Undergo Neoadjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study investigated the feasibility of an integrated scoring system of preoperative prognostic parameters using data from before/after neoadjuvant therapy in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We constructed and analyzed a prognostic scoring system using factors that were previously reported to be significant prognostic indicators or predictors of histological response.

RESULTS

We analyzed 28 consecutive patients with BRPC who underwent neoadjuvant therapy and subsequent surgical resection. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) were greater in patients with high scores (n=11) than in patients with low scores (n=17; log-rank test p=0.03/0.028). Pathological N0 status (p<0.05) and tumor cell destruction rate >50% (p<0.05) were found at a higher incidence among patients with high scores.

CONCLUSION

OS and RFS can be predicted with an integrated scoring system that uses prognostic indices before/after neoadjuvant therapy for BRPC.

Propensity score-matched analysis of internal stent vs external stent for pancreatojejunostomy during pancreaticoduodenectomy: Japanese-Korean cooperative project

BACKGROUND

Several studies comparing internal and external stents have been conducted with the aim of reducing pancreatic fistula after PD. There is still no consensus, however, on the appropriate use of pancreatic stents for prevention of pancreatic fistula. This multicenter large cohort study aims to evaluate whether internal or external pancreatic stents are more effective in reduction of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

We reviewed 3149 patients (internal stent n = 1,311, external stent n = 1838) who underwent PD at 20 institutions in Japan and Korea between 2007 and 2013. Propensity score matched analysis was used to minimize bias from nonrandomized treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was the incidence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula. This study was registered on the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000032402).

RESULTS

After propensity score matched analysis, clinically relevant pancreatic fistula occurred in more patients in the external stents group (280 patients, 28.7%) than in patients in the internal stents group (126 patients, 12.9%) (OR 2.713 [95% CI, 2.139-3.455]; P < 0.001). In subset analysis of a high-risk group with soft pancreas and no dilatation of the pancreatic duct, clinically relevant pancreatic fistula occurred in 90 patients (18.8%) in internal stents group and 183 patients (35.4%) in external stents group. External stents were significantly associated with increased risk for clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (OR 2.366 [95% CI, 1.753-3.209]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Propensity score matched analysis showed that, regarding clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after PD, internal stents are safer than external stents for pancreaticojejunostomy.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients with biliary neoplasms: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

Background and aims  Treatment of biliary neoplasms often involves multiple endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related procedures. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) may prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). This retrospective, multicenter cohort study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ES for prevention of PEP in patients with biliary neoplasm. Methods  Patients with biliary duct neoplasm who underwent ERCP between January 2006 and December 2016 were enrolled. The frequency of PEP was compared between the ES and non-ES groups using propensity score analysis. The effectiveness of ES in subgroups of patients who underwent biliary duct stent placement, intraductal ultrasound (IDUS), and transpapillary biliary duct biopsy was analyzed by logistic regression. Results  Of the 362 patients enrolled, 84 (23.2 %) developed PEP. Propensity score matching for PEP risk factors in 172 ERCP procedures showed that the frequency of PEP in the ES group was lower than that in the non-ES group (19.7 % vs. 33.7 %). Non-ES was also an independent risk factor for PEP in patients who underwent intraductal ultrasound and transpapillary biliary duct biopsy (RR = 4.54 and 5.26), but was not an independent risk factor for PEP in patients with biliary duct stents. In addition, there was no evidence that the frequency of PEP was statistically different between patients with plastic stents and metal stents in the ES and non-ES groups ( P  = 0.14 and 0.10). Conclusions  ES is an effective technique to prevent PEP in patients with biliary neoplasms. In particular, ES is a safe technique to prevent PEP when performing IDUS and transpapillary biliary duct biopsy.

