Establishment of a patient-specific avatar organoid model derived from EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy for timely clinical application in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the worst survival rate among tumors. At the time of diagnosis, more than 80% of PDACs are considered to be surgically unresectable, and there is an unmet need for treatment options in these inoperable PDACs. This study aimed to establish a patient-derived organoid (PDO) platform from EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) collected at diagnosis and to determine its clinical applicability for the timely treatment of unresectable PDAC.

METHODS

Patients with suspected PDAC were prospectively enrolled at the Samsung Medical Center from 2015 to 2019. PDAC tissues were acquired by means of EUS-FNB to establish PDAC PDOs, which were comprehensively analyzed for histology, genomic sequencing, and high-throughput screening (HTS) drug sensitivity test.

RESULTS

PDAC PDOs were established with a success rate of 83.2% (94/113). It took approximately 3 weeks from acquiring minimal EUS-FNB specimens to generating sufficient PDAC PDOs for the simultaneous HTS drug sensitivity test and genomic sequencing. The high concordance between PDAC tissues and matched PDOs was confirmed, and whole-exome sequencing revealed the increased detection of genetic alterations in PDOs compared with EUS-FNB tissues. The HTS drug sensitivity test showed clinical correlation between the ex vivo PDO response and the actual chemotherapeutic response of the study patients in the real world (13 out of 15 cases). In addition, whole-transcriptome sequencing identified candidate genes associated with nab-paclitaxel resistance, such as ITGB7, ANPEP, and ST3GAL1.

CONCLUSIONS

This PDAC PDO platform allows several therapeutic drugs to be tested within a short time window and opens the possibility for timely personalized medicine as a "patient avatar model" in clinical practice.

Aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer's solution versus plasma solution for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (ALPS study): protocol for a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plays an indispensable role in treating pancreato-biliary diseases but carries a risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Despite advances in the prevention strategies, prevention of PEP remains imperfect, necessitating more refined hydration methods. This study investigates the effectiveness of lactated Ringer's solution versus plasma solution in preventing PEP.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, will be initiated by the investigator-sponsor, and conducted in three tertiary centres in South Korea. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of hydration in preventing PEP in patients with naïve papillae. It will target patients with naïve papillae, focusing on those at medium to high risk of PEP. Patients aged ≤18 years and those with serious comorbidities, acute/chronic pancreatitis and various other medical conditions will be excluded. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned into two arms in equal numbers: (1) PEP prevention using lactated Ringer's solution and (2) PEP prevention using plasma solution. The primary outcome of this study will be the occurrence of PEP, and secondary outcomes will be additional risk factors and potential adverse events related to ERCP. With a total enrolment of 844 patients, the study will be able to detect significant differences between the intervention arms.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is obtained from each institution (Asan Medical Centre, 2023-0382; Seoul National University Hospital, H-2302-05-1404; Samsung Medical Centre, SMC 2023-02-001-009). All participants provided informed consent following clear explanation of the study procedures. The results of the study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and research conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05832047.

PROTOCOL VERSION

Ver 4.1 (2023).

Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals subtype-specific clonal evolution and microenvironmental changes in liver metastasis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and their clinical implications

BACKGROUND

Intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) and tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) play important roles in tumor evolution and patient outcomes. However, the precise characterization of diverse cell populations and their crosstalk associated with PDAC progression and metastasis is still challenging.

METHODS

We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of treatment-naïve primary PDAC samples with and without paired liver metastasis samples to understand the interplay between ITH and TME in the PDAC evolution and its clinical associations.

RESULTS

scRNA-seq analysis revealed that even a small proportion (22%) of basal-like malignant ductal cells could lead to poor chemotherapy response and patient survival and that epithelial-mesenchymal transition programs were largely subtype-specific. The clonal homogeneity significantly increased with more prevalent and pronounced copy number gains of oncogenes, such as KRAS and ETV1, and losses of tumor suppressor genes, such as SMAD2 and MAP2K4, along PDAC progression and metastasis. Moreover, diverse immune cell populations, including naïve SELLhi regulatory T cells (Tregs) and activated TIGIThi Tregs, contributed to shaping immunosuppressive TMEs of PDAC through cellular interactions with malignant ductal cells in PDAC evolution. Importantly, the proportion of basal-like ductal cells negatively correlated with that of immunoreactive cell populations, such as cytotoxic T cells, but positively correlated with that of immunosuppressive cell populations, such as Tregs.

