Near-infrared Photoimmunotherapy Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Patient-Derived Xenografts using a Humanized anti-Fibroblast Activation Protein Antibody

Esophageal cancer remains a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite ongoing advancements in treatments such as immunotherapy. The tumor microenvironment, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), plays a crucial role in driving the aggressiveness of esophageal cancer. In a previous study utilizing human-derived xenograft models, we successfully developed a novel cancer treatment that targeted CAFs with near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT), as an adjuvant therapy. In this study, we sought to translate our findings toward clinical practice by employing patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and utilizing humanized monoclonal antibodies, specifically Sibrotuzumab, which is anti-human fibroblast activation protein (FAP) antibody and already being investigated in clinical trials as monotherapy. PDX models derived from esophageal cancer patients were effectively established, preserving the expression of key biomarkers such as EGFR and FAP, as observed in primary tumors. The application of FAP-targeted NIR-PIT using Sibrotuzumab, conjugated with the photosensitizer IR700DX, exhibited precise binding and selective elimination of FAP-expressing fibroblasts in vitro. Notably, in our in vivo investigations using both cell line-derived xenograft and PDX models, FAP-targeted NIR-PIT led to significant inhibition of tumor progression compared to control groups, all without inducing adverse events such as weight loss. Immunohistological assessments revealed a substantial reduction in CAFs exclusively within the tumor microenvironment of both models, further supporting the efficacy of our approach. Thus, our study demonstrates the potential of CAF-targeted NIR-PIT employing Sibrotuzumab as a promising therapeutic avenue for clinical treatment of esophageal cancer patients.

Perioperative and Postoperative Continuous Nutritional Counseling Improves Quality of Life of Gastric Cancer Patient Undergoing Gastrectomy

Post-gastrectomy syndrome (PGS) and body weight loss (BWL) decrease quality of life (QOL) and survival of the patient undergoing gastrectomy. We have introduced perioperative and post-discharge continuous nutritional counseling (CNC) to prevent BWL and improve QOL after gastrectomy. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of CNC on QOL using the Post-gastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45). Eighty-three patients with gastric cancer (GC) who underwent curative gastrectomy between March 2018 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients received either pre-discharge nutritional counseling alone (control group, n = 45) or CNC (CNC group, n = 38) after gastrectomy. QOL at 12 months after gastrectomy was compared between the two groups. In QOL assessment, change in body weight (-7.98% vs. -12.77%, p = 0.0057), ingested amount of food per meal (7.00 vs. 6.07, p = 0.042) and ability for working (1.89 vs. 2.36, p = 0.049) were significantly better in CNC group than control group. Multiple regression analysis showed that CNC was a significantly beneficial factor for abdominal pain subscale (p = 0.028), diarrhea subscale (p = 0.047), ingested amount of food per meal (p = 0.012), Ability for working (p = 0.031) and dissatisfaction at the meal (p = 0.047). Perioperative and postoperative CNC could improve QOL in the patient undergoing gastrectomy in addition to preventing postoperative BWL.

Surgical repair for a parahiatal hernia with an esophageal hiatal hernia: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

A parahiatal hernia (PH) is a rare diaphragmatic hernia (DH) adjacent to but separated from the esophageal hiatus. The surgical repair for PH needs primary suture closure or complicated hernioplasty and the addition of an anti-reflux procedure. This report describes a case of PH with a symptomatic esophageal hiatal hernia managed using three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 65-year-old woman with back pain and breathlessness was referred to our hospital for a DH. Computed tomography showed a diaphragmatic defect on the left side of the esophageal hiatus. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 24-hour esophageal impedance-pH monitoring showed a symptomatic esophageal hiatal hernia. Laparoscopic repair for both hernias was performed using 3D laparoscopy. The DH orifice was located in the left crus of the diaphragm, and it was separated from the esophageal hiatus. These findings showed that this DH was a PH. The PH was repaired with primary suturing, and a hiatoplasty was performed. Toupet fundoplication was performed with a 270° posterior wrap of the gastric fornix. The patient has remained asymptomatic a year after surgery without any complications.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

3D laparoscopy provides significant advantages in surgeries requiring precise suturing. PH repairs require complex procedures, including mesh repair or suturing. Approximately 44 % of PH cases also necessitate fundoplication. 3D laparoscopy was useful for the present case.

CONCLUSIONS

A rare PH and a symptomatic type 1 hiatal hernia were repaired with 3D laparoscopy, which is helpful for PH treatment in cases requiring complicated procedures.

Long-term activation of anti-tumor immunity in pancreatic cancer by a p53-expressing telomerase-specific oncolytic adenovirus

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive, immunologically "cold" tumor. Oncolytic virotherapy is a promising treatment to overcome this problem. We developed a telomerase-specific oncolytic adenovirus armed with p53 gene (OBP-702).

METHODS

We investigated the efficacy of OBP-702 for pancreatic cancer, focusing on its long-term effects via long-lived memory CD8 + T cells including tissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs) and effector memory T cells (TEMs) differentiated from effector memory precursor cells (TEMps).

RESULTS

First, in vitro, OBP-702 significantly induced adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is important for memory T cell establishment. Next, in vivo, OBP-702 local treatment to murine pancreatic PAN02 tumors increased TEMps via ATP induction from tumors and IL-15Rα induction from macrophages, leading to TRM and TEM induction. Activation of these memory T cells by OBP-702 was also maintained in combination with gemcitabine+nab-paclitaxel (GN) in a PAN02 bilateral tumor model, and GN + OBP-702 showed significant anti-tumor effects and increased TRMs in OBP-702-uninjected tumors. Finally, in a neoadjuvant model, in which PAN02 cells were re-inoculated after resection of treated-PAN02 tumors, GN + OBP-702 provided long-term anti-tumor effects even after tumor resection.

CONCLUSION

OBP-702 can be a long-term immunostimulant with sustained anti-tumor effects on immunologically cold pancreatic cancer.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in a patient with a horseshoe kidney: A case report

A 52-year-old, Japanese man presented to the hospital with a complaint of anal bleeding, and detailed examination resulted in a diagnosis of locally advanced rectal cancer. The patient underwent total neoadjuvant therapy followed by short-course radiation therapy and consolidation chemotherapy, which provided a partial response. After preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a horseshoe kidney, robot-assisted, precise, laparoscopic, low anterior resection with D3 dissection and ileostomy construction was performed. The horseshoe renal isthmus was elevated surrounding the inferior mesenteric artery, and the left ureter and seminal vessels ran in front of the kidney. The hypogastric nerve traveled ventral to the horseshoe kidney. With robotic surgery, it was possible to perform more precise surgery while recognizing vascular and nerve anatomy in a rectal cancer patient with a horseshoe kidney due to good three-dimensional visibility and articulated forceps manipulation.

Fibroblast activation protein-targeted near-infrared photoimmunotherapy depletes immunosuppressive cancer-associated fibroblasts and remodels local tumor immunity

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a critical role in tumor immunosuppression. However, targeted depletion of CAFs is difficult due to their diverse cells of origin and the resulting lack of specific surface markers. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a novel cancer treatment that leads to rapid cell membrane damage.

METHODS

In this study, we used anti-mouse fibroblast activation protein (FAP) antibody to target FAP+ CAFs (FAP-targeted NIR-PIT) and investigated whether this therapy could suppress tumor progression and improve tumor immunity.