The development of therapeutic cancer vaccine for pancreatic cancer

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Background: A previous phase II/III trial using a single cancer peptide vaccine derived from vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)2 for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer did not demonstrate the overall survival (OS) benefit (Yamaue et al. Cancer Sci 2015). However, for the next trial, we conducted a multicenter phase II study using multipeptide cocktail vaccine named OCV-C01 derived from a novel higher immunogenic antigen KIF20A, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 combined with gemcitabine in postoperative adjuvant setting. Methods: A single-arm multicenter phase II study was performed on 30 patients with pancreatic ductal carcinoma who underwent pancreatectomy. At each 28-day treatment cycle, patients received weekly subcutaneous injection of OCV-C01 for 48 weeks, and gemcitabine was administered intravenously at 1,000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 for 24 weeks. Patients were followed for 18 months. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS) and secondary endpoints included safety, OS and immunological assays on peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity and KIF20A expression in resected pancreatic cancer. Results: The median DFS was 15.8 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 11.1-20.6), and the DFS rate at 18 months was 34.6% (95% CI, 18.3-51.6). The median OS was not reached and the OS rate at 18 months was 69.0% (95% CI, 48.8-82.5). The administration of OCV-C01 was well tolerated. In the per protocol set, there were significant differences in DFS between patients with and without KIF20A-specific CTL responses (p = 0.027), and between patients with and without KIF20A expression in resected pancreatic cancer tissues (p = 0.014). In addition, all four patients who underwent R0 resection with KIF20A expression had no recurrence of pancreatic cancer with KIF20A-specific CTL responses. Conclusions: OCV-C01 combined with gemcitabine was tolerable with a favorable median DFS of 15.8 months. In cancer vaccine treatment, positive expression of targeted antigen was essential, and postoperative adjuvant setting was more suitable than advanced state of cancer. Clinical trial information: UMIN000007991.

Diffusion-weighted MRI predicts the histologic response for neoadjuvant therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer: a prospective study (DIFFERENT trial)

PURPOSE

Pre-operative prediction of histological response to neoadjuvant therapy aids decisions regarding surgical management of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC). We elucidate correlation between pre-/post-treatment whole-tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and rate of tumor cell destruction. We newly verify whether post-treatment ADC value at the site of vascular contact predicts R0 resectability of BRPC.

METHODS

We prospectively reviewed 28 patients with BRPC who underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging before neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. Correlation between the percentage of tumor cell destruction and various parameters was analyzed. Strong parameters were assessed for their ability to predict therapeutic histological response and R0 resectability.

RESULTS

Pre-/post-treatment whole-tumor ADC value correlated with tumor cell destruction rate by all parameters (R = 0.630/0.714, P < 0.001/< 0.0001). The post-treatment cutoff value of ADC at the site of vascular contact for discriminating histological response of tumor destruction of ≤ 50% and tumor destruction of > 50% was determined at 1.42 × 10^-3 mm²/s. It predicts R0 with 88% sensitivity, 50% specificity, and 61% accuracy. For histological response, the post-treatment whole-tumor ADC cutoff value for discriminating between tumor destruction of ≤ 50% and tumor destruction of > 50% was determined at 1.40 × 10^-3 mm²/s. It predicts histological response with 100% sensitivity, 81% specificity, and 89% accuracy. It predicts R0 with 88% sensitivity, 70% specificity, and 75% accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-treatment whole-tumor ADC value may be a predictor of R0 resectability in patients with BRPC. Tumor cell destruction rate is indicated by the difference between pre-/post-treatment ADC values. This difference is strongly affected by the pre-treatment ADC value. The cutoff value of ADC at the site of vascular contact could not discriminate R0 resectability.

Fully covered self-expandable metal stent with an anti-migration system vs plastic stent for distal biliary obstruction caused by borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: A protocol for systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Biliary obstruction can impair the effectiveness of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. This study was designed to compare biliary stenting with covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) and plastic stents (PS) in patients with biliary obstruction caused by borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) who were undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy during preoperative biliary drainage.

METHODS

This single-center, comparative, randomized, superiority study was designed to compare FCSEMS with PS for drainage of biliary obstruction of BRPC. Twenty two eligible patients providing informed consent will be randomized 1:1 by computer to either FCSEMS or PS for endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD). All subsequent clinical interventions, including crossover to alternative procedures, will be at the discretion of the treating physician based on standard clinical care. The primary outcomes will be the rates and causes of stent dysfunction during preoperative biliary drainage. Other outcomes include time required for ERBD, adverse events related to ERBD, period from ERBD to surgery, percentage of patients able to undergo surgery, operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative adverse events, and postoperative hospitalization. Subjects, treating clinicians, and outcome assessors will not be blinded to assignment.

DISCUSSION

This study is intended to determine whether FCSEMS or PS is the better biliary stent for ERBD for management of patients with biliary obstruction of BRPC, a common clinical dilemma that has not yet been investigated in randomized trials.

TRIALS REGISTRATION

UMIN-CTR, Identifier: UMIN000030473. Registered July 10, 2017, Wakayama Medical University Hospital.