CONCLUSION

We uncover that the proportion of basal-like subtype is a key determinant for chemotherapy response and patient outcome, and that PDAC clonally evolves with subtype-specific dosage changes of cancer-associated genes by forming immunosuppressive microenvironments in its progression and metastasis.

Side-by-side placement of fully covered metal stents versus conventional 7F plastic stents in malignant hilar biliary obstruction: Prospective randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of metal stents compared with plastic stents when bilateral side-by-side stents were deployed for malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO).

METHODS

Fifty patients with unresectable advanced MHBO were randomly assigned to the metal stent (MS, n = 25) or plastic stent group (PS, n = 25). Fully covered self-expandable metal stents with 6 mm diameter and plastic stents with either 7F straight or double pigtail were used for MS and PS groups, respectively. Time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO) was evaluated as the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Both groups had 100% technical success rates; 88% and 76% of clinical success rates were obtained in MS and PS, respectively. Although stent migrations were more frequent in MS than PS (48% vs. 16%, P = 0.02), the mean TRBO was significantly longer in MS (190 days; 95% confidence interval [CI] 121-260 days vs. 96 days; 95% CI 50-141 days, P = 0.02). The placement of plastic stents (hazard ratio 2.42; 95% CI 1.24-4.73; P = 0.01) was the only significant risk factor associated with TRBO in multivariable analysis. The rates of adverse events were similar between the two groups (difference 0%; 95% CI -25% to 25%; P > 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

During bilateral side-by-side deployment in MHBO, the use of metal stents appears to be preferable to plastic stents in terms of TRBO, despite a higher frequency of stent migration.

Optimal Follow-up of Incidental Pancreatic Cystic Lesions without Worrisome Features: Clinical Outcome after Long-term Follow-up

Background/Aims

: The optimal duration and interval of follow-up for cystic lesions of the pancreas (CLPs) is not well established. This study was performed to investigate the optimal duration and interval of follow-up for CLPs in clinical practice.

Methods

: Patients with CLPs without worrisome features or high-risk stigmata underwent follow-up with computed tomography at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months and then every 12 months thereafter. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed.

Results

: A total of 227 patients with CLPs detected from 2000 to 2008 (mean initial diameter, 1.3±0.6 cm) underwent follow-up for a median of 120 months. Twenty-two patients (9.7%) underwent surgery after a median of 47.5 months. Malignancies developed in four patients (1.8%), one within 5 years and three within 10 years. One hundred and fourteen patients (50.2%) were followed up for more than 10 years. No malignancy developed after 10 years of follow-up. During surveillance, 37 patients (16.3%) experienced progression to surgical indication. In patients with CLPs less than 2 cm in diameter, development of surgical indications did not occur within 24 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

: CLPs should be continuously monitored after 5 years because of the persistent potential for malignant transformation of CLPs. An interval of 24 months for initial follow-up might be enough for CLPs with initial size of less than 2 cm in clinical practice.

Diagnostic Performance of Endoscopic Ultrasound Elastography for Differential Diagnosis of Gallbladder Polyp

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It is difficult to differentiate between neoplastic and non-neoplastic gallbladder (GB) polyps before surgery. Endoscopic ultrasound-elastography (EUS-EG) is a non-invasive complementary diagnostic method. The utility of EUS-EG in the differential diagnosis of GB polyps has not been investigated. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of EUS-EG for the differential diagnosis of GB polyps.

METHODS

Patients with GB polyps were prospectively enrolled from June 2020 until November 2022. EUS-EG and semi-quantitative evaluation of the strain ratio (SR) were performed for differential diagnosis of GB polyps. Fifty-three eligible patients were divided into two groups based on the final diagnosis after surgery. Patient demographics, EUS characteristics, and SR values were compared. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cutoff SR value that discriminates between neoplastic and non-neoplastic GB polyps.

RESULTS

The median SR value for neoplastic polyps (32.93 [interquartile range: 22.37-69.02]) was significantly higher than for non-neoplastic polyps (5.40 [2.36-14.44]; p<0.001). There were significant differences in SR values between non-neoplastic, benign neoplastic (23.38 [13.62-39.04]), and malignant polyps (49.25 [27.90-82.00]). The optimal cut-off SR value to differentiate between neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps was 18.4. In multivariable logistic regression, SR value >18.4 (odds ratio 33.604, 95% confidence interval 2.588-436.292) was an independent predictor of neoplastic polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-EG and SR values can be used as a supplementary method for evaluating GB polyps.

