A Japanese Prospective, Multicenter Study of Colonic Stenting for Palliation Using a High Axial Force Self-Expandable Metal Stent for Malignant Large Bowel Obstruction in 200 Patients

Evidence of the efficacy and safety of colorectal stent placement for palliation remains insufficient. This single-arm, prospective, multicenter study with a WallFlex enteral colonic stent included 200 consecutive patients with malignant large bowl obstruction in the palliation cohort. The technical and clinical success, as well as stent patency and complications as short-term (≤7 days) and long-term (>7 days) outcomes, of high axial force self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement was evaluated. The technical and clinical success rates were 98.5% and 94.5%, respectively. Non-recurrent colorectal obstruction at 1 year was 63.9%, and 71.2% of the patients remained free of recurrent colorectal obstruction until death or the last follow-up. Fifty-six patients (28.0%) received chemotherapy, and five patients were administered bevacizumab after stent placement. The overall complication rate was 47%, including four (2.0%) early-onset and ten (5.0%) late-onset perforations, mostly due to stent-edge injury. Only the use of a long SEMS was a risk factor for perforation. In conclusion, endoscopic colorectal stenting using high axial force SEMS is an effective and safe procedure for palliation in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. However, care should be taken to avoid perforation at the stent edge when using a long SEMS.

Long-term outcomes of standardized colonic stenting using WallFlex as a bridge to surgery: Multicenter prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The oncological outcomes, especially high recurrence rate, of bridge-to-surgery (BTS) self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement remain concerning, emphasizing the necessity of standardized SEMS placement. However, its impact on long-term BTS outcomes is unknown. We investigated the long-term outcomes of BTS colonic stenting using standardized SEMS placement.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter cohort study conducted at 46 hospitals in Japan (March 2012 to October 2013) included consecutive patients with stage II and III obstructive colorectal cancer managed with BTS SEMS placement. The SEMS placement technique was standardized by information dissemination among the participating hospitals. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) after SEMS placement, and the secondary outcomes were relapse-free survival (RFS), recurrence, and short-term outcomes of SEMS placement and surgery.

RESULTS

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 94.1%, 77.4%, and 67.4% (Kaplan-Meier), respectively, with high technical success (99.0%, 206/208) and low perforation (1.9%, 4/208) rates. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rates were 81.6%, 65.6%, and 57.9% (Kaplan-Meier), respectively, and the overall recurrence rate was 31.0% (62/200). The RFS rate was significantly poorer in patients with perforation (n = 4) than in those without perforation (n = 196) (log-rank P = 0.017); moreover, perforation was identified as an independent factor affecting RFS (hazard ratio 3.31; 95% confidence interval 1.03-10.71, multivariate Cox regression).

CONCLUSION

This large, prospective, multicenter study revealed satisfactory long-term outcomes of BTS colonic stenting using a standardized SEMS insertion method, which might be specifically due to the reduced perforation rate. (UMIN000007953).

Propofol infusions using a human target controlled infusion (TCI) pump in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Chimpanzees are genetically and physiologically similar to humans. Several pharmacokinetic models of propofol are available and target controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol is established in humans, but not in chimpanzees. The purpose of this study was to investigate if human pharmacokinetic models can accurately predict propofol plasma concentration (Cp) in chimpanzees and if it is feasible to perform TCI in chimpanzees. Ten chimpanzees were anaesthetized for regular veterinary examinations. Propofol was used as an induction or maintenance agent. Blood samples were collected from a catheter in a cephalic vein at 3–7 time points between 1 and 100 min following the propofol bolus and/or infusion in five chimpanzees, or TCI in six chimpanzees. Cp was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. The Marsh, Schnider and Eleveld human pharmacokinetic models were used to predict Cp for each case and we examined the predictive performances of these models using the Varvel criteria Median PE and Median APE. Median PE and Median APE for Marsh, Schnider and Eleveld models were within or close to the acceptable range. A human TCI pump was successfully maintained propofol Cp during general anesthesia in six chimpanzees. Human propofol pharmacokinetic models and TCI pumps can be applied in chimpanzees.

The slow earthquake spectrum in the Japan Trench illuminated by the S-net seafloor observatories

Investigating slow earthquake activity in subduction zones provides insight into the slip behavior of megathrusts, which can provide important clues about the rupture extent of future great earthquakes. Using the S-net ocean-bottom seismograph network along the Japan Trench, we mapped a detailed distribution of tectonic tremors, which coincided with very-low-frequency earthquakes and a slow slip event. Compiling these and other related observations, including repeating earthquakes and earthquake swarms, we found that the slow earthquake distribution is complementary to the Tohoku-Oki earthquake rupture. We used our observations to divide the megathrust in the Japan Trench into three along-strike segments characterized by different slip behaviors. We found that the rupture of the Tohoku-Oki earthquake, which nucleated in the central segment, was terminated by the two adjacent segments.

Determining the difference in the efficacy and safety of self-expandable metallic stents as a bridge to surgery for obstructive colon cancer among patients in the CROSS 0 group and those in the CROSS 1 or 2 group: a pooled analysis of data from two Japanese prospective multicenter trials

PURPOSE

This study compared the feasibility and safety of endoscopic placement of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) as a bridge to surgery (BTS) between patients with obstructive colorectal cancer (CRC) classified as ColoRectal Obstruction Scoring System (CROSS) 0 and those with CROSS 1 or 2.

METHODS

We conducted a post hoc analysis of two prospective, observational, single-arm multicenter clinical trials and performed a pooled analysis of the data. In total, 336 consecutive patients with malignant colorectal obstruction underwent SEMS placement. The primary endpoint was clinical success, defined as resolution of symptoms and radiological findings within 24 h. Secondary endpoints were technical success and adverse events.

RESULTS

High clinical (98.0% vs. 98.4%) and technical (96.7% vs. 97.8%) success rates were observed in both groups (CROSS 0 vs. CROSS 1 or 2). The adverse event rate was low. The mean stricture length was lower (3.8 ± 1.2 cm vs. 4.4 ± 1.8 cm) and laparoscopic surgery more common (56.7% vs 52.2%) in the CROSS 0 group than in the CROSS 1 and 2 group.

