New approach to peritoneal surface malignancies

Peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) are a clinical entity with an unfavourable prognosis. They comprise peritoneal carcinomatosis, pseudomyxoma peritonei, and primitive tumors of the peritoneum. Because the treatment of PSM presents unique and challenging problems to the cancer clinician, many new approaches have been attempted in recent years. In the current and next issues of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, some international groups of researchers discuss the most important and innovative aspects of PSM treatment, with particular accuracy for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. In conclusion, because this new approach to PSM has a reputation for being based more on common sense than on experimental data, I hope that highlighting this topic can make a contribution to the treatment of this group of diseases.

Cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

The treatment of peritoneal malignancies in elderly patients with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an ongoing question due to the high associated surgical risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty patients, 11 (36.7%) older than 65 years, were submitted to CRS plus HIPEC. Criteria of patient eligibility were: peritoneal carcinomatosis of different origin, T3-4 gastric cancer, ECOG performance status ≤2, no extra-abdominal extension and no evidence of bowel obstruction. The median follow-up was 21.5 months (range: 1-63). The purpose of this retrospective study, was to evaluate the feasibility of this approach in elderly patients, with special reference to postoperative morbidity, mortality and survival.

RESULTS

We have recorded, in elderly patients, higher grade 3 and 4 morbidity and mortality, similar mean duration of cytoreductive surgery, of postoperative hospital stay, of median survival and of overall survival rates.

CONCLUSION

Since there no statistical differences, in terms of morbidity and mortality, CRS with HIPEC may also be suitable for elderly patients.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy as upfront therapy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: multi-institutional phase-II trial

OBJECTIVE

The primary end-point of this multi-institutional phase-II trial was to assess results in terms of overall survival after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in treatment-naive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) with advanced peritoneal involvement. Secondary end-points were treatment morbi-mortality and outcome effects of time to subsequent adjuvant systemic chemotherapy (TTC).

METHODS

Twenty-six women with stage III-IV EOC were prospectively enrolled in 4 Italian centers to undergo CRS and closed-abdomen HIPEC with cisplatin and doxorubicin. Then they received systemic chemotherapy with carboplatin (AUC 6) and paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2)) for 6 cycles.

RESULTS

Macroscopically complete cytoreduction was achieved in 15 patients; only minimal residual disease (≤2.5 mm) remained in 11. Major complications occurred in four patients and postoperative death in one. After a median follow-up of 25 months, 5-year overall survival was 60.7% and 5-year progression-free survival 15.2% (median 30 months). Excluding operative death, all the patients underwent systemic chemotherapy at a median of 46 days from combined treatment (range: 29-75). The median number of cycles per patient was 6 (range: 1-8). The time to chemotherapy did not affect the OS or PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients with advanced stage EOC, upfront CRS and HIPEC provided promising results in terms of outcome. Morbidity was comparable to aggressive cytoreduction without HIPEC. Postoperative recovery delayed the initiation of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy but not sufficiently to impact negatively on survival. These data warrant further evaluation in a randomized clinical trial.

Melanocortin 4 receptor stimulation decreases pancreatitis severity in rats by activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway

OBJECTIVE

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that may lead to multisystemic organ failure. Melanocortin peptides have been successfully used in experimental models of organ failure and shock, and their protective effect occurs through the activation of a vagus nerve-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway by acting at brain melanocortin 4 receptors. In the light of these observations, we studied the effects of the selective melanocortin 4 receptor agonist RO27-3225 in an experimental model of cerulein-induced pancreatitis.

DESIGN

Randomized experiment.

SETTING

Research laboratory at a university hospital.

SUBJECT

Experimental pancreatitis in rats.

INTERVENTIONS

Acute pancreatitis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injections of cerulein (80 μg/kg, four injections at hourly intervals). Before pancreatitis induction, groups of animals were subjected to bilateral cervical vagotomy, pretreated with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist chlorisondamine or the selective melanocortin 4 receptor antagonist HS024, or not pretreated. Thirty minutes after the first cerulein injection, rats were intraperitoneally treated with a nanomolar dose of RO27-3225 or vehicle. Some experimental groups were prepared for neural efferent activity recording along the vagus nerve starting 30 mins after treatment with RO27-3225 or vehicle, and for a 30-min period.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Serum lipase and amylase activity, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 expression, pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity, and histologic damage were evaluated; neural efferent activity of vagal fibers was also assessed. RO27-3225 reduced cerulein-induced serum lipase and amylase activity, blunted the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, abated the increase in pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity, and protected against histologic damage. Furthermore, RO27-3225 markedly increased neural efferent activity along the vagus nerve. Vagotomy, chlorisondamine, and HS024 abated these protective effects of RO27-3225.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that melanocortin 4 receptor agonists reduce pancreatitis severity through the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. These findings could be of particular interest in the clinical setting.