Bleeding after endoscopic papillectomy and its risk factors: A single center experience of 196 cases

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is an effective method to remove an ampulla of Vater (AoV) adenoma with minimal invasiveness. We reviewed the clinical outcomes and prognosis of patients undergoing EP, including tumor recurrence and adverse events.

METHODS

A total of 196 patients who underwent EP from January 2004 to December 2017 were included. Clinical information was collected through electronic medical records, and risk factors to predict post-procedural bleeding were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 93.9% patients (184/196) underwent complete resection. During the follow-up period, 14.7% patients (27/184) experienced tumor recurrence, and two of seven surgically resected tumors were malignant. A total of 45.4% patients (89/196) experienced adverse events related to EP. Delayed bleeding occurred in 16.3% of the patients (32/196), and they were all successfully treated with endoscopic hemostasis and conservative management. The most frequent site of delayed bleeding was the distal end of the papillary orifice, and 56.2% (18/32) patients of delayed bleeding were classified as having mild severity, the others had moderate severity. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) [odds ratio (OR) = 3.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-14.29; P < 0.05] and male sex (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.04-7.63; P = 0.04) showed statistical significance in predicting delayed post-EP bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

EP for AoV adenoma was a highly effective and safe procedure. The risk of post-EP delayed bleeding was increased in patients with FAP syndrome and male patients, and post-EP bleeding occurred most commonly in the distal part of the AoV.

A simplified cranial cavity model to understand the relationship between intracranial pressure and dural sinus pressure

Although accurate intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of severe brain diseases, current methods are performed invasively. Therefore, a safe and less invasive ICP measurement is required. The purpose of our study was to develop a simplified cranial cavity model for a better understanding of the relationship between the ICP and the pressure measurement within the dural venous sinus (DVS) to support the validity of using sinus pressure as the surrogate of the ICP. The in-house cranial cavity model had three components: the brain part, the DVS part, and the subarachnoid space (SAS) part. Pressure in other parts was measured when the pressure in the SAS part and, separately, brain part was increased from 0 (baseline) to 50 mmHg at intervals of 10 mmHg. When the pressure in the SAS part was increased from 10 to 50 mmHg at 10 mmHg interval, pressures of both the brain and DVS parts increased without significant difference (all P > 0.05). However, pressures in both the SAS and DVS parts differed while the pressure in the brain part was increased. The pressures in both parts showed about 70% of the increase in the brain part. Nevertheless, the pressures in the SAS and DVS parts were not significantly different (P > 0.05). A simplified in-house cranial cavity model was developed consisting of three compartments to represent the actual intracranial spaces. The pressure measurement within the DVS was feasible to use as a surrogate for the ICP measurement.

Prolonged progression-free survival achieved by gemcitabine, cisplatin, and albumin-bound paclitaxel for the treatment of advanced biliary tract cancers

Background

A regimen of gemcitabine, cisplatin, and nab-paclitaxel (GPA) has shown promising results in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (aBTC).

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the benefit of GPA compared to a regimen of gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) in patients with aBTC.

Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Patients with aBTC who received first-line chemotherapy with GPA or GP regimen at the Samsung Medical Center between July 2020 and June 2022 were included. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

In all, 37 patients were treated with GPA and 43 patients with GP. The GPA group showed significantly longer median PFS [12.0 months (95% CI, 7.2-16.8)] compared to the GP group [5.5 months (95% CI, 3.7-7.4; p = 0.007)]. The median overall survival (OS) was also longer in the GPA group [18.7 months (95% CI, 13.7-23.7)] than in the GP group [10.7 months (95% CI, 1.5-19.9); p = 0.021]. First-line chemotherapy with GPA was associated with longer PFS, while metastatic disease at initial diagnosis and post-treatment increase in CA 19-9 level were associated with worse PFS.

Conclusion

The GPA regimen improved the PFS of patients with aBTC compared to the GP regimen but showed no significant benefit in terms of OS after adjusting for confounding variables. Further large-scale studies are required to establish optimal indications for GPA.

Clinical Significance of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma

Background/Aims

Patients with active cancer frequently develop venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, there is little data about VTE in patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Therefore, we investigated the clinical significance of VTE in patients with advanced CCA.

Methods

We analyzed the data of a total of 332 unresectable CCA patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2020 in this retrospective study. We investigated the incidence and risk factors for VTE, and its effect on survival in patients with advanced CCA.

