The role of SWI/SNF complexes in digestive system neoplasms

Chromatin remodeling is a critical step in the DNA damage response, and the ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers are a group of epigenetic regulators that alter nucleosome assembly and regulate transcription factor accessibility to DNA, preventing genomic instability and tumorigenesis caused by DNA damage. The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex is one of them, and mutations in the gene encoding the SWI/SNF subunit are frequently found in digestive tumors. We review the most recent literature on the role of SWI/SNF complexes in digestive tumorigenesis, with different SWI/SNF subunits playing different roles. They regulate the biological behavior of tumor cells, participate in multiple signaling pathways, interact with multiple genes, and have some correlation with the prognosis of patients. Their carcinogenic properties may help discover new therapeutic targets. Understanding the mutations and defects of SWI/SNF complexes, as well as the underlying functional mechanisms, may lead to new strategies for treating the digestive system by targeting relevant genes or modulating the tumor microenvironment.

Knee Extensor Weakness Potently Predicts Postoperative Outcomes in Older Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVES

Muscle weakness, assessed by grip strength, has been shown to predict postoperative mortality in older patients with cancer. Because lower extremity muscle strength well reflects physical performance, we examined whether lower knee extension muscle strength predicts postoperative mortality better than grip strength in older patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study in a single institution.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 813 patients (79.0 ± 4.2 years, 66.5% male) aged 65 years or older with gastrointestinal cancer who underwent preoperative evaluation of grip strength and isometric knee extension muscle strength between April 2012 and April 2019 were included.

METHODS

The study participants were prospectively followed up for postoperative mortality. Muscle weakness was defined as the lowest quartile of grip strength or knee extension strength (GS-muscle weakness and KS-muscle weakness, respectively).

RESULTS

Among the study participants, 176 patients died during a median follow-up of 716 days. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, we found that patients with both GS-muscle weakness and KS-muscle weakness had a lower survival rate than those without muscle weakness. As expected, higher clinical stages and abdominal and thoracic surgeries compared with endoscopic surgery were associated with increased all-cause mortality. In addition, we found that KS-muscle weakness, but not GS-muscle weakness, was an independent prognostic factor after adjusting for sex, body mass index, cancer stage, surgical technique, and surgical site in the Cox proportional hazard model.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

In older patients with gastrointestinal cancer, muscle weakness based on knee extension muscle strength can be a better predictor of postoperative prognosis than muscle weakness based on grip strength.

Exosomes: Another intercellular lipometabolic communication mediators in digestive system neoplasms?

Neoplasms are one of the most concerned public health problems worldwide. Digestive system neoplasms, with a high morbidity and mortality, is one of the most common malignant tumors in human being. It is found that exosomes act as an intercellular communication media to carry the metabolic and genetic information of parental cells to target cells. Likely, exosomes participate in lipid metabolism and regulates multiple processes in digestive system neoplasms, including the information transmission among cancer cells, the formation of neoplastic microenvironment, and the neoplastic biological behaviors like metastasis, invasion, and the chemotherapy resistance. In this review, we firstly introduce the main mechanisms whereas exosomes act as intercellular lipometabolic communication mediator in digestive system neoplasms. Thereafter we introduce the relationship between exosomes lipid metabolism and various type of digestive system neoplasms, including gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. Eventually, we summarized and prospected the development and implication of exosomes in digestive system neoplasms. The further research of exosomes as intercellular lipid metabolism mediator will contribute to accurate and efficient diagnosis and treatment of digestive system neoplasms.

First-in-human CLDN18.2 functional diagnostic pet imaging of digestive system neoplasms enables whole-body target mapping and lesion detection

PURPOSE

Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) is a reliable target for lesion detection and could have clinical implications for epithelial tumors, especially digestive system neoplasms. However, there is no predictive technology for accurate whole-body mapping of CLDN18.2 expression in patients. This study assessed the safety of the 124I-18B10(10L) tracer and the feasibility of mapping whole-body CLDN18.2 expression using PET functional imaging.