Surgical strategy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas

The current treatment strategy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), based on the international consensus guideline, has been accepted widely. However, reported outcomes after surgical resection for IPMN show that once the tumor progresses to invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC), recurrence is not uncommon. The surgical treatment for IPMN is invasive and sometimes followed by complications. Therefore, the best timing for resection might be at the point when high-grade dysplasia (HGD) is evident. According to previous reports, main duct type IPMN has a high malignant potential and its surgical resection is universally accepted, whereas, the incidence of HGD/invasive IPMC in branch duct and mixed type IPMNs is thought to be lower. In addition to mural nodules and a dilated main pancreatic duct, cytology and measurement of the carcinoembryonic antigen level in the pancreatic juice might be useful to differentiate HGD/invasive IPMC from low-grade dysplasia. The nomogram proposed recently to predict the risk of HGD/invasive IPMC in IPMN patients might help surgeons decide on the best treatment strategy, depending on the patient's age and general condition. Second resection for high-risk lesions in the remnant pancreas might improve the survival of IPMN patients.

Effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage for noncapsulated postoperative pancreatic collection

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pancreatic collection (POPC) is a frequent complication after pancreatectomy. Although percutaneous drainage (PD) has been the treatment of choice for POPC with encapsulation, endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage (EUS-TD) was recently reported effective for this condition. The main aim of this retrospective study was to compare EUS-TD and PD in terms of effectiveness and safety as the first procedure in patients with noncapsulated POPC.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent pancreatectomy and developed noncapsulated POPC requiring EUS-TD or PD between April 2003 and May 2018 were enrolled. Noncapsulated POPC was defined as pancreatic collection appearing within 28 days postoperatively and lacking a thick encapsulating inflammatory wall on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The effectiveness of drainage was compared between the two groups before and after propensity-score matching of patient characteristics. Outcomes of interest included re-intervention rate, number of re-interventions, immediate complication, remote complication, and time to clinical resolution after the procedure.

RESULTS

A sum of 81 patients were included: 14 underwent EUS-TD, and 67 underwent PD. There were significant differences between groups in POPC size and type of surgery. Propensity-score matching selected 13 patients who underwent EUS-TD and 28 who underwent PD. Re-intervention rate (p = 0.045), and number of re-interventions (p = 0.026) were significantly lower in the matched EUS-TD group than in the matched PD group. There were no significant between-group differences in immediate complication and remote complication. The time to clinical resolution after the procedure was significantly shorter in the matched EUS-TD than in the matched PD group (14 versus 26 days; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

EUS-TD is more effective than PD for drainage of noncapsulated POPC. EUS-TD should be considered as the first treatment of choice for noncapsulated POPC visible on EUS.

Visualization and quantification of anastomotic perfusion in colorectal surgery using near-infrared fluorescence

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most troublesome complications in colorectal surgery. Recently, near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging has been used intraoperatively to detect sentinel lymph nodes and visualize the blood supply at the region of interest (ROI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of visualization and quantification of bowel perfusion around the anastomosis using NIRF system in predicting AL.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on patients who had laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer at our institution. Perfusion of the anastomosis was evaluated with NIRF imaging after intravenous injection of indocyanine green (ICG). The time course of fluorescence intensity was recorded by an imaging analyzer We measured the time from ICG injection to the beginning of fluorescence (T₀), maximum intensity (I_max), time to reach I_max (T_max), time to reach I_max 50% ([Formula: see text]) and slope (S) after the anastomosis.

RESULTS

Tumor locations were as follows; cecum: 2, ascending colon: 2, transverse colon: 7, descending colon: 1, sigmoid colon: 2, rectosigmoid colon: 3 and rectum: 6 (one case with synchronous cancer). All operations were performed laparoscopically. Four patients were diagnosed with or suspected to have AL (2 patients with grade B anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection, 1 patient with minor leakage in transverse colon resection and 1 patient needing re-anastomosis intraoperatively in transverse colon resection). T₀ was significantly longer in the AL group than in patients without AL (64.3 ± 27.6 and 18.2 ± 6.6 s, p = 2.2 × 10^-3).

CONCLUSIONS

Perfusion of the anastomosis could be successfully visualized and quantified using NIRF imaging with ICG. T₀ might be a useful parameter for prediction of AL.