Results

During a median follow-up of 11.6 months, 118 patients (35.5%) developed VTE. The cumulative incidence of VTE was 22.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18 to 0.27) at 3 months and 32.8% (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.38) at 12 months. Major vessel invasion was an independent risk factor for VTE (hazard ratio, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.92 to 4.31; p<0.001). Patients who developed VTE during follow-up had shorter overall survival than patients who did not (11.50 months vs 15.83 months, p=0.005). In multivariable analysis, VTE (hazard ratio, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.02; p<0.001) was associated with poor overall survival.

Conclusions

Major vessel invasion is related to the occurrence of VTE in advanced CCA. The development of VTE significantly decreases the overall survival and is an important unfavorable prognostic factor for survival.

Tumor Microenvironment Modulation by Neoadjuvant Erlotinib Therapy and Its Clinical Impact on Operable EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors have greatly improved survival in EGFR-mutant (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, their effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME) are unknown. We assessed the changes induced by neoadjuvant erlotinib therapy (NE) in the TME of operable EGFRm NSCLC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single-arm phase II trial for neoadjuvant/adjuvant erlotinib therapy in patients with stage II/IIIA EGFRm NSCLC (EGFR exon 19 deletion or L858R mutations). Patients received up to 2 cycles of NE (150 mg/day) for 4 weeks, followed by surgery and adjuvant erlotinib or vinorelbine plus cisplatin therapy depending on observed NE response. TME changes were assessed based on gene expression analysis and mutation profiling.

RESULTS

A total of 26 patients were enrolled; the median age was 61, 69% were female, 88% were stage IIIA, and 62% had L858R mutation. Among 25 patients who received NE, the objective response rate was 72% (95% confidence interval [CI], 52.4 to 85.7). The median disease-free and overall survival (OS) were 17.9 (95% CI, 10.5 to 25.4) and 84.7 months (95% CI, 49.7 to 119.8), respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis in resected tissues revealed upregulation of interleukin, complement, cytokine, transforming growth factor β, and hedgehog pathways. Patients with upregulated pathogen defense, interleukins, and T-cell function pathways at baseline exhibited partial response to NE and longer OS. Patients with upregulated cell cycle pathways at baseline exhibited stable/progressive disease after NE and shorter OS.

CONCLUSION

NE modulated the TME in EGFRm NSCLC. Upregulation of immune-related pathways was associated with better outcomes.

Antiproliferative Activity of Piceamycin by Regulating Alpha-Actinin-4 in Gemcitabine-Resistant Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Although gemcitabine-based regimens are widely used as an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer, acquired resistance to gemcitabine has become an increasingly common problem. Therefore, a novel therapeutic strategy to treat gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer is urgently required. Piceamycin has been reported to exhibit antiproliferative activity against various cancer cells; however, its underlying molecular mechanism for anticancer activity in pancreatic cancer cells remains unexplored. Therefore, the present study evaluated the antiproliferation activity of piceamycin in a gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cell line and patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoids. Piceamycin effectively inhibited the proliferation and suppressed the expression of alpha-actinin-4, a gene that plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and metastasis of various cancers, in gemcitabine-resistant cells. Long-term exposure to piceamycin induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and caused apoptosis. Piceamycin also inhibited the invasion and migration of gemcitabine-resistant cells by modulating focal adhesion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition biomarkers. Moreover, the combination of piceamycin and gemcitabine exhibited a synergistic antiproliferative activity in gemcitabine-resistant cells. Piceamycin also effectively inhibited patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoid growth and induced apoptosis in the organoids. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that piceamycin may be an effective agent for overcoming gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer.

Analysis of ultrasonographic images using a deep learning-based model as ancillary diagnostic tool for diagnosing gallbladder polyps

BACKGROUND

Accurately diagnosing gallbladder polyps (GBPs) is important to avoid misdiagnosis and overtreatment.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of a deep learning model and the accuracy of a computer-aided diagnosis by physicians for diagnosing GBPs.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2006 to September 2021, and 3,754 images from 263 patients were analyzed. The outcome of this study was the efficacy of the developed deep learning model in discriminating neoplastic GBPs (NGBPs) from non-NGBPs and to evaluate the accuracy of a computer-aided diagnosis with that made by physicians.

RESULTS

The efficacy of discriminating NGBPs from non- NGBPs using deep learning was 0.944 (accuracy, 0.858; sensitivity, 0.856; specificity, 0.861). The accuracy of an unassisted diagnosis of GBP was 0.634, and that of a computer-aided diagnosis was 0.785 (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the accuracy of a computer-aided diagnosis between experienced (0.835) and inexperienced (0.772) physicians (p = 0.251). A computer-aided diagnosis significantly assisted inexperienced physicians (0.772 vs. 0.614; p < 0.001) but not experienced physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

Deep learning-based models discriminate NGBPs from non- NGBPs with excellent accuracy. As ancillary diagnostic tools, they may assist inexperienced physicians in improving their diagnostic accuracy.