METHODS

The 124I-18B10(10L) probe was synthesized manually, and preclinical experiments including binding affinity and specific targeting ability were conducted after testing in vitro model cells. Patients with pathologically confirmed digestive system neoplasms were enrolled in an ongoing, open-label, single-arm, first-in-human (FiH) phase 0 trial (NCT04883970). 124I-18B10(10L) PET/CT or PET/MR and 18F-FDG PET were performed within one week.

RESULTS

124I-18B10(10L) was successfully constructed with an over 95% radiochemical yield. The results of preclinical experiments showed that it had high stability in saline and high affinity in CLDN18.2 overexpressing cells (Kd = 4.11 nM). Seventeen patients, including 12 with gastric cancers, 4 with pancreatic cancers, and 1 with cholangiocarcinoma were enrolled. 124I-18B10(10L) displayed high uptake in the spleen and liver, and slight uptake in the bone marrow, lung, stomach and pancreas. The tracer uptake SUVmax in tumor lesions ranged from 0.4 to 19.5. Compared with that in lesions that had been treated with CLDN18.2-targeted therapy, 124I-18B10(10L) uptake was significantly higher in lesions that had not. Regional 124I-18B10(10L) PET/MR in two patients showed high tracer uptake in metastatic lymph nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

124I-18B10(10L) was successfully prepared and exhibited a high binding affinity and CLDN18.2 specificity in preclinical studies. As an FiH CLDN18.2 PET tracer, 124I-18B10(10L) was shown to be safe with acceptable dosimetry and to clearly reveal most lesions overexpressing CLDN18.2.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04883970; URL: https://register.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/ . Registered 07 May 2021.

[Clinical characteristics of digestive system cancers metastatic to the heart]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of patients with cardiac metastases from digestive system tumors. Methods: This retrospective study collected and analyzed the medical records of patients with cardiac metastases from digestive system tumors who received treatments in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 1999 and January 2021. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Results: A total of 19 patients were identified. The primary tumors were esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (n=7), gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (n=6), hepatobiliary cancers (n=3) and colorectal cancers (n=3). 16 patients had pericardial metastases, 2 patients had right atrium metastases, and 1 patient had left ventricle metastasis. The most common symptom was dyspnea, which was present in 8 cases. 7 patients received locoregional treatment, while 11 patients underwent systemic therapies. The median overall survival from diagnosis of primary cancer was 31.4 months, and the median overall survival time from diagnosis of cardiac metastasis was 4.7 months. Conclusion: Cardiac metastasis from digestive system tumors is associated with low incidence and a poor prognosis. Systemic treatment remains the cornerstone of management, while novel anti-tumor drugs may improve therapeutic efficacy.

Therapeutic approach for digestive system cancers and potential implications of exercise under hypoxia condition: what little is known? a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Cancer, like other chronic pathologies, is associated with the presence of hypoxic regions due to the uncontrolled cell growth. Under this pathological hypoxic condition, various molecular signaling pathways are activated to ensure cell survival, such as those that govern angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, among others. These molecular processes are very similar to the physiological response caused by exposure to altitude (natural hypobaric systemic hypoxia), the use of artificial hypoxia devices (systemic normobaric simulated hypoxia) or the delivery of vascular occlusion to the extremities (also called local hypoxia by the blood flow restriction technique). "Tumor hypoxia" has gained further clinical importance due to its crucial role in both tumor progression and resistance to treatment. However, the ability to manipulate this pathway through physical exercise and systemic hypoxia-mediated signaling pathways could offer an important range of therapeutic opportunities that should be further investigated.

METHODS

This review is focused on the potential implications of systemic hypoxia combined with exercise in digestive system neoplasms prognosis. Articles included in the review were retrieved by searching among the three main scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase.

FINDINGS

The findings of this review suggest that exercise performed under systemic hypoxic conditions could have a positive impact in prognosis and quality of life of the population with digestive system cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies are needed to consider this paradigm as a new potential intervention in digestive oncological population.