RESULTS

FAP-targeted NIR-PIT induced specific cell death in CAFs without damaging adjacent normal cells. Furthermore, FAP-targeted NIR-PIT treated mice showed significant tumor regression in the CAF-rich tumor model accompanied by an increase in CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Moreover, treated tumors showed increased levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 in CD8+ TILs compared with non-treated tumors, suggesting enhanced antitumor immunity.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancers with FAP-positive CAFs in their TME grow rapidly and FAP-targeted NIR-PIT not only suppresses their growth but improves tumor immunosuppression. Thus, FAP-targeted NIR-PIT is a potential therapeutic strategy for selectively targeting the TME of CAF+ tumors.

Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy in Portal Annular Pancreas Using a Hanging Maneuver with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging

BACKGROUND

Sufficient knowledge and surgical management of portal annular pancreas (PAP) are essential for pancreatic surgery. As PAP is a relatively rare pancreatic anomaly, few studies have described surgical techniques for patients with PAP undergoing robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An 82-year-old female patient who underwent RPD presented with distal cholangiocarcinoma and type III PAP (the fusion of the uncinate process with the anteportal main pancreatic duct). After the Kocher maneuver and stomach transection, the pancreas was transected into the neck of the anteportal portion. The retroportal portion was dissected, encircled with hanging tape, and compressed. Blood supply from the mesenteric vessels was confirmed using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. Subsequently, the retroportal portion was stapled.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a unique surgical technique for type III PAP using the hanging maneuver with ICG fluorescence imaging. Surgeons should decide on the surgical strategy on the basis of the fusion and ductal anatomy of the pancreas.

Role of robotic surgery as an element of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Although the current trend in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) has shifted from open surgery to minimally invasive surgery (MIS), evidence on the role of MIS as an element of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in PD is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of robotic surgery using the ERAS protocol on the outcomes of patients undergoing PD.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 252 patients who underwent open PD (OPD) or robotic PD (RPD) managed using the ERAS protocol between January 2017 and March 2023. Outcomes stratified by the surgical approach were compared. Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of ERAS items, including robotic surgery, on outcomes after PD.

RESULTS

Of 252 patients, 202 (80.2%) underwent OPD, and 50 (19.2%) underwent RPD. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that perioperative management center support (odds ratio [OR], 2.85; 95% CI, 1.14-7.72; P = .025), robotic surgery (OR, 6.40; 95% CI, 1.94-26.1; P = .002), early solid intake (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.46-5.63; P = .002), and early drain removal (OR, 3.77; 95% CI, 2.04-7.06; P < .001) were significant ERAS items related to early discharge after PD.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that employing the ERAS protocol for OPD and RPD is feasible and safe. Moreover, our results suggested the role of robotic surgery as an element of the ERAS protocol for PD. A combination of ERAS protocols and MIS may be safe and feasible for accelerating postoperative recovery after PD.

Fluorescence-guided assessment of bone and soft-tissue sarcomas for predicting the efficacy of telomerase-specific oncolytic adenovirus

Bone and soft-tissue sarcomas are rare malignancies with histological diversity and tumor heterogeneity, leading to the lack of a common molecular target. Telomerase is a key enzyme for keeping the telomere length and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression is often activated in most human cancers, including bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. For targeting of telomerase-positive tumor cells, we developed OBP-301, a telomerase-specific replication-competent oncolytic adenovirus, in which the hTERT promoter regulates adenoviral E1 gene for tumor-specific viral replication. In this study, we present the diagnostic potential of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing oncolytic adenovirus OBP-401 for assessing virotherapy sensitivity using bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. OBP-401-mediated GFP expression was significantly associated with the therapeutic efficacy of OBP-401 in human bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. In the tumor specimens from 68 patients, malignant and intermediate tumors demonstrated significantly higher expression levels of coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) and hTERT than benign tumors. OBP-401-mediated GFP expression was significantly increased in malignant and intermediate tumors with high expression levels of CAR and hTERT between 24 and 48 h after infection. Our results suggest that the OBP-401-based GFP expression system is a useful tool for predicting the therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy on bone and soft-tissue sarcomas.

Epidural versus patient-controlled intravenous analgesia on pain relief and recovery after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Epidural analgesia (EDA) is a main modality for postoperative pain relief in major open abdominal surgery within the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol. However, it remains unclear whether EDA is an imperative modality in laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG). This study examined non-inferiority of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) to EDA in terms of postoperative pain and recovery in patients who underwent LG.

METHODS

In this open-label, non-inferiority, parallel, individually randomized clinical trial, patients who underwent elective LG for gastric cancer were randomized 1:1 to receive either EDA or PCIA after surgery. The primary endpoint was pain score using the Numerical Rating Scale at rest 24 h after surgery, analysed both according to the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle and per protocol. The non-inferiority margin for pain score was set at 1. Secondary outcomes were postoperative parameters related to recovery and adverse events related to analgesia.

RESULTS

Between 3 July 2017 and 29 September 2020, 132 patients were randomized to receive either EDA (n = 66) or PCIA (n = 66). After exclusions, 64 patients were included in the EDA group and 65 patients in the PCIA group for the ITT analysis. Pain score at rest 24 h after surgery was 1.94 (s.d. 2.07) in the EDA group and 2.63 (s.d. 1.76) in the PCIA group (P = 0.043). PCIA was not non-inferior to EDA for the primary endpoint (difference 0.69, one side 95% c.i. 1.25, P = 0.184) in ITT analysis. Postoperative parameters related to recovery were similar between groups. More EDA patients (21 (32.8%) versus 1 (1.5%), P < 0.001) developed postoperative hypotension as an adverse event.

CONCLUSIONS

PCIA was not non-inferior to EDA in terms of early-phase pain relief after LG.Registration number: UMIN000027643 (https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm).

Circulating cell-free DNA methylation patterns as non-invasive biomarkers to monitor colorectal cancer treatment efficacy without referencing primary site mutation profiles

This study investigates methylation patterns in circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) for their potential role in colorectal cancer (CRC) detection and the monitoring of treatment response. Through methylation microarrays and quantitative PCR assays, we analyzed 440 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and an additional 949 CRC samples. We detected partial or extensive methylation in over 85% of cases within three biomarkers: EFEMP1, SFRP2, and UNC5C. A methylation score for at least one of the six candidate regions within these genes' promoters was present in over 95% of CRC cases, suggesting a viable detection method. In evaluating ccfDNA from 97 CRC patients and 62 control subjects, a difference in methylation and recovery signatures was observed. The combined score, integrating both methylation and recovery metrics, showed high diagnostic accuracy, evidenced by an area under the ROC curve of 0.90 (95% CI = 0.86 to 0.94). While correlating with tumor burden, this score gave early insight into disease progression in a small patient cohort. Our results suggest that DNA methylation in ccfDNA could serve as a sensitive biomarker for CRC, offering a less invasive and potentially more cost-effective approach to augment existing cancer detection and monitoring modalities, possibly supporting comprehensive genetic mutation profiling.