Predicting acute aortic syndrome using aortic dissection detection risk score, D-dimer, and X-ray

Objective

Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a fatal disease with high mortality. There were previous studies using aortic dissection detection risk score (ADD-RS) and D-dimer (DD) to screen AAS. There were screening failures in previous studies, suggesting the need for a more accurate tool. This study investigated the effect of combining ADD-RS and age adjusted D-dimer (DDage-adj) with abnormal findings on chest radiographs on the diagnosis of AAS in patients admitted to emergency department (ED).

Methods

This single-center retrospective case-control study included 93 patients with AAS and 465 with chest pain (CP), diagnosis other than AAS. We attempted to compare the initial clinical presentation and laboratory examination findings.

Results

Age-adjusted DD (DDage-adj), defined as age x 0.01 mg/L in patients ≥50 years, showed sensitivity of 92.5% and specificity of 76.3% for patients with AAS (p < 0.001). Positive chest radiography findings were significant with AAS group; sensitivity was 89.2% with a specificity of 80.9% (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used; widened mediastinum, widening of aortic contour and aortic kinking indicates the probability of AAS in patients with CP (p < 0.05).ADD-RS was used to evaluate the risk of AAS. For low risk group, ADD-RS ≤1, combined use of chest radiography and DDage-adj showed meaningful result. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 67.1% with failure rate of 0% (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis were made; widening of the mediastinum (p = 0.035), widening of the aortic contour (p < 0.001) and aortic kinking (p < 0.001) showed significant p-value. Combining DDage-adj and these three chest radiography findings in ADD-RS≤1 patients resulted 0% failure rate with 67.8% specificity (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The combination of ADD-RS, DDage-adj and chest radiography could lower the failure rate of AAS exclusion strategy. This combination strategy satisfies low failure rate (<3%) and yields relatively high specificity of 67.8%.

Efficacy and Safety of Image-Guided Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of image-guided 10-fraction hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Between 2016 and March 2022, 69 HCC with PVTT patients received RT (40-50Gy/10fx) in our institutions. The median prescribed dose of 50 Gy (range, 40-50 Gy, BED10; 56-75 Gy10) was delivered in 10 fractions in all patients. Follow-up imaging was performed at three-month intervals after the completion of RT. The extent of PVTT was described according to the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan classification: Vp0 = no PVTT, Vp1 = segmental portal vein branch, Vp2 = right/left anterior/posterior portal vein, Vp3 = right/left portal vein and Vp4 = main portal vein. Response evaluation was performed using response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, version 1.1. Freedom from local progression (FFLP), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated from the start date of RT.

RESULTS

In this cohort, 4.3% of patients had Vp1 PVTT, 20.3% had Vp2, 37.7% had Vp3, and 37.7% had Vp4. The median PTV volume was 105.3 cc (interquartile range [IQR], 74.1-179.4 cc). Fifty-two (75.4%) patients received 50 Gy in 10 fractions. With a median follow-up of 10.2 months (IQR, 6-21 months), the median OS was 18.5 months, and 1-year FFLP, PFS, and OS rates were 84.8%, 26.9%, and 62.2% respectively. At 3 months after RT, 13.0% had a complete response, 36.2% had a partial response, 46.4% had a stable disease and 4.4% had a progressive disease. In the multivariate analysis, AFP ≥ 600 IU/ml (HR 2.06, p = 0.03), Child-Pugh Class B or C (HR 2.30, p = 0.02), and modified Union for International Cancer Control (mUICC) stage IVA or IVB (4.05, p = 0.02) were significantly related to OS. During the follow-up period, there were 2 (2.8%) cases of grade ≥3 toxicity: grade 3 AST/ALT elevation (n = 1), and acute cholangitis (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

Hypofractionated RT demonstrated promising local PVTT control with acceptable toxicity. These data suggest that 10-fraction image-guided hypofractionated RT (BED10 = 56-75 Gy10) is a feasible treatment option for PVTT in HCC patients.

Combinatorial Effect of Prophylactic Interventions for Post-ERCP Pancreatitis among Patients with Risk Factors: A Network Meta-Analysis

Background/Aims

The combinatorial effects of prophylactic methods for postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) in patients with risk factors remain unclear. In this network meta-analysis, we compared the efficacy of various prophylactic strategies to decrease the risk of PEP among patients with risk factors.