[Intestinal perforation by ingested foreign bodies in the digestive tract: an insidious pathology always of interest. Our experience]

The authors want to present five cases (from May 1999 to May 2009) of acute abdomen from perforation of the foreign body introduced with food. They highlight how the accidental ingestion is very common but the perforation is rare. The preoperative diagnosis, in these cases, is always very difficult and the radiological examinations are not always able to resolve the diagnostic doubt with other acute intestinal diseases that are responsible of perforation. Then, the surgery procedure is, necessarily, the only possible diagnostic and therapeutic means. The mortality and the morbidity remain still high first of all for the delay in the diagnosis and the advanced age of patients.

Massive bleeding from a Dieulafoy's lesion of the duodenum successfully treated with "adjuvant" transarterial embolization and endoscopic laser coagulation

Dieulafoy's lesions, very rare in the duodenum, are considered uncommon causes of gastrointestinal bleeding and occur from pinpoint non-ulcerated arterial lesions. We report a case of Dieulafoy's lesion of the duodenum, in which a first diagnostic approach by using endoscopy and angiography was not successful; then, due to a high operative risk, we performed an "adjuvant" embolization of the gastroduodenal artery with the aim of reduce the flow through the artery, allowing the endoscopic localization of the site of bleeding and subsequent effective treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature, in which, without aetiological diagnosis, an "adjuvant" embolization of the gastroduodenal artery was performed with the aim of reduce the blood flow in the duodenal wall, permitting an easier endoscopic diagnosis of Dieulafoy's duodenal lesion and successful treatment with laser coagulation.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is, after liver metastases, the second most frequent cause of death in colorectal cancer patients and at the present time, is commonly inserted and treated as a stage IV tumour. Because there is no published data that outlines the impact of new therapeutic regimens on survival of patients with peritoneal surface diffusion, the story of carcinomatosis can be rewritten in light of a new aggressive approach based on the combination of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Also if these treatment perhaps allow to obtain better results than standard therapies, we suggest, that a large prospective randomised control trial is needed to compare long-term and progression-free survival under the best available systemic therapy with or without cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

New approach to peritoneal surface malignancies

Peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) are a clinical entity with an unfavourable prognosis. They comprise peritoneal carcinomatosis, pseudomyxoma peritonei, and primitive tumors of the peritoneum. Because the treatment of PSM presents unique and challenging problems to the cancer clinician, many new approaches have been attempted in recent years. In the current and next issues of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, some international groups of researchers discuss the most important and innovative aspects of PSM treatment, with particular accuracy for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. In conclusion, because this new approach to PSM has a reputation for being based more on common sense than on experimental data, I hope that highlighting this topic can make a contribution to the treatment of this group of diseases.

Quintuple primitive malignant neoplasms. A case report

The authors describe the case of a patient who developed during 31 months, five malignant tumours, three synchronous and two metachronous. The primitive origin and the long interval of time between the occurrence of each tumour, allow to set them in the group of Multiple Primitive Malignant Neoplasm. The authors, reviewing the classifications and the pathogenesis of these tumours, underline the importance of the follow-up in oncology patients and emphasize the role of nosographic setting in order to plan the most suitable therapeutic approach.

CD81 expression on CD19+ peripheral blood lymphocytes is associated with chronic HCV disease and increased risk for HCV infection: a putative role for inflammatory cytokines

The level of CD81 cell surface expression, a cellular co-receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV), is critical for productive HCV infection of host cells. In addition, the cross-linking of HCV-E2 protein to CD81 can alter the function of T and B lymphocytes as well as that of NK cells by interfering with the activation signalling pathway. The down-regulation of CD81 expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) has been associated to effective therapy of HCV infection. The aim of the present study is to quantitatively assess the levels of CD81 expression in PBL from HCV-infected patients compared to subjects at high risk for HCV infection such as HIV-infected individuals or patients with Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT). The expression of CD81 was quantified by flow-cytometry using Phycoerythrin-labelled standard beads. Determination of CD81 was performed on CD3+ and CD19+ lymphocytes from 34 healthy controls, 51 patients with HCV infection and different clinical outcomes [these included HCV-RNA-negative subjects (8), patients with chronic active hepatitis (16), recipients of liver transplantation under immunosuppressive therapy (12), a subgroup with concomitant HIV infection (9) or concomitant PCT (6)]. In addition, 60 HIV-infected subjects and 4 patients with PCT were studied. The putative role of inflammatory cytokines in modulating CD81 was explored in vitro by assessing the effect of IL-6 or IFN-gamma on cultured human hepatocytes. A significant increase of the CD81 expression was found on CD19+ lymphocytes in association with either HIV or HCV infection, as compared to the control group. Immunosuppressive therapy with FK506, subsequent to liver transplantation, restored CD81 expression at normal levels. Data gathered in vitro using the WRL 68 hepatocytic cell line confirmed that inflammatory cytokines can up-regulate CD81 expression in liver cell inclusion. Our data suggest that CD81 up-regulation can increase the risk of HCV infection, particularly in HIV-infected subjects. In addition, the results strongly suggest that the cytokines released by activated lymphocytes at sites of inflammation may play a part in up-regulating CD81 expression.