Immediate sciatic nerve reconstruction using an ipsilateral common peroneal nerve graft at the time of sarcoma resection

BACKGROUND

Concomitant resection of the sciatic nerve along with a malignant tumor is no longer a contraindication for limb-sparing surgery, as most of these patients remain ambulatory. However, sciatic nerve reconstruction after sarcoma resection is not commonly performed. Restoration of nerve function can improve patient quality of life. We describe our experience with four patients who underwent sciatic nerve reconstruction using an ipsilateral common peroneal nerve graft at the time of sarcoma resection.

METHODS

Because of the low chance of peroneal nerve recovery, the ipsilateral peroneal trunk was used as a graft to reconstruct the tibial trunk of the sciatic nerve. Two patients were men and two were women. Mean age was 45.3 years (range, 15-62). Mean sciatic nerve defect length was 9.4 cm (range, 8.5-12.0). Proximal thigh defects (three patients) were reconstructed with a double cable; the one patient with a distal thigh defect underwent single cable reconstruction. Mean operation time was 492 min (range, 428-682).

RESULTS

Mean length of the harvested peroneal trunks was 21 cm (range, 11-26). Mean graft length was 11.9 cm (range, 11-13). Postoperative course was uneventful in all four patients. One patient died of sarcoma lung metastasis and could not be evaluated. Three patients were followed for more than 2 years. Two patients achieved British Medical Research Council grade 4 plantar flexion; the remaining patient achieved grade 5 plantar flexion and grade 4 toe flexion. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament sensory testing showed loss of protective sensation on the plantar surface in all three. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores at last follow-up were 60.0%, 70.0%, and 43.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate sciatic nerve reconstruction using an ipsilateral common peroneal nerve graft avoids reconstruction delay and scar tissue formation, which is advantageous for nerve recovery. This technique may be considered when sciatic nerve resection is anticipated during sarcoma resection.

Stroke volume variation and dynamic arterial elastance predict fluid responsiveness even in thoracoscopic esophagectomy: a prospective observational study

PURPOSE

It remains unknown whether stroke volume variation (SVV), pulse pressure variation (PPV), and dynamic arterial elastance (Eadyn) are suitable for monitoring fluid management during thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE) in the prone position with one-lung ventilation and artificial pneumothorax. Our study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of SVV, PVV, and Eadyn in predicting the fluid responsiveness in these patients.

METHODS

We recruited 24 patients who had undergone TE. Patients with a mean arterial blood pressure ≤ 65 mmHg received a 200-ml bolus of 6% hydroxyethyl starch over 10 min. Fluid responders showed the stroke volume index ≥ 15% 5 min after the fluid bolus. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated and area under the ROC curve (AUROC) was calculated.

RESULTS

We obtained 61 fluid bolus data points, of which 20 were responders and 41 were non-responders. The median SVV before the fluid bolus in responders was significantly higher than that in non-responders (18% [interquartile range (IQR) 13-21] vs. 12% [IQR 8-15], P = 0.001). Eadyn was significantly lower in responders than in non-responders (0.55 [IQR 0.45-0.78] vs. 0.91 [IQR 0.67-1.00], P < 0.001). There was no difference in the PPV between the groups. The AUROC was 0.76 for SVV (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.89, P = 0.001), 0.56 for PPV (95% CI 0.41-0.71, P = 0.44), and 0.82 for Eadyn (95% CI 0.69-0.95, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SVV and Eadyn are reliable parameters for predicting fluid responsiveness in patients undergoing TE.

[Novel Therapy Targeting the Cancer Microenvironment Using Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy Leading to Tumor Immune Activation]

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy(NIR-PIT)is a novel cancer treatment modality that employs antibody-IRDye700DX (IR700)conjugates. Recently, the clinical application of NIR-PIT has received approval in Japan for patients with inoperable head and neck cancer, specifically targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor(hEGFR). Furthermore, NIR-PIT extends beyond the scope of tumor antigens and can be employed to eliminate specific host cells that contribute to the creation of immune-permissive environments supporting tumor growth. One of the distinguishing features of NIR-PIT is its ability to selectively eliminate various cell types within the tumor microenvironment(TME)by specifically targeting distinct antigens. By employing podoplanin(PDPN)-targeted NIR-PIT, PDPN-expressing fibroblasts were selectively eradicated, resulting in the suppression of tumor progression and a notable extension of overall survival. Additionally, we investigated the efficacy of depleting myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs)using NIR-PIT. This approach led to the selective elimination of MDSCs within tumors, and remarkable abscopal effects were observed in bilateral tumor models. Hence, NIR-PIT holds immense promise for the treatment of diverse cancer types by precisely targeting tumor cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells.

Clinical Impact of Prehabilitation on Elective Laparoscopic Surgery in Frail Octogenarians With Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinical impact of prehabilitation by the perioperative management center (PERIO) at our hospital in severely frail octogenarians with colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We compared the clinicopathological characteristics of octogenarians who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer before the establishment of PERIO intervention (Control group) with those who received prehabilitation (PERIO group). All patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 3 or higher. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

There were 21 patients in the Control group and 19 patients in the PERIO group. Operative time was significantly longer in the PERIO group (Control group, 200 min vs. PERIO group, 230 min; p=0.03) and blood loss was significantly higher in the PERIO group (Control group, 5 ml vs. PERIO group, 30 ml; p=0.02). Postoperative complications occurred in 10 patients (47.6%) in the Control group and 3 patients (15.8%) in the PERIO group and were significantly lower in the PERIO group (p=0.03). Postoperative hospital stay was 13 days (range=7-31 days) in the Control group and 11 days (range=8-70 days) in the PERIO group (p=0.39). The rate of discharge directly to home was 81% in the Control group and 93.3% in the PERIO group (p=0.29).

CONCLUSION

In frail octogenarians with colorectal cancer of ASA class 3 or higher, the incidence of postoperative complications was significantly lower after PERIO intervention.

Omental Abscess after Laparoscopic Proximal Gastrectomy Successfully Treated with Percutaneous Drainage

We report the case details of a 65-year-old Japanese man with an omental abscess that was discovered 43 days after he underwent a laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. His chief complaint was mild abdominal pain that had persisted for several days. The abscess was diagnosed as a rare postoperative complication. We hesitated to perform a reoperation given the invasiveness of general anesthesia and surgery, plus the possibility of postoperative adhesions and because the patient's general condition was stable and he had only mild abdominal pain. Percutaneous drainage using a 10.2-F catheter was performed with the patient under conscious sedation and computed tomography-fluoroscopy guidance, with no complications. After the procedure, the size of the abscess cavity was remarkably reduced, and 23 days later the catheter was withdrawn.

p53-armed oncolytic adenovirus induces autophagy and apoptosis in KRAS and BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells harboring KRAS or BRAF mutations show a more-malignant phenotype than cells with wild-type KRAS and BRAF. KRAS/BRAF-wild-type CRCs are sensitive to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting agents, whereas KRAS/BRAF-mutant CRCs are resistant due to constitutive activation of the EGFR-downstream KRAS/BRAF signaling pathway. Novel therapeutic strategies to treat KRAS/BRAF mutant CRC cells are thus needed. We recently demonstrated that the telomerase-specific replication-competent oncolytic adenoviruses OBP-301 and p53-armed OBP-702 exhibit therapeutic potential against KRAS-mutant human pancreatic cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of OBP-301 and OBP-702 against human CRC cells with differing KRAS/BRAF status. Human CRC cells with wild-type KRAS/BRAF (SW48, Colo320DM, CACO-2), mutant KRAS (DLD-1, SW620, HCT116), and mutant BRAF (RKO, HT29, COLO205) were used in this study. The antitumor effect of OBP-301 and OBP-702 against CRC cells was analyzed using the XTT assay. Virus-mediated modulation of apoptosis, autophagy, and the EGFR-MEK-ERK and AKT-mTOR signaling pathways was analyzed by Western blotting. Wild-type and KRAS-mutant CRC cells were sensitive to OBP-301 and OBP-702, whereas BRAF-mutant CRC cells were sensitive to OBP-702 but resistant to OBP-301. Western blot analysis demonstrated that OBP-301 induced autophagy and that OBP-702 induced autophagy and apoptosis in human CRC cells. In BRAF-mutant CRC cells, OBP-301 and OBP-702 suppressed the expression of EGFR, MEK, ERK, and AKT proteins, whereas mTOR expression was suppressed only by OBP-702. Our results suggest that p53-armed oncolytic virotherapy is a viable therapeutic option for treating KRAS/BRAF-mutant CRC cells via induction of autophagy and apoptosis.