Methods

A systematic review was performed to identify randomized controlled trials from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through July 2021. We used frequentist network meta-analysis to compare the rates of PEP among patients who received prophylactic treatments as follows: class A, rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; class B, prophylactic pancreatic stent; class C, aggressive hydration; or control, no prophylaxis or active control. We selected those studies that included patients with risk factors for PEP.

Results

We identified 19 trials, comprising 4,328 participants. Class ABC (odds ratio [OR], 0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03 to 0.24), class AC (OR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.47), class AB (OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.26), class BC (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.41), class A (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.50), and class B (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.46), were associated with a reduced risk of PEP as compared to that of the control. The most effective prophylaxis was ABC (0.87), followed by AC (0.68), AB (0.65), BC (0.56), A (0.49), and B (0.24) according to P-score.

Conclusions

The results of this network meta-analysis suggest that the more prophylactic methods are employed, the better the outcomes. It appears that for patients with risk factors, we need to prevent PEP through the use of these well proven combination strategies.

2022 Clinical practice guidelines for central precocious puberty of Korean children and adolescents

The Committee of Central Precocious Puberty of Korean Pediatrics and Adolescents of the Korean Society of Pediatric Endocrinology has newly developed evidence-based 2022 clinical practice guidelines for central precocious puberty in Korean children and adolescents. These guidelines provide the grade of recommendations, which includes both the strength of recommendations and the level of evidence. In the absence of sufficient evidence, recommendations are based on expert opinion. These guidelines have been revised and supplement the previous guidelines "Clinical Guidelines for Precocious Puberty 2011," and are drawn from a comprehensive review of the latest domestic and international research and the grade of recommendation appropriate to the domestic situation. This review summarizes the newly revised guidelines into 8 key questions and 27 recommendations and consists of 4 sections: screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcome of central precocious puberty.

A prospective randomized noninferiority trial comparing conventional smears and SurePathTM liquid-based cytology in endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling of esophageal, gastric, and duodenal lesions

BACKGROUND

Several liquid-based cytology (LBC) methods are currently used, but the diagnostic accuracy of each method is not well known. We aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of SurePathTM LBC and conventional smear (CS) cytology in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) samples of esophageal, gastric, and duodenal lesions.

METHODS

As a prospective randomized noninferiority study, patients who needed EUS-FNA due to subepithelial mass in the upper gastrointestinal tract were randomly assigned 1:1 to the LBC and CS groups. Cytologic preparation was carried out using a crossover design where 1 method was used for the first needle-pass sample and another method was used for the second needle-pass sample. The primary outcome was to compare the diagnostic performance between LBC and CS using the final diagnosis as the gold standard.

RESULTS

A total of 87 patients were randomized and 60 patients were analyzed. There were no differences between LBC and CS in diagnostic accuracy (91.7% vs 86.7%, P = .380), sensitivity (97.7% vs 90.7%, P = .169), specificity (76.5% vs 76.5%, P > .99), negative predictive value (92.9% vs 76.5%, P = .225), or positive predictive value (91.3% vs 90.7%, P = .921). The background of LBC was less bloody than that of CSs (5.0% vs 53.3%, P < .001) and the sample preparation time of LBC was shorter than that of CSs (29 ± 7 seconds vs 90 ± 17 seconds, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

In the EUS-FNA of a subepithelial mass in the upper gastrointestinal tract, the diagnostic performance of LBC was not inferior to that of CS. The field of view was better in LBC, because the background was less bloody and necrotic. As LBC is more convenient to perform and takes shorter time, it is expected that it can replace the CS method for EUS-FNA samples.

Association between glycemic status and the risk of acute pancreatitis: a nationwide population-based study

BACKGROUND

Although diabetes is reportedly associated with the occurrence of acute pancreatitis (AP), the risk of AP according to the duration and severity of diabetes is not yet clear. We aimed to investigate the risk of AP based on glycemic status and the presence of comorbidities using a nationwide population-based study.

METHODS

We enrolled 3,912,496 adults who underwent health examinations under the National Health Insurance Service in 2009. All participants were categorized by glycemic status as normoglycemic, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), or diabetes. Baseline characteristics and the presence of comorbidities at the time of health check-up were investigated, and the occurrence of AP was followed up until 31 December 2018. We estimated the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for AP occurrence according to the glycemic status, duration of diabetes (new-onset, duration < 5 years, or ≥ 5 years), type and number of anti-diabetic medications, and presence of comorbidities.