Prognostic Analysis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Hepatitis C Virus Infection Using Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Gene Profiles

BACKGROUND

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes have prognostic influence on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previously, the following four epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related genes were considered to be significantly influential: E-cadherin (CDH1), inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (ID2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and transcription factor 3 (TCF3). A prognostic prediction model, NRISK4 = (-0.333 × [CDH1] - 0.400 × [ID2] + 0.339 × [MMP9] + 0.387 × [TCF3]) was constructed, but from patients with HCC with predominantly hepatitis B virus infection. We therefore aim to validate if this model also fits patients with HCC and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS

We collected HCC tissue samples from 67 patients with HCV infection. Discrimination of the NRISK4 was re-estimated using receiver operating curve analysis and we redefined the appropriate cutoff value. Using this cutoff value, patients were divided into two groups (high/low risk patients) and we compared their clinicopathological factors and prognosis.

RESULTS

Area under the curve of NRISK4 prediction was 0.70 and an appropriate cutoff value was 3.19 in this cohort. Patients were divided into high- (n = 25) and low-risk (n = 42) patients for prognosis. There were no significant differences in tumor factors between the two groups. Cancer-specific survival rates at 5 y after surgery on high- and low-risk patients were 45% and 68%, respectively (P = 0.02). At 2 y after surgery, recurrence rates were 68% and 37% among high- and low-risk patients, respectively (P = 0.01). Aggressive recurrences were highly observed in the high-risk patients (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

NRISK4 model could also successfully validate prognosis of patients with HCC with HCV infection similarly to in the previous report of patients with hepatitis B virus infection, especially in the early period after surgery.

Genomic analysis of pancreatic juice DNA assesses malignant risk of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of pancreas

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of pancreas has a high risk to develop into invasive cancer or co‐occur with malignant lesion. Therefore, it is important to assess its malignant risk by less‐invasive approach. Pancreatic juice cell‐free DNA (PJD) would be an ideal material in this purpose, but genetic biomarkers for predicting malignant risk from PJD are not yet established. We here performed deep exome sequencing analysis of PJD from 39 IPMN patients with or without malignant lesion. Somatic alterations and copy number alterations (CNAs) detected in PJD were compared with the histologic grade of IPMN to evaluate their potential as a malignancy marker. Somatic mutations of KRAS, GNAS, TP53, and RNF43 were commonly detected in PJD of IPMNs, but no association with the histologic grades of IPMN was found. Instead, mutation burden was positively correlated with the histologic grade (r = 0.427, P = 0.015). We also observed frequent copy number deletions in 17p13 (TP53) and amplifications in 7q21 and 8q24 (MYC) in PJDs. The amplifications in 7q21 and 8q24 were positively correlated with the histologic grade and most prevalent in the cases of invasive carcinoma (P = 0.002 and 7/11; P = 0.011 and 6/11, respectively). We concluded that mutation burden and CNAs detected in PJD may have potential to assess the malignant progression risk of IPMNs.

Diagnostic efficacy of smear plus liquid-based cytology for EUS-FNA of solid pancreatic lesions: A propensity-matched study

Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is a thin-layer slide preparation procedure that was developed to overcome the cell crowding and contamination associated with smear cytology (SC). The present study compared diagnostic efficacy between SC alone and SC combined with LBC (SLBC) using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) samples of pancreatic lesions.We retrospectively analyzed data derived from 311 consecutive patients. Specimens obtained via EUS-FNA from 179 patients between December 2011 and May 2016 were analyzed by SC, and those obtained from 132 patients between June 2016 and October 2017 were analyzed by SLBC. The 2 groups were compared in terms of adequate sample rate, diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity using propensity score matching.SC and SLBC were compared using propensity score-matching in 204 patients (n = 102 per group). The adequate sample rate did not differ significantly between SLBC (100%) and SC (99.0%, P = 1). Diagnostic sensitivity, negative predictive value and accuracy were better for SLBC than for SC in terms of cytological (93.2% vs 67.4%, 68.4% vs 23.1%, and 94.1% vs 69.6%, P < .01 each, respectively) and cytohistological (95.5% vs 81.5%, 76.5% vs 34.6%, and 96.1% vs 82.4%, P < .01, P = .02, and P < .01, respectively) analyses.SLBC improves the diagnostic efficacy of EUS-FNA for pancreatic lesions compared to LBC.