Prognostic value of preoperative low bone mineral density in patients with digestive cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Osteopenia typically presents low bone mineral density (BMD) and has recently been reported as a prognostic factor in various cancers. However, the prognostic value of osteopenia in digestive tract cancers remains to be defined. We aimed to review the prognostic value of preoperative osteopenia in patients with digestive cancers.

METHODS

Cohort studies evaluating the prognostic value of preoperative osteopenia in digestive cancers (colorectal, esophageal, hepatic, bile duct, and pancreatic cancer) were searched using electronic databases and trial registries. The exposure was defined as low BMD estimated by computed tomography at 11^th thoracic vertebra, while comparator was normal BMD. The primary outcomes were overall survival and recurrence-free survival for osteopenia. Random effect meta-analyses were performed. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies (2230 patients) were included. Osteopenia was an independent risk factor for overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.47 to 2.78; I² = 74%), along with sarcopenia. Osteopenia also predicted poor recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.36 to 2.81; I² = 85%). In subgroup analyses, osteopenia predicted prognosis in colorectal, esophageal, hepatic, and bile duct cancers, but not in pancreatic cancer. The certainty of the evidence was low due to inconsistency and publication bias.

CONCLUSION

Osteopenia may be independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with digestive tract cancer. Further studies are needed to establish the relevance of osteopenia in the operative prognosis of these patients.

Research progress of circRNAs in chemotherapy resistance of digestive system neoplasms

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of noncoding RNA molecules with a unique closed continuous loop structure. CircRNAs are abundant in eukaryotic cells, have unique stability and tissue specificity, and can play a biological regulatory role at various levels, such as transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Accumulating evidence indicates that circRNAs play critical roles in tumor genesis, development, and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a primary type of intervention for most cancers, but its therapeutic efficacy is usually retarded by intrinsic and acquired resistance. CircRNAs regulate tumor chemoresistance through various molecular mechanisms, such as affecting apoptosis, promoting drug transportation, promoting DNA repair, promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, regulating the characteristics of tumor stem cells, and affecting autophagy. This review summarizes the recent progress and mechanisms of circRNAs in cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy.

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas of stomach and ampulla of vater after curative-intent resection: a single center cases series

Background

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare clinical manifestation, especially in the gastric and ampullary. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma in the gastric and ampullary and summarize related treatment suggestions.

Methods

In all, 32 cases of mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma in the gastric and ampullary that were diagnosed from resected specimens were analyzed from 2009 to 2015. The corresponding demographic, clinicopathological and survival data were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 78.1%, 28.1 and 9.4%, respectively, and the median overall survival was 28.0 months. In all, 75.0% (24/32) had lymph node metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis. A multivariate analysis revealed that TNM stage (HR 6.444 95%CI 1.477–28.121 P = 0.013), lymph nodes metastasis (HR10.617 95%CI 1.409–79.997 P = 0.022), vascular invasion (HR 5.855 95%CI 1.719–19.940 P = 0.005), grade of the adenocarcinoma component (HR 3.876 95%CI 1.451–10.357 P = 0.007) and CD56 positivity (HR 0.265 95%CI 0.100–0.705 P = 0.008) were independent predictors of overall survival.

Conclusions

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma is an aggressive clinical entity with a poor prognosis. Taking both the neuroendocrine component and the adenocarcinoma component into consideration of optimal treatment is strongly recommended.

Dynapenia in digestive cancer outpatients: association with markers of functional and nutritional status (the FIGHTDIGO study)

BACKGROUND

The FIGHTDIGO study determined the feasibility and acceptability of handgrip strength (HGS) measurement in digestive cancer outpatients.

PURPOSE

To assess the relationship between muscle strength and markers of functional and nutritional status in this population.