CONCLUSION

This study was the first to compare the degree of stricture in different CROSS groups and demonstrated comparable results with respect to the short-term efficacy and safety of SEMS placement as a BTS for obstructive CRC in CROSS 0, 1, and 2 patients.

In situ Raman monitoring of dielectric-heating-enhanced freeze-drying under different electromagnetic wave frequencies

We studied the effect of dielectric heating on the enhancement of freeze-drying by electromagnetic waves (EMWs) under different frequencies: 2.45 GHz microwaves (MWs), and 27 and 200 MHz radio frequencies (RFs). The irradiation with RFs, particularly at 27 MHz, reduced the duration of freeze-drying by 67%. We further analysed the water structure by in situ Raman spectroscopy during freeze-drying under EMWs. The phase transition from ice to water occurred soon after starting irradiation by MWs at 2.45 GHz, while the ice phase was almost maintained at an RF of 27 MHz.

We studied the effect of dielectric heating on the enhancement of freeze-drying by electromagnetic waves (EMWs) under different frequencies: 2.45 GHz microwaves (MWs), and 27 and 200 MHz radio frequencies (RFs).

Factors related to difficult self-expandable metallic stent placement for malignant colonic obstruction: A post-hoc analysis of a multicenter study across Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Colorectal cancer patients often present with large bowel obstruction. Elective placement of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) can relieve obstruction, but can be challenging. Previous studies have compared cases by outcomes only, but the present study investigated successful cases only to identify factors related to prolonged and difficult SEMS placement in patients with malignant colonic obstruction.

METHODS

A post-hoc analysis of a multicenter clinical trial conducted between March 2012 and October 2013 at 46 facilities across Japan (UMIN000007953) was carried out; 511 patients who required SEMS placement for acute colorectal obstruction or symptomatic stricture secondary to malignant neoplasm were enrolled. Technical success rates and procedure times were recorded. Clinical and interventional parameters were investigated for their potential effect on procedure time by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Technical success rate of SEMS placement was 98%. Median procedure time was 30 (range, 4-170) min. In 27% of patients, procedure time exceeded 45 min, indicating technically difficult placement. Multivariate analyses showed significant associations between technically difficult placement and a ColoRectal Obstruction Scoring System (CROSS) score of 0 before SEMS placement (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; P < 0.05), tumor site in the right colon (OR, 2.5; P < 0.0001), stricture length ≥5 cm (OR, 2.2; P < 0.001), peritoneal carcinomatosis (OR, 1.7; P < 0.05), and multiple SEMS placement (OR, 8.0; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Clinicians must anticipate technical challenges in cases with peritoneal carcinomatosis, a CROSS score of 0, or expansive strictures; such cases require experienced clinicians to carry out SEMS placement.

Unravelling species boundaries in the Aspergillus viridinutans complex (section Fumigati): opportunistic human and animal pathogens capable of interspecific hybridization

Although Aspergillus fumigatus is the major agent of invasive aspergillosis, an increasing number of infections are caused by its cryptic species, especially A. lentulus and the A. viridinutans species complex (AVSC). Their identification is clinically relevant because of antifungal drug resistance and refractory infections. Species boundaries in the AVSC are unresolved since most species have uniform morphology and produce interspecific hybrids in vitro. Clinical and environmental strains from six continents (n = 110) were characterized by DNA sequencing of four to six loci. Biological compatibilities were tested within and between major phylogenetic clades, and ascospore morphology was characterised. Species delimitation methods based on the multispecies coalescent model (MSC) supported recognition of ten species including one new species. Four species are confirmed opportunistic pathogens; A. udagawae followed by A. felis and A. pseudoviridinutans are known from opportunistic human infections, while A. felis followed by A. udagawae and A. wyomingensis are agents of feline sino-orbital aspergillosis. Recently described human-pathogenic species A. parafelis and A. pseudofelis are synonymized with A. felis and an epitype is designated for A. udagawae. Intraspecific mating assay showed that only a few of the heterothallic species can readily generate sexual morphs in vitro. Interspecific mating assays revealed that five different species combinations were biologically compatible. Hybrid ascospores had atypical surface ornamentation and significantly different dimensions compared to parental species. This suggests that species limits in the AVSC are maintained by both pre- and post-zygotic barriers and these species display a great potential for rapid adaptation and modulation of virulence. This study highlights that a sufficient number of strains representing genetic diversity within a species is essential for meaningful species boundaries delimitation in cryptic species complexes. MSC-based delimitation methods are robust and suitable tools for evaluation of boundaries between these species.

Unusual lymph node metastasis from cancer of the thoracic esophagus

A 76-year-old male received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, at a dose of 60 Gy with low-dose 5-fluorouracil, for cT1bN0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the mid-thoracic esophagus. Because his primary tumor relapsed with mediastinal and right supraclavicular node metastasis 4 months after completion of chemoradiotherapy, right transthoracic esophagectomy with mediastinal and right cervical lymphadenectomy was performed. However, metastatic tumors developed deep beneath the anterior border of the trapezius muscle 2 months after esophagectomy. En bloc dissection of the adipose tissue including the tumor and the transverse cervical artery was performed, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy of 50.4 Gy to the area of dissection. The patient died of pneumonia 11 months after metastasectomy, with locally recurrent disease. We have had three cases of this unusual lymph nodes metastasis from cancer of the thoracic esophagus to date and here present the characteristic imaging findings and the possible mechanism of this unusual lymph node metastasis.

Self-expandable metallic stenting as a bridge to surgery for malignant colorectal obstruction: pooled analysis of 426 patients from two prospective multicenter series

Background

Self-expandable metallic stenting (SEMS) for malignant colorectal obstruction (MCO) as a bridge to elective surgery (BTS) is a widely used procedure. The aim of this study was to assess short-term outcomes of SEMS for MCO as BTS.