Intraperitoneal Administration of p53-armed Oncolytic Adenovirus Inhibits Peritoneal Metastasis of Diffuse-type Gastric Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

Diffuse-type gastric cancer (GC) frequently exhibits peritoneal metastasis, leading to poor prognosis. However, efforts to develop antitumor strategies for preventing the peritoneal metastasis of GC have been unsuccessful. As diffuse-type GC cells often carry a genetic alteration in the tumor suppressor p53 gene, p53 restoration may be a potent strategy for preventing peritoneal metastasis of GC. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of p53-expressing adenoviral vectors against peritoneal metastasis of diffuse-type GC cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three diffuse-type human GC cell types with different p53 statuses (p53-wild type NUGC-4, p53-mutant type GCIY, and p53-null type KATOIII) were used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of p53 activation induced by the p53-expressing, replication-deficient adenovirus Ad-p53 and oncolytic adenovirus OBP-702. Viability, apoptosis, and autophagy of virus-treated GC cells were analyzed under normal and sphere-forming culture conditions using the XTT assay and western blot analysis. The in vivo antitumor effects of OBP-702 and Ad-p53 were assessed using xenograft tumor models involving peritoneal metastasis of NUGC-4 and GCIY cells.

RESULTS

Under normal and sphere-forming culture conditions, OBP-702 induced a significantly greater antitumor effect in GC cells compared with Ad-p53 by strongly inducing p53-mediated apoptosis and autophagy and receptor tyrosine kinase suppression. In vivo experiments demonstrated that intraperitoneal administration of OBP-702 significantly suppressed the peritoneal metastasis of NUGC-4 and GCIY cells compared with Ad-p53, leading to prolonged survival of mice.

CONCLUSION

Intraperitoneal administration of OBP-702 inhibits the peritoneal metastasis of GC cells by inducing p53-mediated cytopathic activity.

PD-L1-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts induce tumor immunosuppression and contribute to poor clinical outcome in esophageal cancer

The programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis plays a crucial role in tumor immunosuppression, while the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have various tumor-promoting functions. To determine the advantage of immunotherapy, the relationship between the cancer cells and the CAFs was evaluated in terms of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Overall, 140 cases of esophageal cancer underwent an immunohistochemical analysis of the PD-L1 expression and its association with the expression of the α smooth muscle actin, fibroblast activation protein, CD8, and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) positive cells. The relationship between the cancer cells and the CAFs was evaluated in vitro, and the effect of the anti-PD-L1 antibody was evaluated using a syngeneic mouse model. A survival analysis showed that the PD-L1+ CAF group had worse survival than the PD-L1- group. In vitro and in vivo, direct interaction between the cancer cells and the CAFs showed a mutually upregulated PD-L1 expression. In vivo, the anti-PD-L1 antibody increased the number of dead CAFs and cancer cells, resulting in increased CD8+ T cells and decreased FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. We demonstrated that the PD-L1-expressing CAFs lead to poor outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer. The cancer cells and the CAFs mutually enhanced the PD-L1 expression and induced tumor immunosuppression. Therefore, the PD-L1-expressing CAFs may be good targets for cancer therapy, inhibiting tumor progression and improving host tumor immunity.

[Therapeutic Effect of Oncolytic Adenovirus on Pancreatic Cancer Stroma]

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is lethal malignancy with abundant stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exist in the PDAC stroma and contribute to progression of malignant transformation, treatment resistance, and recurrence. However, effective treatment to control PDAC stroma has not been established. We have developed tumor suppressor gene p53-armed oncolytic adenovirus(OBP-702), and have clarified therapeutic effects on PDAC cells. In this study, we investigate the therapeutic effect of OBP-702 on PDAC CAF.

Prognostic nutritional index is a prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer and esophagogastric junction cancer undergoing proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy by the double-flap technique: A secondary analysis of the rD-FLAP study

PURPOSE

Although proximal gastrectomy (PG) is commonly used in patients with upper gastric cancer (GC) and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer, long-term prognostic factors in these patients are poorly understood. The double-flap technique (DFT) is an esophagogastrostomy with anti-reflux mechanism after PG; we previously conducted a multicenter retrospective study (rD-FLAP) to evaluate the short-term outcomes of DFT reconstruction. Here, we evaluated the long-term prognostic factors in patients with upper GC and EGJ cancer.

METHODS

The study was conducted as a secondary analysis of the rD-FLAP Study, which enrolled patients who underwent PG with DFT reconstruction, irrespective of disease type, between January 1996 and December 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 509 GC and EGJ cancer patients were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival demonstrated that a preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) < 45 (p < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR]: 3.59, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 1.93-6.67) was an independent poor prognostic factor alongside pathological T factor ([pT] ≥2) (p = 0.010, HR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.22-4.30) and pathological N factor ([pN] ≥1) (p = 0.001, HR: 3.27, 95% CI: 1.66-6.46). In patients with preoperative PNI ≥45, PNI change (<90%) at 1-year follow-up (p = 0.019, HR: 2.54, 95%CI: 1.16-5.54) was an independent poor prognostic factor, for which operation time (≥300 min) and blood loss (≥200 mL) were independent risk factors. No independent prognostic factors were identified in patients with preoperative PNI <45.

CONCLUSIONS

PNI is a prognostic factor in upper GC and EGJ cancer patients. Preoperative nutritional enhancement and postoperative nutritional maintenance are important for prognostic improvement in these patients.

Robotic surgery for congenital biliary dilatation using the scope switch technique (with video)

TECHNIQUE

Minimally invasive congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) surgery is technically demanding. However, few studies have reported surgical approaches of robotic surgery for CBD. This report presents robotic CBD surgery using a scope-switch technique. Our robotic surgery technique for CBD consisted of four steps: step 1, Kocher's maneuver; step 2, dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament using the scope switch technique; step 3, preparation for the Roux-en-Y loop; and step 4, hepaticojejunostomy.

RESULTS

The scope switch technique can provide different surgical approaches for dissecting the bile duct, including anterior approach by the standard position and right approach by the scope switch position. When approaching the ventral and left side of the bile duct, anterior approach with the standard position is suitable. In contrast, the lateral view by the scope switch position is preferable for approaching the bile duct laterally and dorsally. Using this technique, the dilated bile duct can be dissected circumferentially from four directions: anterior, medial, lateral, and posterior. Thereafter, complete resection of the choledochal cyst can be achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

The scope switch technique in robotic surgery for CBD can be useful for dissecting around the bile duct with different surgical views, leading to the complete resection of the choledochal cyst.