DESIGN

In this prospective study, a total of 201 patients were followed during 6 months and were asked to perform HGS measurement at each hospitalization. Anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, and performance status (PS) evaluation were collected. The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) was calculated using CRP and albumin levels. Severe malnutrition was defined as body mass index (BMI) < 18 kg/m² in patients > 70 years old, and BMI < 16 kg/m² in those < 70 years old. Dynapenia was defined as HGS < 30 kg (men) and < 20 kg (women). Mixed logistic regressions and mixed linear regressions were performed to study factors associated with dynapenia and HGS value, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 879 HGS measurements were analyzed. Dynapenia occurred in 177 measurements (20.1%). BMI and HGS were significantly associated in univariate analysis (p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, mGPS score (β =  - 0.54 ± 0.31; p = 0.06) and severe malnutrition (β =  - 2.8 ± 1.4; p = 0.08) tended to be associated with HGS. Dynapenia was only associated with functional status impairment in univariate analysis (n = 140/803, 17.4% in ECOG 0 and 1 versus n = 37/76, 58.7% in ECOG 2 and 3; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of dynapenia using HGS measurement may be useful to predict nutritional vulnerability in digestive cancer outpatients undergoing chemotherapy. Patients could then benefit from nutritional support, adapted physical activity programs, and early therapeutic adjustments. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02797197.

Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1/growth differentiation factor-15 in premalignant and neoplastic tumours in a high-risk pancreatic cancer cohort

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a leading cause of cancer related mortality worldwide, with poor survival due to late diagnosis. Currently, biomarkers have limited use in early diagnosis of PC. Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 or growth differentiation factor-15 (MIC-1/GDF15) has been implicated as a potential serum biomarker in PC and other malignancies.

AIM

To determine the role of MIC-1/GDF15 in detecting pre-malignant pancreatic lesions and neoplastic tumours in an asymptomatic high-risk cohort part of Australian Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program.

METHODS

A feasibility prospective single centre cohort study was performed. Participants recruited for yearly surveillance with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) had serial fasting blood samples collected before EUS for MIC-1/GDF15, C-reactive protein and carbohydrate antigen 19-9. Patients were stratified into five groups based on EUS findings: Normal; pancreatic cysts, branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm; diffuse non-specific abnormalities; and neoplastic tumours. MIC-1/GDF15 serum levels were quantified using ELISA. Participants in whom EUS demonstrated abnormalities but not malignancy were closely followed up with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty participants were prospectively recruited from 2011-2018. Forty-seven participants (39.2%) had an abnormal EUS and five participants (4.2%) were diagnosed with neoplastic tumours, three by EUS (two pancreatic and one liver) and two by MRI/computed tomography (breast cancer, bladder cancer), which were performed for follow up of abnormal EUS. Baseline serum MIC-1/GDF15 was a significant predictor of neoplastic tumours on receiver operator characteristic curve analysis [area under curve (AUC) = 0.814, P = 0.023]. Baseline serum MIC-1/GDF15 had moderate predictive capacity for branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (AUC = 0.644) and neoplastic tumours noted on EUS (AUC = 0.793), however this was not significant (P = 0.188 and 0.081 respectively). Serial serum MIC-1/GDF15 did not demonstrate a significant percentage change between a normal and abnormal EUS (P = 0.213). Median baseline MIC-1/GDF15 was greater in those with neoplastic tumours (Median = 1039.6, interquartile range = 727.0-1977.7) compared to those diagnosed with a benign lesion (Median = 570.1, interquartile range = 460.7-865.2) on EUS and MRI (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study MIC-1/GDF15 has predictive capacity for neoplastic tumours in asymptomatic individuals with a genetic predisposition for PC. Further imagining may be warranted in patients with abnormal EUS and raised serum MIC-1/GDF15. Larger multicentric prospective studies are required to further define the role of MIC-1/GDF15 as a serological biomarker in pre-malignant pancreatic lesions and neoplastic tumours.