Methods

This study analyzed pooled data from BTS patients who were enrolled in two multicenter prospective single-arm observational clinical studies that used different stent types. Both studies were conducted by the Japan Colonic Stent Safe Procedure Research Group (JCSSPRG). The first study evaluated the WallFlex™ colonic stent for BTS or palliative treatment (PAL) from May 2012 to October 2013 and the second evaluated the Niti-S™ colonic stent from October 2013 to May 2014. Fifty-three facilities in Japan participated in the studies. Before each study started, the procedure had been shared with the participating institutions by posting details of the standard methods of SEMS placement on the JCSSPRG website. Patients were followed until discharged after surgery.

Results

A total of 723 consecutive patients were enrolled in the two studies. After excluding nine patients, the remaining 714 patients were evaluated as a per-protocol cohort. SEMS placement was performed in 426 patients (312 WallFlex and 114 Niti-S) as BTS and in 288 as PAL. In the 426 BTS patients, the technical success rate was 98.1% (418/426). The clinical success rate was 93.8% (392/418). SEMS-related preoperative complications occurred in 8.5% of patients (36/426), perforations in 1.9% (8/426), and stent migration in 1.2% (5/426). Primary anastomosis was possible in 91.8% of patients (391/426), 3.8% of whom (15/393) had anastomosis leakage. The overall stoma creation rate was 10.6% (45/426). The postoperative complication rate was 16.9% (72/426) and mortality rate was 0.5% (2/426).

Conclusions

SEMS placement for MCO as BTS is safe and effective with respect to peri-procedural outcomes. Further investigations are needed to confirm long-term oncological outcomes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00464-018-6324-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cardiac tamponade communicating with a posterior mediastinal chylocele after esophagectomy

A 75-year-old male received neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the mid-thoracic esophagus, followed by right transthoracic esophagectomy with extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Cardiac tamponade developed on postoperative Days 1 and 13, for which emergency ultrasound-guided drainage was required. Pericardial drainage fluid became chylous after administration of polymeric formula. A computed tomography scan demonstrated the presence of a retrocardiac fluid collection, encompassed by the left pulmonary vein and left atrium, descending aorta and vertebral column. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of chylopericardial tamponade communicating with a posterior mediastinal chylocele was made. The ligation of the thoracic duct was successfully performed via the left-sided thoracoscopic approach on postoperative Day 20 and the clinical course after the second operation was uneventful. The possible mechanisms of this exceptionally rare complication after esophagectomy were discussed.

Glycolipid-based nanostructures with thermal-phase transition behavior functioning as solubilizers and refolding accelerators for protein aggregates

The self-assembly of synthetic glycolipids produced nanostructures such as vesicles and nanotubes consisting of bilayer membranes, which underwent a gel-to-liquid crystalline thermal phase transition. Vesicles formed at temperatures above the thermal phase transition temperatures (T_g-l) could solubilize aggregates of denatured proteins by trapping them in the fluid bilayer membranes. Cooling to temperatures below T_g-l caused a morphological transformation into nanotubes that accompanied the thermal phase transition from the fluid to the solid state. This phenomenon allowed the trapped proteins to be quickly released into the bulk solution and simultaneously facilitated the refolding of the proteins. The refolding efficiency strongly depended on the electrostatic attraction between the bilayer membranes of the nanostructures and the proteins. Because of the long shape (>400 nm) of the nanotubes, simple membrane filtration through a pore size of 200 nm led to complete separation and recovery of the refolded proteins (3-9 nm sizes).

Chimpanzee Personality and the Arginine Vasopressin Receptor 1A Genotype

Polymorphisms of the arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a) gene have been linked to various measures related to human social behavior, including sibling conflict and agreeableness. In chimpanzees, AVPR1a polymorphisms have been associated with traits important for social interactions, including sociability, joint attention, dominance, conscientiousness, and hierarchical personality dimensions named low alpha/stability, disinhibition, and negative emotionality/low dominance. We examined associations between AVPR1a and six personality domains and hierarchical personality dimensions in 129 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) living in Japan or in a sanctuary in Guinea. We fit three linear and three animal models. The first model included genotype, the second included sex and genotype, and the third included genotype, sex, and sex × genotype. All personality phenotypes were heritable. Chimpanzees possessing the long form of the allele were higher in conscientiousness, but only in models that did not include the other predictors; however, additional analyses suggested that this may have been a consequence of study design. In animal models that included sex and sex × genotype, chimpanzees homozygous for the short form of the allele were higher in extraversion. Taken with the findings of previous studies of chimpanzees and humans, the findings related to conscientiousness suggest that AVPR1a may be related to lower levels of impulsive aggression. The direction of the association between AVPR1a genotype and extraversion ran counter to what one would expect if AVPR1a was related to social behaviors. These results help us further understand the genetic basis of personality in chimpanzees.

Short polyethylene glycol chains densely bound to soft nanotube channels for inhibition of protein aggregation

Specific thermal dehydration/rehydration of short polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains densely bound to nanotube channels was useful for aggregation suppression and refolding acceleration of proteins.

[A Case of Metachronous Multiple Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma with FAP]

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder, the result of a germ line mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. FAP can be associated with various extracolonic lesions, including thyroid cancer, which frequently occurs in women. We report the case of a 36-year-old woman diagnosed as having FAP with multiple metachronous thyroid papillary carcinomas. She underwent left thyroidectomy at the age of 19 years without a diagnosis of FAP. Multiple polyps in her stomach were detected by medical examination and more than 100 polyps in the colon were found by colonoscopy. She was referred to our hospital after a diagnosis of non-profuse FAP. Multiple tumors with a maximum diameter of 10mm were detected in the right lobe of the thyroid gland during the preoperative examination. Papillary carcinoma was suspected based on fine-needle aspiration cytology. We performed a right thyroidectomy after prophylactic colectomy. Pathological findings revealed a cribriform-morula variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. The patient remains well after 2 year 6 months with no recurrence.