Standardization of surgical procedures for laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy: A single-institutional experience

INTRODUCTION

Surgical techniques for Spiegel lobectomy remain technically difficult because of its deep anatomical location. Laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy has not yet been standardized or widely reported. In the current study, we introduce technical improvements, including the liver hanging maneuver, to laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy. Additionally, we demonstrate the safety and feasibility of this procedure.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

We performed consecutive laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy on six patients: five with hepatocellular carcinoma and one with colorectal liver metastasis. As preparation before liver parenchymal resection, necessary and sufficient mobilization of the Spiegel lobe was performed. A few Glissonian pedicles of the Spiegel lobe were exposed from the hilar plate and divided to reduce the inflow to the Spiegel lobe. After that, vessel tape was used in the hanging maneuver. The tape was pulled forward to give the cutting plane moderate tension during liver parenchymal resection. Lifting this tape provided better exposure for determining the correct cutting plane during liver parenchymal transection. The median operation time was 207 min (range, 147-240 min) and the median intraoperative blood loss was 35 mL (range, 15-85 mL). There were no severe postoperative complications.

DISCUSSION

We safely performed laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy. To maintain a sufficient surgical view, especially during liver parenchymal resection, the hanging maneuver may be a useful technique. This single-center investigation into standardized laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy featuring improvements in technique showed potential for favorable results.

MAPLE-PD trial (Mesenteric Approach vs. Conventional Approach for Pancreatic Cancer during Pancreaticoduodenectomy): study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial of 354 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Background

The mesenteric approach is an artery-first approach to pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer, which starts with the dissection of connective tissues around the superior mesenteric artery. The procedure aims for early confirmation of resectability by checking the surgical margin around the superior mesenteric artery first during the operation. It also aims to decrease intraoperative blood loss by early ligation of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery and to increase R0 rate by complete clearance of the lymph nodes around the superior mesenteric artery and pancreatic head plexus II, the most favorable positive margin site for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, it aims to avoid the spread of cancer cells during operation (nontouch isolation technique). The MAPLE-PD (Mesenteric Approach vs. Conventional Approach for Pancreatic Cancer during Pancreaticoduodenectomy) trial investigates whether the mesenteric approach can prolong the survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy compared with the conventional approach.

Methods/design

The MAPLE-PD trial is a Japanese multicenter randomized controlled trial that compares the surgical outcomes between the mesenteric and conventional approaches to pancreaticoduodenectomy. Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma scheduled to undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy are randomized before operation to either a conventional approach (arm A) or a mesenteric approach (arm B). In arm A, the operation starts with Kocher’s maneuver. At the final step of the removal procedure, the connective tissues around the superior mesenteric artery are dissected. In arm B, the operation starts with dissection of the connective tissues around the superior mesenteric artery and ends with Kocher’s maneuver. In total, 354 patients from 15 Japanese high-volume centers will be randomized. The primary endpoint is overall survival by intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary endpoints include intraoperative blood loss, R0 rate, and recurrence-free survival.

Discussion

If the MAPLE-PD trial shows the oncological benefits of the mesenteric approach for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, this procedure may become a standard approach to pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03317886. Registered on 23 October 2017.

University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000029615. Registered on 15 January 2018.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-3002-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Transition of serum cytokines following pancreaticoduodenectomy: A subsidiary study of JAPAN-PD

Our previous study aimed to examine the effect of TJ-100, a widely used herbal medicine, on intestinal function following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled manner (JAPAN-PD study). This concomitant study investigated the effect of TJ-100 on serum cytokine levels in patients who underwent PD. Due to the fact that several clinical variables can affect the absolute values of baseline serum cytokine levels, the ratios of the cytokine levels on postoperative day (POD)3 to those on POD1 were also used for analysis. The present study enrolled 180/224 randomized patients, of whom 91 received TJ-100 and 89 received placebo. As the main findings of the analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed no significant difference in the levels of serum cytokines between the groups; however, patients in the TJ-100 group without severe inflammatory complications exhibited significantly higher ratios of interleukin (IL)-4 (n=123), IL-9 (n=72), IL-10 (n=97), PDGF-BB (n=143) and tumor necrosis factor-α (n=135), compared with patients in the Placebo Group (P<0.05). According to the results of the present study, TJ-100 has an effect on the change in serum cytokine levels from POD1 to POD3 following PD. However, the role of different transition pattern of cytokines in postoperative recovery following PD has to be investigated by further mechanical studies focusing on these extracted cytokines (ClinicalTrials.gov; no. NCT01607307; May 30, 2012).