RESULTS

During the observation period of 32,116,716.93 person-years, 8,933 cases of AP occurred. Compared with normoglycemia, the aHRs (95% confidence interval) were 1.153 (1.097-1.212) in IFG, 1.389 (1.260-1.531) in new-onset diabetes, 1.634 (1.496-1.785) in known diabetes < 5 years, and 1.656 (1.513-1.813) in patients with known diabetes aged ≥ 5 years. The presence of comorbidities associated with diabetes severity had a synergistic effect on the relationship between diabetes and AP occurrence.

CONCLUSION

As glycemic status worsens, the risk of AP increases, and there is a synergistic effect when comorbidities coexist. To reduce the risk of AP, active control of factors that can cause AP should be considered in patients with long-standing diabetes and comorbidities.

Presumed primary cardiac mast cell tumor, pericardial effusion, and arrhythmia in a dog

A 13-year-old female spayed border collie cross presented for pericardial effusion, arrhythmia, and a suspected cardiac mass. Echocardiogram revealed severe thickening and hypokinesis of the interventricular septum with a heterogenous, cavitated myocardium, concerning for neoplasia. Electrocardiogram revealed predominantly accelerated idioventricular rhythm with frequent periods of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Occasional prolonged PR intervals terminating in an aberrantly conducted QRS complex were present. These beats were postulated to represent either first-degree atrioventricular block with aberrant QRS conduction or atrioventricular dissociation. Cytology of the pericardial effusion revealed atypical, suspected neoplastic, mast cells. The patient was euthanized, and postmortem examination confirmed full-thickness infiltration of the interventricular septum by a mast cell tumor, with metastasis to the tracheobronchial lymph node and spleen. Given the anatomic location of the mass, the observed atrioventricular nodal conduction delay may represent neoplastic infiltration of the atrioventricular node. Neoplastic infiltration of the ventricle was suspected to cause the accelerated idioventricular rhythm and ventricular tachycardia. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a primary cardiac mast cell tumor causing arrhythmia and pericardial effusion in a dog.

Efficacy and predictive factors of endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation in benign solid pancreatic tumors

BACKGROUNDS AND OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation (EUS-EA) has recently been introduced for the management of solid pancreatic tumors, including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs). The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and predictive factors for response of EUS-EA in solid pancreatic tumors.

METHODS

Between October 2015 and July 2021, 72 patients who underwent EUS-EA for solid pancreatic tumors were included. The study outcomes were to evaluate the efficacy of EUS-EA with complete remission (CR) and objective response, and their predictive factors.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 47 patients were diagnosed with PNETs and 25 with SPTs. Eight cases reached CR and 48 reached objective response. When compared with SPTs, PNETs showed similar duration to reach CR (median not reached; p = 0.319), but shorter duration to reach objective response (PNETs: median 20.6 months, 95%CI 10.26-30.88; SPTs: median 47.7 months, 95%CI 18.14-77.20; p = 0.018). Ethanol dosage > 0.35 ml/cm³ shortened the duration to reach CR (median not reached; p = 0.026) and objective response (median 42.5 months, 95%CI 25.34-59.66 vs. 19.6 months, 95%CI 10.17-29.09; p = 0.006). CR had no significant predictive factors, but PNETs showed significant predictive factors for objective response (HR 3.34, 95%CI 1.07-10.43; p = 0.038). Twenty-seven patients experienced adverse events, and there were two severe cases.

CONCLUSION

EUS-EA for pancreatic solid lesions seems feasible as a local treatment for patients who refuse or are unfit for surgery. Additionally, PNETs seem to be the better candidate for EUS-EA.

Prolonged patency of fully covered self-expandable metal stents with an externally anchored plastic stent in distal malignant biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND : Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) are widely used for endoscopic treatment of distal malignant biliary obstruction (dMBO). We aimed to assess the efficacy of anchoring an external plastic stent to an FCSEMS in dMBO. METHODS : A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with dMBO to compare stent patency between FCSEMSs and FCSEMSs with an externally anchored plastic stent (EPS). For external anchoring, a 7-Fr double-pigtail plastic stent (DPPS) was placed first in the bile duct, then an FCSEMS was deployed side-by-side. RESULTS : Among a total of 185 patients, 65 had an FCSEMS alone and 120 had an FCSEMS with an EPS. The median stent patency was significantly longer in the FCSEMS with an EPS group than in the FCSEMS only group (342 vs. 240 days; P = 0.04). The rate of stent migration was significantly lower in the FCSEMS with an EPS group than in the FCSEMS only group (10.8 % vs. 27.7 %; P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in the rates of stent occlusion and adverse events between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS : A novel and simple technique of anchoring an external plastic stent may decrease the risk of FCSEMS migration and prolong stent patency, without significantly increasing the adverse events rate in dMBO.