[A Family Affected by Lynch Syndrome Caused by MSH6 Germline Mutation]

The clinical features of Lynch syndrome caused by MSH6 are not fully understood since very few cases have been described in Japan. We report 2 cases of Lynch syndrome with germline mutation of MSH6 in a family. Case 1: A 47-year-old man was referred to our department due to positive fecal occult blood test. He had family history of endometrial cancer and gastric cancer (mother), and bladder cancer (father). We performed sigmoidectomy for sigmoid cancer. The pathological findings revealed mucosal cancer (pTis, pN0, H0, P0, pStage 0). Since the patient met the revised Bethesda guidelines, we performed microsatellite instability (MSI) testing and immunohistochemistry for mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) as screening for Lynch syndrome. MSI-high and loss of MSH6 were found. Based on these results, genetic testing of MSH6 revealed a frame-shift mutation in codon 604 (c. 1806-1809delAAG/p. Glu604LeufsX5). Case 2: The patient was a younger brother of case 1. The same mutation was detected in the MSH6 gene.

[Two Cases of Digestive Organ Cancer in Patients with Situs Inversus Treated with Laparoscopic Surgery]

Case 1: A 53-year-old woman had a positive fecal occult blood test during an examination performed in June 2014, and she visited our department in August. Colonoscopic examination showed a type 2 rectal cancer 4 cm from the anal verge. CT showed situs inversus totalis. We performed laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (D2) for a diagnosis of cT1b, N0, M0, Stage Ⅰrectal cancer. Case 2: A 60-year-old man had a positive fecal occult blood test. Colonoscopic examination showed a type 2 cancer of the ascending colon. Chest radiography showed dextrocardia, but the arrangement of the organs in the abdomen was normal. We performed laparoscopic ileocecal resection (D3) for a diagnosis of cT2, N0, M0, StageⅠ colon cancer. Laparoscopic surgery can be performed safely in patients with situs inversus totalis.

[Efficacy of Postoperative Chemotherapy in Stage Ⅳ Colorectal Cancer with Perforation]

The clinical outcome and efficacy of postoperative chemotherapy in patients with Stage Ⅳ colorectal cancer with perforation were investigated. We compared the clinical outcomes between 11 patients with Stage Ⅳ colorectal cancer (perforation group), who underwent emergency surgery for colonic perforation between September 2005 and March 2012, and 22 matched patients (matching group) who underwent elective colorectal surgery during the same period. The colostomy rate in the perforation group was significantly higher than that of the matching group: patients with perforation received stoma construction surgery more frequently (p<0.01). Seven patients (64%) in the perforation group received postoperative chemotherapy, while 20 patients (91%) in the matching group received chemotherapy (p=0.15). Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy was administered to all patients in both groups. There was no difference in the median relative dose intensity of oxaliplatin between these groups (p=0.37). No significant difference was observed between the cumulative 3-year overall survival rate in the perforation group and that of the matching group (35% and 54%, respectively; p=0.35). Moreover, the 3-year overall survival rates of patients who received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were 51%in the perforation group and 57% in the matching group (p=0.74). Our results suggest that postoperative oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy may improve the prognosis of patients with Stage Ⅳ colorectal cancer with perforation.

[A Case of Carcinoma of the Uterine Body, Right Ovary, and Duodenum in a Patient with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis]

We report a case of 4 carcinomas of the uterine body, right ovary, and duodenum in a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Her mother's family line carries FAP. She underwent proctocolectomy with ileoanal anastomosis for FAP when she was 20 years old. She was diagnosed with carcinoma of the uterine body and right ovary, and underwent abdominal total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy at 48 years of age. The pathological examination revealed endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterine body (Stage ⅠB) and endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the right ovary (Stage ⅠA). Her diagnosis was Stage Ⅳ according to the Spigelman classification of duodenal polyposis, and she underwent pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy at 50 years of age. The pathological examination was conclusive for 2 carcinomas in the adenoma, which were 20 mm and 25 mm in diameter, respectively. She has been well without any evidence of cancer recurrence 20 months after the pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy.

[A Case of Pelvic Schwannoma, Mimicking Metastasis of Rectal Carcinoma]

INTRODUCTION

Schwannoma in the lateral lymph node region is extremely rare; however, this tumor has been reported to have relatively high SUV on PET-CT, suggestive of malignancy.

CASE

A 67-year-old man with advanced lower rectal cancer had a small nodule with FDG accumulation (SUVmax 2.6) near the left internal iliac artery. His preoperative diagnosis was rectal cancer with lateral lymph node metastasis. He underwent super-low anterior resection with lateral lymph node dissection. Histopathological examination was conclusive for pT3 (A), with an Rt263D lymph node metastasis. Interestingly, a schwannoma was detected among the harvested lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

Although rectal cancer is known to involve pelvic lymph nodes, the role of preoperative diagnosis with FDG-PET is unclear. We should consider that schwannoma is associated with slight elevation of SUVmax and it may mimic lymph node metastasis.

[A Case of FAP Who Underwent Mucosectomy for Intramucosal Cancer That Repeatedly Developed in the Residual Rectal Mucosa after Stapled Ileal-Pouch Anal Anastomosis]

When we perform stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), some rectal mucosa persists. There is no consensus on surgical treatment when cancer develops at the residual mucosa. We report the case of a 43-year-old woman who repeatedly underwent endoscopic resection for intramucosal cancer that developed in the residual rectal mucosa 6 years after stapled IPAA, which she received at age 33. She was referred to our department for surgical treatment. We performed mucosectomy for the residual rectum mucosa, including a 0-Ⅱa lesion at the anterior wall. Two months later, stenosis was observed at the anastomotic site. We repeatedly conducted balloon expansion of the stenotic lesion. Six months later, the resected lesion was covered with white epithelium, and columnar epithelium was confirmed by step biopsy of the epithelium from the dentate line to the ileoanal pouch anastomotic site. This finding indicated that the regenerating epithelium was derived from the epithelium from the anal side. The patient remains well after 2 year 4 months with no complaints.