Overexpression of KDM5B/JARID1B is associated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background & aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high potential for recurrence, even in curative operative cases. Although several molecular-targeting drugs have been applied to recurrent HCC, their effectiveness has been limited. This study therefore aims to develop novel cancer drugs through protein methylation.

Methods

We investigated the role of KDM5B/JARID1B, a member of JmjC histone demethylase, in HCC. Expression profiles of KDM5B were examined by immunohistochemical analysis in 105 HCC clinical tissue samples. To examine functional effects of KDM5B using HCC cell lines, we performed loss-of-function analysis treated with KDM5B-specific small interfering RNAs (siKDM5B).

Results

All HCC cases were divided into KDM5B-positive expression group (n=54) and negative expression group (n=51). In five-year overall survival, KDM5B-positive group had poorer prognosis than KDM5B-negative (61% vs 77%, p=0.047). KDM5B-positive group had much poorer prognosis than that of the negative group, especially in HCC derived from persistent infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) (54% vs 78%, p=0.015). Multivariate analysis indicated that KDM5B was the strongest risk factor for poor prognosis, especially in HCC derived from HBV/HCV. Inhibition of KDM5B could significantly suppress HCC cell proliferation through no promotion from G1 to S phase. Real-time PCR and Western blotting demonstrated that E2F1/E2F2 were downstream genes of KDM5B.

Conclusions

Overexpression of KDM5B results in poor prognosis in HCC that especially derived from HBV/HCV. KDM5B appears to be an ideal target for the development of anti-cancer drugs.

Identification of a novel HLA-A24-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope peptide derived from mesothelin in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer involves highly malignant tumors, and the development of new therapeutic strategies is critical. Mesothelin is overexpressed in infiltrating pancreatic cancer cells and plays an important role in the invasion and migration processes. In this study, we focused on mesothelin as a tumor-specific antigen target for a pancreatic cancer vaccine. We first investigated the mesothelin-derived epitope peptide restricted to HLA-A^*2402. A total of 19 candidate peptides were synthesized, and we then determined their potential to induce peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Peptide-specific CTLs were induced by five peptides derived from mesothelin, and these CTLs successfully exhibited peptide-specific IFN-γ production. After the expansion of each CTL, two CTL lines were established, which were induced by mesothelin-10-5 peptide (AFYPGYLCSL). These CTL lines exhibited peptide-specific cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production. Moreover, we were able to generate mesothelin-10-5 peptide-specific CTL clones. These CTL clones also had specific cytotoxic activity against HLA-A^*2402-positive pancreatic cancer cells that endogenously expressed mesothelin. These results indicate that the mesothelin-10-5 peptide is a novel HLA-A^*2402 restricted CTL epitope and that it is a promising candidate target for antigen-specific immunotherapy against pancreatic cancers.

Detection of needle tract implantation and peritoneal seeding after radiofrequency ablation using intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence system for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is already fully established worldwide. Needle tract implantation and peritoneal seeding occasionally occur by RFA, and the prognosis of these cases is thought to be poor. In this study, intraoperative real-time near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) system by indocyanine green (ICG) incidentally detected both needle tract implantation and peritoneal seeding. As the utility of this system for identification of implanted and disseminated lesions after RFA for HCC has not been widely reported, we report a case of successful detection by real-time ICG-NIRF imaging and subsequent resection.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 76-year-old man originally underwent medial sectionectomy for HCC in 2009. When repeated intrahepatic recurrence occurred, he underwent RFA and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for recurrent HCC twice at segment III and once at segment IV. In 2013, the second hepatectomy for recurrent HCC at segment VIII was performed. In 2016, he had recurrent HCC at segment III around a previous RFA and TACE scar; therefore, left lateral sectionectomy was planned. ICG-NIRF system was used to observe a main intrahepatic metastasis at segment III and to search for other tumors in the remnant liver. Although there was no signal on the surface of the remnant liver, tiny signals were observed in the abdominal wall and greater omentum. These tumors were on the needle tract of the previous RFA; both lesions, therefore, were resected. These tumors were pathologically proven to be HCC metastases. The patient has had no recurrence 14 months after the last hepatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

ICG-NIRF system might be helpful in the detection of not only intrahepatic lesions but also needle tract implantations or peritoneal seeding. RFA should be avoided in patients with high risk of needle tract implantation and peritoneal seeding.