Impact of sarcopenia on clinical outcomes for patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective comparison of Eastern and Western cohorts

BACKGROUND

Patient fitness is important for guiding treatment. Muscle mass, as a reflection thereof, can be objectively measured. However, the role of East-West differences remains unclear. Therefore, we compared the impact of muscle mass on clinical outcomes after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a Dutch [the Netherlands (NL)] and Japanese [Japan (JP)] setting and evaluated the predictive performance of different cutoff values for sarcopenia.

METHOD

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, patients with HCC undergoing liver resection were included. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was determined on computed tomography scans obtained within 3 months before surgery. The primary outcome measure was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcome measures were: 90-day mortality, severe complications, length of stay, and recurrence-free survival. The predictive performance of several sarcopenia cutoff values was studied using the concordance index (C-index) and area under the curve. Interaction terms were used to study the geographic effect modification of muscle mass.

RESULTS

Demographics differed between NL and JP. Gender, age, and body mass index were associated with SMI. Significant effect modification between NL and JP was found for BMI. The predictive performance of sarcopenia for both short-term and long-term outcomes was higher in JP compared to NL (maximum C-index: 0.58 vs. 0.55, respectively). However, differences between cutoff values were small. For the association between sarcopenia and OS, a strong association was found in JP [hazard ratio (HR) 2.00, 95% CI [1.230-3.08], P =0.002], where this was not found in NL (0.76 [0.42-1.36], P =0.351). The interaction term confirmed that this difference was significant (HR 0.37, 95% CI [0.19-0.73], P =0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of sarcopenia on survival differs between the East and West. Clinical trials and treatment guidelines using sarcopenia for risk stratification should be validated in race-dependent populations prior to clinical adoption.

Adenocarcinoma arising from widespread heterotopic gastric mucosa in the cervicothoracic esophagus: a case report

BACKGROUND

In Japan, about 6% of esophageal cancers are adenocarcinomas, although most of them arise from Barrett's epithelium. Adenocarcinoma arising from heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) is very rare. Due to its rarity, there is no unified view on its treatment strategy and prognosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 57-year-old man presented with a protruding lesion in the cervicothoracic esophagus that was detected by an upper gastrointestinal series at a medical checkup. Esophagoscopy revealed a 30 mm Type 1 tumor circumferentially surrounded by widespread HGM. Computed tomography (CT) and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT showed no metastasis or invasion of the surrounding organs. We diagnosed the lesion as cT2N0M0 cStageIIB [Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) 8th Ed] cancer and performed subtotal esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection. The tumor was determined to be a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma arising from HGM, with deep invasion of the submucosa. The patient underwent no adjuvant therapy and has currently survived without any evidence of recurrence for 15 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the treatment for adenocarcinoma arising from HGM is basically the same as that for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus, it is important to determine the treatment strategy based on the characteristics of the adenocarcinoma arising from HGM.

Innovative suture technique for robotic hepaticojejunostomy: double-layer interrupted sutures

PURPOSE

Biliary reconstruction remains a technically demanding and complicated procedure in minimally invasive hepatopancreatobiliary surgeries. No optimal hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) technique has been demonstrated to be superior for preventing biliary complications. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of our unique technique of posterior double-layer interrupted sutures in robotic HJ.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Forty-two patients who underwent robotic pancreatoduodenectomy using this technique between September 2020 and November 2022 at our center were reviewed. In the posterior double-layer interrupted technique, sutures were placed to bite the bile duct, posterior seromuscular layer of the jejunum, and full thickness of the jejunum.

RESULTS

The median operative time was 410 (interquartile range [IQR], 388-478) min, and the median HJ time was 30 (IQR, 28-39) min. The median bile duct diameter was 7 (IQR, 6-10) mm. Of the 42 patients, one patient (2.4%) had grade B bile leakage. During the median follow-up of 12.6 months, one patient (2.4%) with bile leakage developed anastomotic stenosis. Perioperative mortality was not observed. A surgical video showing the posterior double-layer interrupted sutures in the robotic HJ is included.

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior double-layer interrupted sutures in robotic HJ provided a simple and feasible method for biliary reconstruction with a low risk of biliary complications.

Protein-Ligand Interaction Analyses with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Enhanced by Dissolution Triplet Dynamic Nuclear Polarization

Solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is a powerful method for the analysis of intermolecular interactions within a biomolecular system. However, low sensitivity is one of the major obstacles of NMR. We improved the sensitivity of solution-state ¹³C NMR for the observation of intermolecular interactions between protein and ligand using hyperpolarized solution samples at room temperature. Eutectic crystals composed of ¹³C-salicylic acid and benzoic acid doped with pentacene were hyperpolarized by dynamic nuclear polarization using photoexcited triplet electrons, and a ¹³C nuclear polarization of 0.72 ± 0.07% was achieved after dissolution. The binding of human serum albumin and ¹³C-salicylate was observed with several hundred times sensitivity enhancement under mild conditions. The established ¹³C NMR was applied for pharmaceutical NMR experiments by observation of the partial return of the ¹³C chemical shift of salicylate by competitive binding with other non-isotope-labeled drugs.

Exosomes as a drug delivery tool for cancer therapy: a new era for existing drugs and oncolytic viruses

INTRODUCTION

Exosomes are cell-derived nanovesicles involved in cell-to-cell communications. These nanovesicles are generally considered to contain important carriers of information such as DNA and RNA, and show specific tropism.

AREAS COVERED

The combination of existing therapeutic agents with exosomes enhances therapeutic effects by increasing uptake into the tumor. Induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) may also be triggered more strongly than with the drug alone. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are even more effective as a drug in combination with exosomes. Although OVs are more likely to cause immune activity, combination with exosomes can exert synergistic effects. OVs have potent anti-tumor effects, but many limitations, such as being limited to local administration and vulnerability to attack by antibodies. Incorporation into exosomes can overcome these limitations and may allow effects against distant tumors.

EXPERT OPINION

Novel therapies using exosomes are very attractive in terms of enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. This approach also contains elements overcoming disadvantages in OVs, which have not been used clinically until now, and may usher in a new era of cancer treatments.

Safe and curative modified two-stage operation for T4 esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy: a case report

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of esophageal cancer (EC) with organ invasion is extremely poor. In these cases, definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by salvage surgery can be planned; however, the issue of high morbidity and mortality rates persists. Herein, we report the long-term survival of a patient with EC and T4 invasion who underwent a modified two-stage operation after definitive CRT.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 60-year-old male presented with type 2 upper thoracic EC with tracheal invasion. First, definitive CRT was performed, which resulted in tumor shrinkage and improvement in the tracheal invasion. However, an esophagotracheal fistula subsequently developed, and the patient was treated with fasting and antibiotics. Although the fistula recovered, severe esophageal stenoses made oral intake impossible. To improve quality of life and cure the EC, a modified two-stage operation was planned. In the first surgery, an esophageal bypass was performed using a gastric tube with cervical and abdominal lymph node dissections. After confirming improved nutritional status and absence of distant metastasis, the second surgery was performed with subtotal esophagectomy, mediastinal lymph node dissection, and tracheobronchial coverage of the fistula. The patient discharged without major complications after radical resection and has been recurrence-free for 5 years since the start of treatment.