[A Case of a Desmoid Tumor the Developed Around Ileostomy in a Patient with FAP]

A 21-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic total colectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) 1 year 3 months previously presented with a mass larger than 10 cm around the ileostomy. Multiple tumors in the mesentery around the ileostomy and anterior to the sacrum, accompanied by bilateral hydronephrosis, were detected by computed tomography. The patient was diagnosed with intraabdominal desmoid tumors, stage Ⅳ according to the Church's classification. The desmoid tumor (15×9 cm) around the ileostomy was completely resected surgically, whereas another desmoid tumor (5×4 cm) was incompletely resected. We found a desmoid tumor of more than 10 cm in size and many fibromatous plaques in the mesentery. We then performed 4 courses of systemic chemotherapy with dacarbazine and doxorubicin in for the residual desmoid tumors after surgery. There was no growth of the residual desmoid tumors for 12 months after chemotherapy. Genetic tests detected a pathogenic germline mutation of the APC gene in the high-risk region of the desmoid tumor. We also confirmed somatic mutations in the resected specimens.

[Problems in the Treatment of Stage Ⅲ Colorectal Cancer with Perforation]

We retrospectively investigated clinical outcome and treatment strategies in Stage Ⅲcolorectal cancer patients who underwent emergency surgery because of tumor-related perforation. We compared the clinical outcome of 6 patients (perforation group) who underwent emergency surgery for colonic perforation due to Stage Ⅲ colorectal cancer with 12 matched patients (matching group) who underwent elective colorectal surgery, between April 1998 and March 2012. Patients in the perforation group underwent colostomy procedures more frequently (p=0.02), had longer operative times (p=0.02), and more bleeding (p=0.04) than those in the matching group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the introduction rate of chemotherapy, recurrence rate, or recurrence pattern. The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 44% in the perforation group and 81% in the matching group, resulting in no significant differences between these groups (p=0.28). The 3-year disease-free survival rates in the perforation and the matching groups were 44% and 81%, respectively (p=0.07). The 3-year overall survival rates in the perforation and the matching groups were 17% and 81%, respectively (p<0.01). The 3-year overall survival rate of patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy was 50% in the perforation group and 88%in the matching group (p=0.03). We concluded that patients with perforated Stage Ⅲ colorectal cancer had a significantly poorer prognosis compared with patients with non-perforated Stage Ⅲ colorectal cancer.

A Japanese prospective multicenter study of self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant colorectal obstruction: short-term safety and efficacy within 7 days of stent procedure in 513 cases

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent placement has been used as an alternative to surgery for malignant colorectal obstruction; however, factors affecting its clinical outcome are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the short-term safety and efficacy of endoscopic self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant colorectal obstruction and to identify factors associated with its clinical and technical failure.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical cohort study.

SETTING

Fourteen academic centers and 32 community hospitals.

PATIENTS

A total of 513 consecutive patients with malignant colorectal obstruction.

INTERVENTION

Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent placement, sharing of stent placement methods among participating facilities.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The primary endpoint was clinical success, defined as symptom and radiological finding resolution within 24 hours. Secondary endpoints were technical success and adverse events. The follow-up period was 7 days.

RESULTS

The clinical and technical success rates were 95.5% and 97.9%, respectively. Major adverse events included perforation (2.1%), stent migration (1.0%), and stent occlusion (0.8%). The main causes of perforation were the procedure itself (0.8%) and comorbidities (obstructive colitis and impending perforation) not apparent before stent placement (0.6%). Extrinsic tumor origin was independently associated with the clinical failure after stent placement (odds ratio 4.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-14.79; P = .02). Stricture marking trended toward a negative association with technical failure (P = .09).

LIMITATIONS

Noncomparative study.

CONCLUSION

Strict inclusion criteria and stricture marking may improve the technical and clinical success of stent placement.

Comparison of the risk of surgical site infection and feasibility of surgery between sennoside versus polyethylene glycol as a mechanical bowel preparation of elective colon cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

To validate the usefulness of sennoside as a substitute for polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) for elective colon cancer surgery.

METHODS

We performed a prospective randomized non-inferiority trial comparing the use of sennoside and PEG in MBP for elective colon cancer surgery, in terms of the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) and the feasibility of surgery.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of SSIs was 2.9 % in the sennoside group (n = 68) and 6.3 % in the PEG group (n = 63) with a difference of 3.4 % (95 % confidence interval 6.9-10.6 %). The intraoperative spillage of the stool materials in the sennoside and PEG groups was 4.4 and 3.1 %, respectively, and was not significantly different (p = 0.71), even the upstream stool consistency, was more frequently observed to be non-stool in the PEG group (65.1 vs. 30.9 %, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

MBP with sennoside could be a substitution for PEG in elective colon cancer surgery.

[Study of stent placement period and stent-related complications in metastatic and obstructive colorectal cancer patients who received palliative chemotherapy after stent placement]

PURPOSE

To examine the complications and determine the detention period in obstructive colorectal cancer patients who received chemotherapy after placement of a stent in the colon.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven out of 16 patients with colon cancer received chemotherapy in our hospital after stent placement as palliative therapy.

RESULTS

No complications such as perforation, restenosis, deviation, or bleeding were noted. Stent insertion after median 224 stenting period was (66-397) days.

CONCLUSION

Systemic chemotherapy after stenting is associated with an increased risk of perforation or deviations, but no complications were noted in this study. More cases are needed to determine the optimal detention period.

[Detection of lateral lymph node metastasis by PET/CT]

PURPOSE

There appears to be no gold standard concerning preoperative imaging studies in patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer. In the present study, we evaluated whether it would be appropriate to diagnose metastases of the lateral lymph node by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1997 to 2014, 45 patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer underwent curative surgery and lateral lymph node dissection without neoadjuvant chemotherapy in our institute. Preoperative PET/CT analysis was performed; a total of 180 regions (45 lt. internal iliac, 45 rt. Internal iliac, 45 lt. obturator, 45 rt. obturator)were evaluated.