Efficacy and safety of novel hemostatic gel in endoscopic sphincterotomy or endoscopic papillectomy: A multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Endoscopists often experience obstacles with traditional hemostasis using the side-viewing duodenoscope for bleeding after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) or endoscopic papillectomy (EP).

AIMS

In this randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel hemostatic gel for post-EST or post-EP bleeding.

METHODS

A randomized trial was conducted from November 2020 to December 2021 at two tertiary centers in South Korea. Patients who experienced bleeding immediately after EST or EP were enrolled in the study, and primary hemostasis was achieved with either the novel hemostatic gel or epinephrine spray.

RESULTS

A total of 84 patients were enrolled in this study, and 41 patients were finally analyzed in each group. Hemostatic gel was significantly superior to epinephrine spray for successful primary hemostasis (100% vs. 85.4%; P = 0.026). ). In terms of delayed bleeding, no significant difference was observed between the hemostatic gel and epinephrine spray (2.4% vs. 7.3%; P = 0.329). The mean procedural time was significantly higher for the hemostatic gel than epinephrine spray (3.23 ± 1.94 vs. 1.76 ± 0.99 min; P < 0.001), and no differences were observed in the adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel hemostatic gel is expected to achieve satisfactory results with easier hemostasis for immediate bleeding after EST or EP. (Registered in Clinical Research Information Service: KCT0005607).

Acute Pancreatitis and the Risk of Dementia in Diabetes: A Nationwide Cohort Study Using Korean Healthcare Claims Database

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of dementia, which has been proven to be associated with systemic inflammation. Acute pancreatitis, also a local and systemic inflammatory disease, is the most common gastrointestinal disease requiring acute hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE

The effect of acute pancreatitis on dementia was investigated in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

Data was collected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. The study sample included type 2 diabetes patients who received general health examination from 2009 to 2012. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between acute pancreatitis and dementia with adjustment of confounders. Stratified subgroup analysis by age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and body mass index was conducted.

RESULTS

Among the 2,328,671 participants in total, 4,463 patients had a history of acute pancreatitis before the health examination. During a median follow-up of 8.1 (IQR, 6.7-9.0) years, 194,023 participants (8.3%) developed all-cause dementia. Previous history of acute pancreatitis was a significant risk factor for dementia after adjustment of confounding variables (HR 1.39 [95% CI 1.26-1.53]). In the subgroup analysis, patient characteristics such as age under 65 years, male, current smoker, and alcohol consumption were significant risk factors for dementia in patients with a history of acute pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION

The history of acute pancreatitis was associated with the development of dementia in patients with diabetes. Because the risk of dementia increases with alcohol consumption and smoking in diabetic patients with history of acute pancreatitis, abstinence from alcohol and smoking should be recommended.

Development of novel biliary metal stent with coil-spring structure and its application in vivo swine biliary stricture model

Background

As of date, endoscopic biliary stenting with plastic stent (PS) and self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) have been widely used for the palliation of biliary tract strictures. However, these two stents have several limitations regarding the management of biliary strictures caused by intrahepatic and hilar cholangiocarcinoma. PS has short patency and also risks bile duct injury and bowel perforation. SEMS is difficult to revise when occluded by tumor overgrowth. To compensate for such shortcomings, we developed a novel biliary metal stent with coil-spring structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of the novel stent in a swine model.

Methods

The biliary stricture model was prepared in six mini-pigs using endobiliary radiofrequency ablation. Conventional PS (n=2) and novel stents (n=4) were deployed endoscopically. Technical success was defined as successful stent placement and clinical success was defined as >50% reduction of serum bilirubin level. Adverse events, stent migration, and endoscopic removability for one month after stenting were also assessed.

Results

The biliary stricture was successfully created in all animals. The technical success rate was 100 %, and the clinical success rate was 50% in the PS group and 75% in the novel stent group. In the novel stent group, the median pre- and post-treatment serum bilirubin levels were 3.94 and 0.3 mg/dL. Stent migration occurred in two pigs and two stents were removed by endoscopy. There was no stent-related mortality.

Conclusions

The newly designed biliary metal stent was feasible and effective in a swine biliary stricture model. Further studies are needed to verify the usefulness of the novel stent in the management of biliary strictures.