The predicted impact and cost-effectiveness of systematic testing of people with incident colorectal cancer for Lynch syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the health impact and cost-effectiveness of systematic testing for Lynch syndrome (LS) in people with incident colorectal cancer (CRC) in Australia.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS

We investigated the impact of LS testing strategies in a micro-simulation model (Policy1-Lynch), explicitly modelling the cost of testing all patients diagnosed with incident CRC during 2017, with detailed modelling of outcomes for patients identified as LS carriers (probands) and their at-risk relatives throughout their lifetimes. For people with confirmed LS, we modelled ongoing colonoscopic surveillance.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cost-effectiveness of six universal tumour testing strategies (testing for DNA mismatch repair deficiencies) and of universal germline gene panel testing of patients with incident CRC; impact on cost-effectiveness of restricting testing by age at CRC diagnosis (all ages, under 50/60/70 years) and of colonoscopic surveillance interval (one, two years).

RESULTS

The cost-effectiveness ratio of universal tumour testing strategies (annual colonoscopic surveillance, no testing age limit) compared with no testing ranged from $28 915 to $31 904/life-year saved (LYS) (indicative willingness-to-pay threshold: $30 000-$50 000/LYS). These strategies could avert 184-189 CRC deaths with an additional 30 597-31 084 colonoscopies over the lifetimes of 1000 patients with incident CRC with LS and 1420 confirmed LS carrier relatives (164-166 additional colonoscopies/death averted). The most cost-effective strategy was immunohistochemistry and BRAF V600E testing (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [ICER], $28 915/LYS). Universal germline gene panel testing was not cost-effective compared with universal tumour testing strategies (ICER, $2.4 million/LYS). Immunohistochemistry and BRAF V600E testing was cost-effective at all age limits when paired with 2-yearly colonoscopic surveillance (ICER, $11 525-$32 153/LYS), and required 4778-15 860 additional colonoscopies to avert 46-181 CRC deaths (88-103 additional colonoscopies/death averted).

CONCLUSIONS

Universal tumour testing strategies for guiding germline genetic testing of people with incident CRC for LS in Australia are likely to be cost-effective compared with no testing. Universal germline gene panel testing would not currently be cost-effective.

[Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and urologic cancer with venous thromboembolism]

Objective: To compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with lung cancer, gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and urologic cancer with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Methods: From January 2003 to January 2013, 192 lung cancer, GI cancer and urologic cancer patients with VTE were retrospectively evaluated for the clinical characteristics and outcomes. Results: Among 192 patients, 82 cases of lung cancer, 78 cases of GI cancer, 32 cases of urologic cancer were involved. The Eastern Cooperative oncology Group Performance Status score of GI cancer group was significantly higher than those of the lung cancer and urologic cancer groups[(2.4±1.1) vs (2.0±1.4), (1.8±1.0), both P<0.05]. The proportion of smoking patients in lung cancer group was significantly higher than that in GI cancer and urologic cancer groups (79.3% vs 30.8%, 53.1%, both P<0.05), while the proportion of operation was significantly lower than that in the latter two groups (35.4% vs 53.8%, 68.8%, both P<0.05). Pathological types of cancer were mostly adenocarcinoma, and the proportion of adenocarcinoma in lung cancer and GI cancer groups was significantly higher than that in urologic cancer group (76.9%, 73.8% vs 37.9%, both P<0.001). The proportion of moderately and/or poorly differentiated histodifferentiation in the first two groups was significantly higher than that of urologic cancer group (90.0%, 95.7% vs 40.0%, both P<0.001). The proportion of patients with TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ in lung cancer group was significantly higher than that of the urological cancer group (87.0% vs 64.3%, P<0.05). The incidence of VTE in lung cancer group was significantly higher than those of GI cancer and urologic cancer groups within 6 months after tumor diagnosis, chemotherapy and operation (79.3% vs 60.3%, 46.9%; 76.5% vs 48.6%, 36.4%; 92.3% vs 57.9%, 59.1%; all P<0.05). The case fatality rate within one year in lung cancer and GI cancer groups was significantly higher than that in urologic cancer group (51.2%, 52.6% vs 18.8%, both P<0.01). The median survival time of the lung cancer and GI cancer groups was significantly shorter than that of the urological cancer group (P=0.001, 0.010, respectively). Conclusions: Adenocarcinoma, advanced cancer, and poor histodifferentiation are risk factors of VTE in cancer patients. Most events of VTE occur within 6 months after a diagnosis of cancer. The prognosis of lung cancer and GI cancer complicated with VTE is worse than that of urologic cancer with VTE.