RESULTS

Lateral lymph node metastasis was detected in ten cases, present in thirteen regions overall. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of predicting metastasis were 23.1%, 98.8%, 60.0%, 94.3%, and 93.3%, respectively, upon PET/CT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that PET/CT diagnosis alone was not suitable for detecting lateral lymph node metastasis, since the sensitivity was low when compared with the high rate of accuracy.

[Significance of preoperative radiotherapy and lateral lymph node dissection for locally advanced rectal cancer - a comparative study involving different hospitals]

The aim of this study was to compare the results between lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) alone, and preoperative radiotherapy (preRT) followed by LLND, for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer. This study assessed 44 consecutive patients with lower rectal cancer (clinical Stages II and III) without lateral lymph node metastasis by preoperative imaging at two hospitals. Twenty-five patients at one hospital received preoperative short-course radiation therapy (total 25 Gy) followed by a curative LLND operation (preRT group), and 19 patients at another hospital underwent a curative operation by LLND alone (non-preRT group). The 5-year locoregional relapse-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were not different between the preRT and non-preRT groups. Although three patients in each group had lateral lymph node metastases, none developed pelvic sidewall recurrence. This study suggests that preRT followed by curative surgery with LLND for lower rectal cancers without lateral lymph node metastasis before surgery would not improve survival and local control rates.

[Is PCI effective in predicting prognosis in the era of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in stage IV colorectal cancer with peritoneal dissemination ?]

PURPOSE

Peritoneal dissemination is expected to be present in P1, P2, and P3 according to the 8th edition of colon cancer handling convention. The peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) plays a central role in classification of peritoneal metastases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Peritoneal dissemination was examined during surgery in patients with colon cancer and peritoneal metastasis undergoing treatment with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Correlation between PCI and P1, P2, and P3 was found. Moreover, using a PCI cut-off value of 6 for peritoneal dissemination, there was a significant difference in survival.

CONCLUSION

Positive correlation was found between PCI and P classification of colon cancer. Regardless of the presence metastases to other organs, there is a possibility that PCI is effective in predicting prognosis of patients with peritoneal dissemination- positive colon cancer.

[Efficacy of oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II and III colorectal cancer with perforation]

This retrospective study evaluated the efficiency of oxaliplatin-based (Oxa-based) adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer with perforation. The study included 38 patients who underwent surgery for perforation associated with StageII and III colorectal cancer between April 1998 and March 2013. Patients with operative mortality were excluded from the study. The numbers of patients with StageII and III disease were 26 and 12, respectively. Adjuvant chemotherapy was received by 16 patients (62%) in the Stage II group. Seven patients (54%) in the Stage III group received adjuvant chemotherapy, of which 6 received Oxa-based adjuvant chemotherapy. The median relative dose intensity(range)of oxaliplatin was 83.3 (28.8- 100)%. Grade 3 adverse events were reported in 2 cases. The 3-year overall survival rates in the StageII and III groups were 60% and 79%, respectively. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the groups (p=0.28). Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy had a 2.3-fold greater 3-year overall survival rate than those who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy (80% vs 35%, p=0.01). The 3-year overall survival rates were 100% in patients who received Oxabased adjuvant chemotherapy (n=6), and 76%in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy without oxaliplatin (n=17), with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.24). The Oxa-based adjuvant chemotherapy was tolerated equally well in Stage II and III colorectal cancer patients with or without perforation. Further studies are needed to compare the effect of oxaliplatin with other adjuvant chemotherapies.

[Detection of hepatic lymph node involvement by PET/CT in colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis]

We investigated the clinical significance of hepatic lymph node (HN) metastasis in 50 patients with colorectal cancer metastases to the liver. Patients underwent preoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), and subsequently, resection of colorectal liver metastases with HN dissection from 2007 to 2013. In the present study, we evaluated whether PET/CT screening would be beneficial in diagnosing the HN metastases. Our results indicate that 2 histo- logically confirmed HN metastases were detected during preoperative PET/CT screening for 50 patients, of which only 1 patient received a positive diagnosis prior to surgery. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of predicting metastasis were 50%, 100%, 100%, 98%, and 98%, respectively. We conclude that PET/ CT screening is not feasible for detecting HN metastasis.

[Significance of the granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic predictor in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of the granulocyte-to-lymphocyte(G/L)ratio as a prognostic predictor in patients with Stage IV colorectal cancer. A total of 83 patients who underwent oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for Stage IV colorectal cancer were enrolled in the study. Univariate analysis indicated that the G/L ratio; number of involved organs(more than one organ); performance status ≥1; noncurability; and levels of hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, and lactate dehydrogenase before chemotherapy were significant prognostic factors. Noncurability was identified to be an independent, unfavorable factor for survival on multivariate analysis. When patients were divided into 2 groups according to the G/L ratio(the median was considered the cut-off value), the median survival time of patients with a high G/L ratio(≥3.0)was significantly worse than that of patients with a low G/L ratio(<3.0; 16.1 months vs 25.4 months, p=0.03). Further studies with more patients are required to examine whether the G/L ratio is a convenient biomarker affecting survival in patients with Stage IV colorectal cancer.

[Significant prognostic factors in stage IV gastric cancer]

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinicopathological variables, including the granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(G/L ratio), as prognostic factors for Stage IV gastric cancer patients. A total of 70 patients treated for Stage IV gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. Univariate analysis indicated that age ≥70 years, performance status >2, resection not being performed, chemotherapy not being administered, high C-reactive protein(CRP)levels, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels were significantly associated with poor survival. Multivariate analysis of these factors identified resection not being performed, chemotherapy not being administered, and high CRP levels as independent unfavorable factors of survival. Although the G/L ratio was not a prognostic factor for Stage IV gastric cancer patients in this study, further studies with greater number of patients are required to determine whether the G/L ratio is a significant biomarker associated with survival.