CONCLUSION

A standard curative strategy could be difficult for EC with T4 invasion due to differences in the invaded organs, presence of complications, and patient condition. Therefore, patient-tailored treatment plans are needed, including a modified two-stage operation.

Dual antiplatelet therapy inhibits neutrophil extracellular traps to reduce liver micrometastases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

The involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in cancer metastasis is being clarified, but the relationship between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and NETs remains unclear. The presence of NETs was verified by multiple fluorescence staining in clinically resected specimens of iCCA. Human neutrophils were co-cultured with iCCA cells to observe NET induction and changes in cellular characteristics. Binding of platelets to iCCA cells and its mechanism were also examined, and their effects on NETs were analyzed in vitro and in in vivo mouse models. NETs were present in the tumor periphery of resected iCCAs. NETs promoted the motility and migration ability of iCCA cells in vitro. Although iCCA cells alone had a weak NET-inducing ability, the binding of platelets to iCCA cells via P-selectin promoted NET induction. Based on these results, antiplatelet drugs were applied to these cocultures in vitro and inhibited the binding of platelets to iCCA cells and the induction of NETs. Fluorescently labeled iCCA cells were injected into the spleen of mice, resulting in the formation of liver micrometastases coexisting with platelets and NETs. These mice were treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) consisting of aspirin and ticagrelor, which dramatically reduced micrometastases. These results suggest that potent antiplatelet therapy prevents micrometastases of iCCA cells by inhibiting platelet activation and NET production, and it may contribute to a novel therapeutic strategy.

Conventional Cancer Therapies Can Accelerate Malignant Potential of Cancer Cells by Activating Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Esophageal Cancer Models

Esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive tumors, and the outcome remains poor. One contributing factor is the presence of tumors that are less responsive or have increased malignancy when treated with conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of these. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the tumor microenvironment. Focusing on conventional cancer therapies, we investigated how CAFs acquire therapeutic resistance and how they affect tumor malignancy. In this study, low-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy-induced normal fibroblasts showed enhanced activation of CAFs markers, fibroblast activation protein, and α-smooth muscle actin, indicating the acquisition of malignancy in fibroblasts. Furthermore, CAFs activated by radiotherapy induce phenotypic changes in cancer cells, increasing their proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. In in vivo peritoneal dissemination models, the total number of tumor nodules in the abdominal cavity was significantly increased in the co-inoculation group of cancer cells and resistant fibroblasts compared to that in the co-inoculation group of cancer cells and normal fibroblasts. In conclusion, we demonstrated that conventional cancer therapy causes anti-therapeutic effects via the activation of fibroblasts, resulting in CAFs. It is important to select or combine modalities of esophageal cancer treatment, recognizing that inappropriate radiotherapy and chemotherapy can lead to resistance in CAF-rich tumors.

Laparoscopic Surgical Options as a Minimally Invasive Procedure for a Patient With Recurrent Postoperative Pain in Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome: A Case Report

This report presents a case of a 70-year-old woman who developed anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) three years ago and had an anterior cutaneous neurectomy in the left Th10 region. Postoperatively, the pain had improved entirely, but 10 weeks later, she developed a recurrence in the vicinity of the wound. The anterior intercostal nerve branch (Th10), located between the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles, was dissected laparoscopically six months after the initial surgery. There was no re-recurrence of pain for four months postoperatively. The postoperative recurrence of ACNES was refractory to various treatments, including surgical neurectomy, and is often difficult to treat. In cases in which transversus abdominis plane block is effective, laparoscopic neurectomy through an intraperitoneal approach may be effective, and minimally invasive laparoscopic treatment may be an effective surgical option for patients with recurrent and refractory ACNES who have a low pain threshold and are prone to prolonged complaints due to wound pain.

Geriatric nutritional risk index as the prognostic factor in older patients with fragility hip fractures

This study investigated the long-term survival and incidence of secondary fractures after fragility hip fractures. The 5-year survival rate was 62%, and the mortality risk was seen in patients with GNRI < 92. The 5-year incidence of secondary fracture was 22%, which was significantly higher in patients with a BMI < 20.

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition negatively influences the postoperative survival of patients with fragility hip fractures (FHFs); however, little is known about their association over the long term.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the ability of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) as a risk factor for long-term mortality after FHFs.

METHODS

This study included 623 Japanese patients with FHFs over the age of 60 years. We prospectively collected data on admission and during hospitalization and assessed the patients' conditions after discharge through a questionnaire. We examined the long-term mortality and the incidence of secondary FHFs and assessed the prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The mean observation period was 4.0 years (range 0-7 years). The average age at the time of admission was 82 years (range 60-101 years). The overall survival after FHFs (1 year, 91%; 5 years, 62%) and the incidence of secondary FHFs were high (1 year, 4%; 5 years, 22%). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed the risk factors for mortality as older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04), male sex (HR 1.96), lower GNRI score (HR 0.96), comorbidities (malignancy, HR 2.51; ischemic heart disease, HR 2.24; revised Hasegawa dementia scale ≤ 20, HR 1.64), no use of active vitamin D3 on admission (HR 0.46), and a lower Barthel index (BI) (on admission, HR 1.00; at discharge, HR 0.99). The GNRI scores were divided into four risk categories: major risk (GNRI, < 82), moderate risk (82-91), low risk (92-98), and no risk (> 98). Patients at major and moderate risks of GNRI had a significantly lower overall survival rate (p < 0.001). Lower body mass index (BMI) was also identified as a prognostic factor for secondary FHFs (HR 0.88 [p = 0.004]).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that older age, male sex, a lower GNRI score, comorbidities, and a lower BI are risk factors for mortality following FHFs. GNRI is a novel and simple predictor of long-term survival after FHFs.

Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Invading the Gluteus Maximus Muscle Completely Responded to Total Neoadjuvant Therapy

A 70-year-old male with anal pain and fever was diagnosed with rectal cancer perforation and abscess in the right gluteus maximus (GM) muscle. He underwent a transverse colon colostomy followed by preoperative capecitabine+oxaliplatin. Some local control was achieved but a residual abscess was observed in the right GM muscle. To secure circumferential resection margin by tumor reduction, he received chemoradiotherapy as total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) and underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection, D3 lymph node dissection, combined coccyx resection, and partial resection of the right GM muscle. The skin defect and pelvic dead space were filled with a right lateral vastus lateral great muscle flap. Histopathologically, the resected specimen showed no tumor cells in the primary tumor or lymph nodes, indicating a pathological complete response (pCR). This case suggests that TNT might improve the R0 resection and pCR rates and overall survival.

Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery for Gastric Submucosal Tumor Near Esophagogastric Junction With Sliding Hiatal Hernia

The usefulness of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for gastric submucosal tumors in the cardiac region has been reported in recent years. However, LECS for submucosal tumors at the esophagogastric junction with hiatal sliding esophageal hernia has not been reported, and its validity as a treatment method is unknown. The patient was a 51-year-old man with a growing submucosal tumor in the cardiac region. Surgical resection was indicated because a definitive diagnosis of the tumor was not determined. The lesion was a luminal protrusion tumor, located on the posterior wall of the stomach 20 mm from the esophagogastric junction, and had a maximum diameter of 16.3 mm on endoscopic ultrasound examination. Because of the hiatal hernia, the lesion could not be detected from the gastric side by endoscopy. Local resection was considered to be feasible because the resection line did not extend into the esophageal mucosa and the resection site could be less than half the circumference of the lumen. The submucosal tumor was resected completely and safely by LECS. The tumor was diagnosed as a gastric smooth muscle tumor finally. Nine months after surgery, a follow-up endoscopy showed reflux esophagitis. LECS was a useful technique for submucosal tumors of the cardiac region with hiatal hernia, but fundoplication might be considered for preventing backflow of gastric acid.

Incidence of Metachronous Remnant Gastric Cancer after Proximal Gastrectomy with the Double-flap Technique (rD-FLAP-rGC Study): A Multicenter, Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Although proximal gastrectomy (PG) with the double-flap technique (DFT) is a function-preserving surgery that prevents esophagogastric reflux, there is a risk of developing metachronous remnant gastric cancer (MRGC). Moreover, details of MRGC and appropriate postoperative follow-up after PG with DFT are unclear.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 471 patients who underwent PG with DFT for cancer in a preceding, multicenter, retrospective study (rD-FLAP Study). We investigated the incidence of MRGC, frequency of follow-up endoscopy, and eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

RESULTS

MRGC was diagnosed in 42 (8.9%) of the 471 patients, and 56 lesions of MRGC were observed. The cumulative 5- and 10-year incidence rates were 5.7 and 11.4%, respectively. There was no clinicopathological difference at the time of primary PG between patients with and without MRGC. Curative resection for MRGC was performed for 49 (88%) lesions. All patients with a 1-year, follow-up, endoscopy interval were diagnosed with early-stage MRGC, and none of them died due to MRGC. Overall and disease-specific survival rates did not significantly differ between patients with and without MRGC. The incidence rate of MRGC in the eradicated group after PG was 10.8% and that in the uneradicated group was 19.6%, which was significantly higher than that in patients without H. pylori infection at primary PG (7.6%) (p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence rate of MRGC after PG with DFT was 8.9%. Early detection of MRGC with annual endoscopy provides survival benefits. Eradicating H. pylori infection can reduce the incidence of MRGC.

Validity of the 30-Second Chair-Stand Test to Assess Exercise Tolerance and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Esophageal Cancer: A Retrospective Study with Reference to 6-Minute Walk Test Results

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the validity of a 30-sec chair stand test (CS-30) as a simple test to assess exercise tolerance and clinical outcomes in 53 Japanese patients with esophageal cancer. There was a strong correlation between the results of CS-30 and the 6-min walk test (6MWT), the gold standard for assessing exercise tolerance (r=0.759). Furthermore, fewer patients whose CS-30 score was greater than 16 (the cutoff value defined based on 6MWT) experienced pneumonia in their postoperative course. These results suggest that exercise tolerance could be assessed using CS-30, and its cutoff value may be useful in predicting postoperative pneumonia risk.

Impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts on survival of patients with ampullary carcinoma

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) reportedly enhance the progression of gastrointestinal surgery; however, the role of CAFs in ampullary carcinomas remains poorly examined. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CAFs on the survival of patients with ampullary carcinoma.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of 67 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy between January 2000 and December 2021 was performed. CAFs were defined as spindle-shaped cells that expressed α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The impact of CAFs on survival, including recurrence-free (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS), as well as prognostic factors associated with survival, was analyzed.

Results

The high-α-SMA group had significantly worse 5-year RFS (47.6% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.003) and 5-year DSS (67.5% vs. 93.3%, p = 0.01) than the low-α-SMA group. RFS (p = 0.04) and DSS (p = 0.02) in the high-FAP group were significantly worse than those in the low-FAP group. Multivariable analyses found that high α-SMA expression was an independent predictor of RFS [hazard ratio (HR): 3.68; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.21–12.4; p = 0.02] and DSS (HR: 8.54; 95% CI: 1.21–170; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

CAFs, particularly α-SMA, can be useful predictors of survival in patients undergoing radical resection for ampullary carcinomas.

Role of the Pfannenstiel Incision in Robotic Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery

Studies remain limited on the role of the Pfannenstiel incision in minimally invasive hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery, especially robotic surgery. The role of various extraction sites in robotic HPB surgery should be understood. Herein, we describe the surgical techniques, outcomes, advantages, and disadvantages of the Pfannenstiel incision in robotic pancreatic surgery. Seventy patients underwent robotic pancreatectomy at our institution between September 2020 and October 2022. The Pfannenstiel incision was used for specimen retrieval in 55 patients. Advantages of the Pfannenstiel incision include less pain, cosmetic benefits, and a lower incidence of complications. Moreover, the specimen could be removed using the robotic system docked. However, all complex reconstructions should be performed intra-abdominally during robotic pancreatoduodenectomies. The incidence of mortality and postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B) was 0% and 9.1%, respectively. During the median follow-up (11.2 months) after surgery, complications at the Pfannenstiel incision site included surgical site infection (n = 1, 1.8%) and incisional hernia (n = 1, 1.8%). The Pfannenstiel incision can be a useful option for specimen retrieval in minimally invasive HPB surgery, according to the surgeon's preferences and the patient's condition.

Health care transition for cerebral palsy with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Today, most individuals with cerebral palsy are adults who need a paediatric-to-adult health care transition. However, many remain in paediatric care for treatment of adult-onset health issues. Therefore, a systematic review based on the 'Triple Aim' framework was performed to determine the status of paediatric-to-adult health care transition for people with cerebral palsy. A comprehensive evaluation of transitional care was proposed for using this framework. It consists of 'experience of care', meaning satisfaction with the care, 'population health', meaning the well-being of patients, and 'cost', meaning cost-effectiveness.

METHOD

Electronic database (PubMed) searches were performed. The inclusion criteria were original articles published between 1990 and 2020. The search terms used in this study were ('cerebral palsy' AND 'transition to adult health care') OR ('cerebral palsy' AND 'transition'). The study type had to be epidemiological, case report, case-control, and cross-sectional, but not qualitative. The outcomes of the studies were categorised into 'care experience', 'population health', and 'cost', according to the Triple Aim framework.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles met the abovementioned inclusion criteria. Few studies have examined the effect of the intervention of transition for young adults with cerebral palsy. Participants in some studies had no intellectual disability. Young adults were dissatisfied with the 'care experience', 'population health', and 'cost' and had unmet health needs and inadequate social participation.

INTERPRETATION

Further transition intervention studies with a comprehensive assessment and proactive involvement of individuals are warranted. The presence of an intellectual disability should be considered.