Dynapenia could predict chemotherapy-induced dose-limiting neurotoxicity in digestive cancer patients

Background

FIGHTDIGO study showed the feasibility and acceptability of handgrip strength (HGS) measure in routine in 201 consecutive patients with digestive cancer treated with ambulatory chemotherapy. The present study focuses on the second aim of FIGHTDIGO study: the relationships between pre-therapeutic dynapenia and chemotherapy-induced Dose-Limiting Toxicities (DLT).

Methods

In this ancillary prospective study, DLT were analyzed in a sub-group of 45 chemotherapy-naive patients. Two bilateral consecutive measures of HGS were performed with a Jamar dynamometer before the first cycle of chemotherapy. Dynapenia was defined as HGS < 30 kg (men) and < 20 kg (women). DLT and/or Dose-Limiting Neurotoxicity (DLN) were defined as any toxicity leading to dose reduction, treatment delays or permanent treatment discontinuation.

Results

Two-thirds of chemotherapies were potentially neurotoxic (n = 31 [68.7%]) and 22 patients (48.9%) received FOLFOX (5FU, leucovorin plus oxaliplatin) regimen chemotherapy. Eleven patients (24.4%) had pre-therapeutic dynapenia. The median number of chemotherapy cycles was 10 with a median follow-up of 167 days. Twenty-two patients experienced DLT (48.9%). There was no significant association between pre-therapeutic dynapenia and DLT (p = 0.62). Nineteen patients (42.2%) experienced DLN. In multivariate analysis, dynapenia and tumoral location (stomach, biliary tract or small intestine) were independent risk factors for DLN (HR = 3.5 [1.3; 9.8]; p = 0.02 and HR = 3.6 [1.3; 10.0]; p = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

Digestive cancer patients with pre-therapeutic dynapenia seemed to experience more DLN. HGS routine measurement may be a way to screen patients with frailty marker (dynapenia) who would require chemotherapy dose adjustment and adapted physical activity programs.

Trial registration

NCT02797197 June 13, 2016 retrospectively registered.

Abdominal imaging findings in adult patients with Fontan circulation

Abstract

The Fontan procedures, designed to treat paediatric patients with functional single ventricles, have markedly improved the patient’s survival into adulthood. The physiology of the Fontan circuit inevitably increases systemic venous pressure, which may lead to multi-system organ failure in the long-term follow-up. Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) can progress to liver cirrhosis with signs of portal hypertension. Focal nodular hyperplasia-like nodules commonly develop in FALD. Imaging surveillance is often performed to monitor the progression of FALD and to detect hepatocellular carcinoma, which infrequently develops in FALD. Other abdominal abnormalities in post-Fontan patients include protein losing enteropathy and pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Given that these abdominal abnormalities are critical for patient management, it is important for radiologists to become familiar with the abdominal abnormalities that are common in post-Fontan patients on cross-sectional imaging.

Teaching points

• Fontan procedure for functional single ventricle has improved patient survival into adulthood.

• Radiologists should be familiar with unique imaging findings of Fontan-associated liver disease.

• Focal nodular hyperplasia-like nodules commonly develop in Fontan-associated liver disease.