C-reactive protein as a significant prognostic factor for stage IV gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND/AIM

We aimed to clarify the roles of CRP and albumin as independent prognostic factors for stage IV gastric cancer (stIVGC) patients. The optimal cut-off value for these two markers was investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

123 stIVGC patients presented at our Medical Center from April, 2005 to March, 2011 were investigated. Clinicopathological, tumor-specific and treatment factors were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional regression models were used to identify for favorable factors affecting overall survival. The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to determine cut-off values.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis revealed CRP (hazard ratio (HR): 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.18) to be an independent prognostic factor for survival. According to the results of the analysis albumin was excluded. ROC curve of the 3-month-prognosis patients revealed a maximum area under the curve of 0.85 and a cut-off value of 1.7 mg/dl.

CONCLUSION

CRP can be considered an independent prognostic factor for survival of stIVGC patients and can be used for short-term survival prediction.

[Effect of chemotherapy in primary tumor of MSI-H colon cancer aged 50 years or younger]

Microsatellite instability( MSI) in colorectal carcinoma is reportedly associated with resistance to 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Moreover, colorectal cancer patients aged ≤ 50 years could potentially have Lynch syndrome. In the present study, we examined 11 colorectal cancer patients with unresectable Stage IV disease who underwent resection of the primary tumor between January 2006 and December 2012. The relationship between the MSI status and the efficacy of first- line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy was retrospectively examined. The MSI status included MSI-H in 1 patient, MSS-L in 2 patients, and MSS in 8 patients. The MSI-H in 1 patient was associated with familial adenomatous polyposis. Following chemotherapy, among 8 MSS patients, 3 showed stable disease (SD) and 1 showed partial response (PR). Moreover 2 MSH-L patients and 1 MSI-H patient showed progressive disease (PD) after chemotherapy. However, additional data collection is required to determine the effect of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for MSS-H or MSS-L colorectal patients aged ≤ 59 years.

C-reactive protein is a negative independent factor in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy

BACKGROUND/AIM

To determine the clinical significance of C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 112 patients with stage IV CRC who had received modified FOLFOX6 (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, leucovorin) between January 2006, and December 2010 and used Cox's proportional hazard model to determine for independent prognostic factors of survival. We generated receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves to determine the optimal cut-off for the discrimination of the duration of survival by CRP concentration.

RESULTS

According to the multivariate analysis, increased CRP concentration (p=0.04) and non-curative surgery (p<0.01) were independent unfavorable factors for survival, and the optimal cut-off CRP concentration according to dichotomized duration of survival (3-24 months) ranged from 0.8 to 1.2 mg/dl.

CONCLUSION

Pre-chemotherapy CRP concentrations may be useful for predicting survival of patients with stage IV CRC.

[Outcomes of patients with small bowel carcinoma treated with appropriate chemotherapy selected on the basis of genetic analysis findings]

Small bowel carcinoma is a rare tumor, for which a standardized chemotherapy regimen has not yet been established. Further, this tumor may belong to the group of Lynch syndrome-associated tumors, which are resistant to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) -based chemotherapy. We investigated mismatch repair protein expression and K-ras gene mutation status in 8 patients with aggressive small bowel carcinoma and determined the chemotherapy regimen used in these patients. Immunohistochemical staining indicated normal mismatch repair protein expression in all surgical specimens. Of 8 patients, 4( 50%) had K-ras codon 12 mutations. Because small bowel carcinoma is not significantly associated with Lynch syndrome, 5-FU-based chemotherapy would be appropriate for the treatment of these patients. The prevalence of K-ras codon 12 mutations was relatively similar to that in patients with sporadic colorectal carcinoma, and the usefulness of anti- epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody for the treatment of small bowel carcinoma should be evaluated in the future.

[Theoretical background of our original single-incision laparoscopic-assisted surgery technique for colon cancer via a periumbilical approach]

We assessed the theoretical background of our original single-incision laparoscopic-assisted surgery( SILS) technique involving a periumbilical approach. The subjects included 10 cases who underwent periumbilical SILS colectomy and had their surgical wounds photographed before and after skin incision between September 2009 and October 2010. Using an image analyzer, we estimated the theoretical oval area after a 3/4-circumferential periumbilical skin incision, the actual oval area after placement of the wound retractor, and the length of the skin incision. The mean oval area after the placement of the wound retractor was 2.9 times (range: 1.6-5.0 times) larger than that of the theoretical area. The square of the length of the skin incision positively correlated with the actual oval area created by placing the wound retractor( p=0.04, r=0.67). There were 5 patients, whose actual oval area was ≤700 mm2, and thus required additional radial skin incision( s)( 1 in 3 cases, 2 in 1 case and 3 in 1 case). When performing our original SILS via the periumbilical approach, the area of the actual surgical window can be predicted by measuring the distance from the center of the umbilicus to its edge.

[Efficacy of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in Stage IV colorectal cancer patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis]

PURPOSE

This retrospective study evaluated the outcome of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 49 patients with peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer who underwent oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy between January 2006 and November 2012 and 25 patients who underwent systematic chemotherapy before oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Patient background characteristics, overall survival(l OS), and prognostic outcomes were examined.

RESULTS

OS was significantly longer in patients treated with oxaliplatin -based chemotherapy than in those treated with prior chemotherapy( median, 20.5 months vs 11.7 months, p= 0.04). Multivariate analysis showed that treatment with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, age less than 70 years(p=0.03), and primary tumor resection( p=0.02) were significant independent factors affecting OS.

CONCLUSION

Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy improved the prognosis of patients with peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer. In the treatment of such patients, initiation of chemotherapy after primary tumor resection appears to be important, especially in patients aged <70 years.

[Strategy for surgery in familial adenomatous polyposis patients with invasive colorectal cancer]

PURPOSE

Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has been established as the standard operative procedure for classic familial adenomatous polyposis( FAP). However, it is unclear which type of surgery should be undertaken for FAP patients with invasive colorectal cancer in clinical practice. This study evaluated the outcome of different surgeries performed in FAP patients with invasive colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 21 classic FAP patients with or without invasive colorectal cancer, who underwent proctocolectomy at our institute between 2000 and 2013. Patient background, type of operation, and prognosis were retrospectively examined.