Overcoming cancer-associated fibroblast-induced immunosuppression by anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a critical component of the tumor microenvironment and play a central role in tumor progression. Previously, we reported that CAFs might induce tumor immunosuppression via interleukin-6 (IL-6) and promote tumor progression by blocking local IL-6 in the tumor microenvironment with neutralizing antibody. Here, we explore whether an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody could be used as systemic therapy to treat cancer, and further investigate the mechanisms by which IL-6 induces tumor immunosuppression. In clinical samples, IL-6 expression was significantly correlated with α-smooth muscle actin expression, and high IL-6 cases showed tumor immunosuppression. Multivariate analysis showed that IL-6 expression was an independent prognostic factor. In vitro, IL-6 contributed to cell proliferation and differentiation into CAFs. Moreover, IL-6 increased hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) expression and induced tumor immunosuppression by enhancing glucose uptake by cancer cells and competing for glucose with immune cells. MR16-1, a rodent analog of anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, overcame CAF-induced immunosuppression and suppressed tumor progression in immunocompetent murine cancer models by regulating HIF1α activation in vivo. The anti-IL-6 receptor antibody could be systemically employed to overcome tumor immunosuppression and improve patient survival with various cancers. Furthermore, the tumor immunosuppression was suggested to be induced by IL-6 via HIF1α activation.

ADAR1 is a promising risk stratification biomarker of remnant liver recurrence after hepatic metastasectomy for colorectal cancer

Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing is a process mediated by adenosine deaminases that act on the RNA (ADAR) gene family. It has been discovered recently as an epigenetic modification dysregulated in human cancers. However, the clinical significance of RNA editing in patients with liver metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. The current study aimed to systematically and comprehensively investigate the significance of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1) expression status in 83 liver metastatic tissue samples collected from 36 patients with CRC. The ADAR1 expression level was significantly elevated in liver metastatic tissue samples obtained from patients with right-sided, synchronous, or RAS mutant-type CRC. ADAR1-high liver metastasis was significantly correlated with remnant liver recurrence after hepatic metastasectomy. A high ADAR1 expression was a predictive factor of remnant liver recurrence (area under the curve = 0.72). Results showed that the ADAR1 expression level could be a clinically relevant predictive indicator of remnant liver recurrence. Patients with liver metastases who have a high ADAR1 expression requires adjuvant chemotherapy after hepatic metastasectomy.

Impact of the hospital volume and setting on postoperative complications of surgery for gastroenterological cancers in a regional area of Western Japan

PURPOSE

A research subgroup was established by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery to improve the health care quality in the Chushikoku area of Western Japan.

METHODS

The records of four surgical procedures were extracted from the Japanese National Clinical Database and analyzed retrospectively to establish the association between hospital characteristics, defined using a combination of hospital case-volume and patients' hospital travel distance, and the incidences of perioperative complications of ≥ Grade 3 of the Clavien-Dindo classification after gastroenterological surgery.

RESULTS

This study analyzed 11,515 cases of distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer, 4,705 cases of total gastrectomy for gastric cancer, 4,996 cases of right hemicolectomy for colon cancer, and 5,243 cases of lower anterior resection for rectal cancer, with composite outcome incidences of 5.6%, 10.2%, 5.5%, and 10.7%, respectively. After adjusting for patient characteristics and surgical procedures, no association was identified between the hospital category and surgical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The findings of our study of the Chushikoku region did not provide positive support for the consolidation and centralization of hospitals, based solely on hospital case volume. Our grouping was unique in that we included patient travel distance in the analysis, but further investigations from other perspectives are needed.

A Case Report of Non-typical Annular Pancreas Diagnosed during Laparoscopic Gastric Surgery

An annular pancreas is a rare anomaly of the pancreas, defined as pancreatic tissue that totally or partly encircles the duodenum, usually the descending portion. A 76-year-old man who was diagnosed with gastric cancer cT3N0M0 Stage IIB underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection. Intraoperatively, the dorsal half of the duodenal bulb was seen to be half surrounded by the pancreas, and a non-typical annular pancreas was diagnosed. Because of the risk to the pancreas, it was considered impossible to perform anastomosis by a linear stapler as in the usual laparoscopic procedure. Therefore, we performed laparoscopically assisted distal gastrectomy and Billroth-I reconstruction using a circular stapler, and the surgery was completed without difficulties. His postoperative course was good despite the development of a pancreatic fistula, which was an International Study Group for Pancreas Fistula biochemical leak. Some APs can be diagnosed preoperatively, but the rarer subtypes such as ours are more difficult to visualize on imaging. In gastrectomy, it is both oncologically important and technically challenging to perform lymph node dissection around the pancreas. In this case with an especially proximal pancreas, a circular stapler was considered better suited for gastroduodenal anastomosis and required a broader field than that afforded by laparoscopy. A case of non-typical annular pancreas diagnosed during laparoscopic gastric surgery is described.

Effect of Patient-Participation Continuous Nutritional Counseling in Gastric Cancer Patients who Underwent Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Body weight loss (BWL) and skeletal muscle loss (SML) are inevitable after gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC) and can decrease patients' quality of life (QOL) and survival.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of perioperative and post-discharge patient participation in continuous nutritional counseling (CNC) on post-gastrectomy BWL and SML.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients with GC who underwent curative gastrectomy between March 2018 and July 2019 were analyzed. Patients received either pre-discharge nutritional counseling alone (control group, n = 49) or patient-participation CNC (CNC group, n = 44) after gastrectomy. Differences between percentage BWL (%BWL), percentage SML (%SML), and nutrition-related blood parameters between the preoperative values and those at 12 months after surgery were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, %BWL was significantly lower in the CNC group at 1 month (-6.2 ± 2.5% vs. -7.9 ± 3.3%, p = 0.005), 6 months (-7.8 ± 6.6% vs. -12.3 ± 6.4%, p = 0.001) and 12 months (-7.9 ± 7.6% vs. -13.2 ± 8.2%, p = 0.002), and %SML was significantly lower in the CNC group at 12 months (-5.3 ± 10.3% vs. -12.8 ± 12%, p = 0.002). Regarding nutrition-related blood parameters, change in total cholesterol was significantly lower in the CNC group than the control group at 12 months after surgery (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis identified no CNC as an independent risk factor for severe BWL (p = 0.001) and SML (p = 0.006) at 12 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Following gastrectomy, patient-participation CNC prevented postoperative BWL and SML after surgery. These results support the induction of such a CNC program in these patients.

Surgical Techniques of Gastrojejunostomy in Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy: Robot-Sewn versus Stapled Gastrojejunostomy Anastomosis

Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a major complication of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Several efforts have been made to decrease the incidence of DGE. However, the optimal anastomotic method for gastro/duodenojejunostomy (GJ) remains debatable. Moreover, few studies have reported the impact of GJ surgical techniques on outcomes following robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD). This study aimed to investigate the surgical outcomes of robot-sewn and stapled GJ anastomoses in RPD. Methods: Forty patients who underwent RPD at the Okayama University Hospital between September 2020 and October 2022 were included. The outcomes between robot-sewn and stapled anastomoses were compared. Results: The mean [standard deviation (SD)] operative and GJ time were 428 (63.5) and 34.0 (15.0) minutes, respectively. Postoperative outcomes included an overall incidence of DGE of 15.0%, and the mean postoperative hospital stays were 11.6 (5.3) days in length. The stapled group (n = 21) had significantly shorter GJ time than the robot-sewn group (n = 19) (22.7 min versus 46.5 min, p < 0.001). Moreover, stapled GJ cases were significantly associated with a lower incidence of DGE (0% versus 21%, p = 0.01). Although not significant, the stapled group tended to have shorter postoperative hospital stays (9.9 days versus 13.5 days, p = 0.08). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that stapled GJ anastomosis might decrease anastomotic GJ time and incidence of DGE after RPD. Surgeons should select a suitable method for GJ anastomosis based on their experiences with RPD.