• Hepatocellular carcinoma, protein-losing enteropathy, pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma may develop.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s13244-018-0609-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Clinical analysis of 138 multiple primary cancers diagnosed of digestive system malignant tumor initially]

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics, strategy of treatment and prognosis of multiple primary cancers(MPC) diagnosed of digestive system malignant tumor firstly. Methods: From January, 2000 to December, 2015, the clinical, follow-up and prognostic data of 138 MPC patients diagnosed of digestive system malignant tumor firstly were retrospectively analyzed. Results: 138 cases were found in 10 580 cases with malignant tumors, and the incidence was 1.30%. There were 129 cases of duplex primary cancers, 8 cases of triple primary cancers and 1 case of quintuple primary cancers. The repetitive primary cancer was occurred in digestive system (61cases, 44.2%) most frequently, with the next in respiratory system (46 cases, 33.3%). 52.2% (72 cases) suffered second primary cancer in 2 years after first primary cancer diagnosed, and 75.4% (104 cases) in 5 years. The median overall survival in patients with all cancer lesions radically treated was 168 months, better than any other treatment (68 months, P<0.05). Conclusions: The second primary cancers of MPC cases initially diagnosed of digestive system malignant tumor most frequently occurred in the digestive system and respiratory system. More concern should be attracted in follow-up, especially in the first 5 years. The key to improve patient' prognosis was radical treatment to every primary cancer.

Patterns of health care utilization preceding a colorectal cancer diagnosis are strong predictors of dying quickly following diagnosis

Background

Understanding the predictors of a quick death following diagnosis may improve timely access to palliative care. The objective of this study was to explore whether factors in the 24 months prior to a colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis predict a quick death post-diagnosis.

Methods

Data were from a longitudinal study of all adult persons diagnosed with CRC in Nova Scotia, Canada, from 01Jan2001-31Dec2005. This study included all persons who died of any cause by 31Dec2010, except those who died within 30 days of CRC surgery (n = 1885 decedents). Classification and regression tree models were used to explore predictors of time from diagnosis to death for the following time intervals: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 26 weeks from diagnosis to death. All models were performed with and without stage at diagnosis as a predictor variable. Clinico-demographic and health service utilization data in the 24 months pre-diagnosis were provided via linked administrative databases.

Results

The strongest, most consistent predictors of dying within 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of CRC diagnosis were related to health services utilization in the 24 months prior to diagnosis: i.e., number of specialist visits, number of days spent in hospital, and number of family physician visits. Stage at diagnosis was the strongest predictor of dying within 12 and 26 weeks of diagnosis.

Conclusions

Identifying potential predictors of a short timeframe between cancer diagnosis and death may aid in the development of strategies to facilitate timely and appropriate referral to palliative care upon a cancer diagnosis.

Role of special AT rich sequence binding protein 1 in digestive system neoplasms

Special AT rich sequence binding protein 1 (SATB1) is a unique global regulatory factor. Epigenetic modifications and dynamic changes in chromatin organization mediated by SATB1 have recently been shown to play an important role in regulating cancer-promoting genes. The role of SATB1 in promoting metastasis was discovered in breast carcinoma cells in 2008. In recent years, high expression of SATB1 has been found in digestive system neoplasms including oral cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, gallbladder cancer and colorectal cancer. SATB1 is related closely to proliferation, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. Digestive system neoplasms are the most common malignant tumor in China, and control of cancer metastasis has been the research focus. A better understanding of the role of SATB1 will contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis evaluation in malignant tumors. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in understanding the role of SATB1 in digestive system neoplasms.

Role of breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 in digestive system neoplasms

Breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1) is a tumor metastasis suppressor discovered in breast carcinoma cells in 2000. It can reduce the metastasis potential of tumor cells without affecting the growth of orthotopic tumor. BRMS1 is lowly expressed or not at all in metastases of melanoma, bladder carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, endometrial cancer, nasal and paranasal sinus carcinoma. Malignant tumors have become one of the most serious diseases endangering human health, and digestive system neoplasms are the most common malignant tumors in China. Elucidation of the role of BRMS1 will certainly provide a potential theoretical basis for the molecular diagnosis, targeted therapy, and prognosis evaluation of tumor metastases. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in understanding the role of BRMS1 in digestive system neoplasms.