RESULTS

In the non-invasive cancer group, total proctocolectomy with IPAA was performed in 7 patients, and colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) was performed in 5 patients. Conversely, in the invasive cancer group, IPAA, proctocolectomy with end ileostomy (TPC), and IRA were performed in 2, 2, and 5 patients, respectively. Overall survival did not differ significantly between the 2 groups( 5 year survival, 88.9% vs 75.0%, p=0.48).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IPAA, IRA, or TPC might contribute to survival time prolongation in patients with invasive colorectal cancer, as is the case for those without invasive colorectal cancer.

Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients aged 75 years or older with metastatic colorectal cancer

AIM

To evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (OBC) in patients ≥ 75 years old with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 126 patients with unresectable stage IV CRC in terms of OBC administered as first-line chemotherapy whenever feasible.

RESULTS

Use of first-line OBC was significantly less frequent in patients ≥ 75 years old (n=18) than in patients <75 years old (n=108) (46% vs. 81% p<0.01). When analysis was restricted to patients receiving OBC, the two age groups did not differ significantly in terms of response rate (44% vs. 36%, p=0.54), progression-free survival (18.7 months vs. 13.0 months, p=0.44), overall survival (25.4 months vs. 17.5 months, p=0.53), and frequency of grade 3-4 toxicity (72% vs. 58%, p=0.26).

CONCLUSION

In selected patients aged 75 years or greater, the clinical outcomes of OBC seem equivalent to those of younger patients.

Should isolated peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer be sub-classified into stage IVB in era of modern chemotherapy?

BACKGROUND

According to the 7th edition of the TNM staging system, stage IV metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) at the time of initial diagnosis is sub-classified into stage IVA or IVB disease. Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), considered to have a dismal prognosis, is exclusively sub-classified into stage IVB, even though other metastases to a sole organ are sub-classified into stage IVA, which is considered to be associated with better survival. This retrospective study was undertaken to investigate the overall survival in metastatic CRC patients, focusing on PC patients.

METHODS

We reviewed data on patients with metastatic CRC at initial diagnosis surgically treated between January 2006 and June 2011. A survival analysis was performed paying special attention to PC and sub-classifying patients with PC into three categories according to metastatic sites.

RESULTS

There were 69 stage IVA patients (IVA group) and 83 stage IVB. Among stage IVB patients, 20 had isolated PC (PC-I group), 28 had PC with one or more other sites of metastasis (PC-II group), and 35 had at least 2 metastatic without peritoneal involvement (NPC group). Of 152 stage IV patients, 132 (87 %) underwent resection of the primary tumor and 19 (12 %) underwent radical resection of metastatic disease with microscopic free margins (R0 resection) including 5/20 (25 %) patients in the PC1 group. A total of 139 patients received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in a palliative (n = 125), neoadjuvant (n = 3), or adjuvant setting after R0 resection (n = 11). Compared with 36.6 months in the PC-I group, median survival was 32.5 months (P = 0.48) in the IVA group, 14.7 months (P = 0.07) in the PC-II group, and 12.9 months (P < 0.01) in the NPC group.

CONCLUSIONS

The sub-classification of isolated PC into stage IVA instead of IVB might be more appropriate in the era of modern chemotherapy. Further investigation is warranted.

[Colon cancer with portal vein tumor thrombosis-a case report and review of the literature]

Colon cancer with portal vein tumor thrombosis has a poor prognosis. However, little is known about the clinicopathological characteristics of these patients. In this study, we attempted to clarify the clinicopathological characteristics of such patients reported in the Japanese literature, including our own case. This case concerns a 48-year-old female patient diagnosed as having transverse colon cancer with severe portal vein tumor thrombosis. Despite curative resection, the patient was found to have multiple liver metastases six months later, and chemotherapy did not prove to be adequately effective; she died 18 months after surgery. A search of the relevant literature revealed 9 reports of similar patients. The patients consisted of 4 males and 6 synchronous cases, with a median age of 70 years. Portal vein tumor thrombosis was observed in 6 patients. While the portal vein was the most frequent site of thrombosis, other patients showed tumor thrombosis of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins. Despite curative resection, 3 patients eventually developed liver metastases after the operation. The median disease-free survival of the patients who had undergone curative resection was 300 days, and the overall median survival of the patients was 420 days. Thus, for the portal vein tumor thrombosis, we need to adopt adjuvant chemotherapy in consideration of a high risk for the liver metastases.

[A long-term survivor of colorectal cancer associated with multiple liver metastases and peritoneal carcinomatosis treated through a multidisciplinary approach]

Even in the era of new anticancer drugs, an optimal treatment strategy for colorectal cancer associated with liver metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis has yet to be established. Here we report the case of a long-term survivor with very advanced colon cancer who underwent repeated resective surgery and chemotherapy. This 69-year-old man underwent a Hartmann's procedure and the resection of peritoneal metastases of cancer of the rectosigmoid, which had infiltrated the retroperitoneum giving rise to multiple liver metastases and peritoneal carcinomatosis. The resection margin was positive for cancer. After 14 courses of a modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6) regimen, a partial response with no development of new lesions was obtained. Multiple partial hepatectomies were subsequently performed. After the completion of an additional 6 courses of mFOLFOX6, a positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) examination demonstrated a hot spot in segment 4. This hot deposit disappeared after a further 8 courses of mFOLFOX6. The patient then underwent a left lateral segmentectomy for a newly developed lesion in segment 3, which was detected 2 years and 7 months after the first operation. The patient has remained free from recurrence for 2 years since his last operation.

Molecular identification and thermoresistance to boiling of Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica from bovine bulk tank milk

Two strains of Nocardia spp. were isolated from bovine milk of two individual bulk tank. Molecular identification classified the strains as Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica. The thermorresistance to boiling of the isolates was carried out and was observed bacterial growth after boiling. Our findings indicate the potential risk of pathogen transmission to humans through contaminated milk with Nocardia spp.