The extracellular matrix in digestive cancer

The extracellular components of the cancer microenvironment play a critical role in tumor initiation, progression and invasion. In this review we examine the normal formation and function of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix. We characterize the interactions between the matrix and the epithelium and explore the causes and consequences of the extracellular remodeling that accompanies carcinogenesis. Finally, we address the therapeutic possibilities of incorporating matrix as well as epithelial strategies in the management of digestive cancer.

Stromal fibroblasts in digestive cancer

The normal gastrointestinal stroma consists of extra-cellular matrix and a community of stromal cells including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, pericytes, endothelium and inflammatory cells. α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) positive stromal fibroblasts, often referred to as myofibroblasts or activated fibroblasts, are critical in the development of digestive cancer and help to create an environment that is permissive of tumor growth, angiogenesis and invasion. This review focusses on the contribution of activated fibroblasts in carcinogenesis and where possible directly applies this to, and draws on examples from, gastrointestinal cancer. In particular, the review expands on the definition, types and origins of activated fibroblasts. It examines the molecular biology of stromal fibroblasts and their contribution to the peritumoral microenvironment and concludes by exploring some of the potential clinical applications of this exciting branch of cancer research. Understanding the origin and biology of activated fibroblasts will help in the development of an integrated epithelial-stromal sequence to cancer that will ultimately inform cancer pathogenesis, natural history and future therapeutics.

Clinical significance of CA19-9 in diagnosis of digestive tract tumors

AIM: To evaluate the clinical value of CA19-9 in diagnosing and differentiating gastrointestinal tumors and in monitoring patients treated surgically.

METHODS: Patients with gastric cancer (n = 70), colorectal cancer (n = 90), pancreatic cancer (n = 7), esophageal cancer (n = 10) and benign disorders (n = 30), and normal adults (n = 111; used as healthy controls), were studied. Fasting blood samples were obtained from each study participant. The serum CA19-9 concentration was measured with radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS: The mean CA19-9 level was significantly higher in patients with gastric cancer (170.69 ± 91.45 kU/L) and patients with colorectal cancer (87.21 ± 39.55 kU/L) than in the healthy controls (11.254 ± 6.00 kU/L). Compared with the healthy controls, the CA19-9 level was also much higher in patients with pancreatic cancer (1266.58 ± 521.31 kU/L) (P < 0.01). However, the CA19-9 concentrations in patients with non-recurrent gastric cancer (12.63 ± 3.62 kU/L), colorectal cancer (14.14 ± 3.26 kU/L) and benign disorders (14.23 ± 2.60 kU/L) were statistically similar to those in the healthy controls (P > 0.05). The demarcation value of CA19-9 between negative and positive was < 31.0 kU/L. The sensitivity of CA19-9 for gastric, colorectal, pancreatic and esophageal cancers and for gastrointestinal benign disorders was 47.3%, 50.0%, 83.3%, 20.0% and 0%, respectively. The specificity of CA19-9 for digestive system malignant diseases was 100% for all.

Characteristics of upper digestive tract diseases in Bohai Bay fishermen

AIM: To study the characteristics of upper digestive tract diseases (UDTDs) in fishermen who live in Bohai Bay.

METHODS: An investigation was carried out in 1488 fishermen with symptoms of UDTDs (aside from liver, biliary and pancreatic diseases) during the time period between December 1991 and February 1995. This investigation included medical history evaluations, physical, gastroscopic and pathological examinations, tests for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and analysis of the nitrate content in their drinking water.

RESULTS: Among the 1488 subjects investigated, 1467 suffered from one or more of the 14 UDTD diseases, most of which were chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG, 1103 cases), peptic ulcers (268 cases), and cancer of the upper digestive tract (25 cases).

CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of UDTDs tends to be high among fishermen due to their particular living habits, the high nitrate content of their drinking water, etc. In addition, the clinical manifestations of UDTDs in fishermen are significantly different from those of the inland residents.