Association between porphyria cutanea tarda and beta-thalassemia major

The paper describes the first two cases of porphyria cutanea tarda associated with beta-thalassemia major. The clinical course of two female patients affected by beta-thalassemia major was complicated by the onset of porphyria cutanea tarda. Both patients were also suffering from hepatitis C virus infection, iron overload and anemia. We discuss about the role performed by some of these conditions in triggering overt porphyria cutanea tarda. An improvement of the clinical and biochemical picture of porphyria cutanea tarda in both patients was obtained with chloroquine therapy given that their chronic anemia did not permit phlebotomy.

[Gastrointestinal stromal tumour: our experience]

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. These tumours originate in Cajal interstitial cells and the majority are located in the stomach and small intestine. They frequently develop in males aged 50-60 years. The symptoms of GIST are non-specific and depend on the size and location of the lesion. Imaging difficulties impede an early diagnosis; sometimes these tumours represent an unexpected intraoperative finding or an emergency abdominal picture. GISTs are classified as tumours with low- and high-risk of malignancy, depending on tumour size and mitotic count. Tumour site and acute onset are also significant parameters for prognostic purposes. Fifteen patients with GIST - gastric in 7 cases, ileal in 6, jejunal in 1 and colonic in 1 - were treated surgically and, in 9 cases, with adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy in 4 patients and imatinib mesylate in 5). The mean follow-up was 38 months. No postoperative mortality was recorded, and the morbidity was 13.3%. Histological examinations documented 6 benign tumours and 9 malignancies. Two patients, one with gastric and one with colonic GIST, were lost to follow-up. One patient, with two synchronous gastric neoplasms (GIST + adenocarcinoma) died after 16 months, while the other 5 patients with gastric GIST are still alive; two patients with ileal GIST, treated with chemotherapy, died after 15 and 18 months, respectively. The mean survival of patients treated with imatinib mesylate was 36 months. Surgical management and the use of imatinib constitute the therapeutic gold standard for GIST. The use of imatinib mesylate is recommended today in the treatment of advanced GIST, especially in cases with liver and peritoneal metastases.

Four novel mutations of the coproporphyrinogen III oxidase gene

Here we report the characterization of four novel mutations and a previously described one of the coproporphyrinogen III oxidase (CPO) gene in five Italian patients affected by Hereditary Coproporphyria (HCP). Three of the novel genetic variants are missense mutations (p.Gly242Cys; p.Leu398Pro; p.Ser245Phe) and one is a frameshift mutation (p.Gly188TrpfsX45).

Role of osteopontin in breast cancer patients

AIM AND BACKGROUND

In breast cancer, as in almost all neoplastic diseases, the prognosis is strictly related to the invasive capacity, local and distant, that characterizes the growth of all tumors. Since the mechanisms that regulate replication of the neoplastic cells, with consequent capacity to metastasize, are not completely known, identification of new markers represents the gold standard of research in the stratification of patients with such a pathology. Osteopontin, a specific phosphoglycoprotein isolated from extracellular bone matrix and actively involved in mechanisms of bone reabsorption, appears to play a key role in osteoclastogenesis at the level of the skeleton in some pathologic situations. It has been found that patients with metastatic bone lesions from breast or prostate cancer present, with respect to subjects without repetitive bone lesions, elevated serum levels of the protein, indicating that osteopontin could play an important role in the development and progression of the neoplastic disease at the bone level.

METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN

The authors studied 26 patients with breast cancer, evaluating as a marker also serum osteopontin levels.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The results, although obtained on a small number of patients, showed that osteopontin evaluation in breast cancer patients can be a particularly interesting method of research in staging of the disease as well as in the prognosis, thereby attributing a role of a biotumoral marker also in the follow-up of the therapy.

[Acute abdomen for perforated gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). A case report]

The authors report on a case of voluminous perforated gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of small intestine and make a review to the light of most recent clinicopathologic advancements. The first clinical manifestation as acute abdomen due to their perforation extremely rare. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) represent a rare group of multiform tumors with various biological behaviour. Were identified in the past as leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas or leiomyoblastomas, has been reclassified on immunochemical features, with a positive expression of Kit (CD117 antigen). Traditionally the prognostic factors of these tumour are: mitotic rate, tumor size and anatomic site. The complete surgical resection and use of imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) are the best available approach.

Evaluation of quality of life of patients submitted to cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinosis of gastrointestinal and ovarian origin and identification of factors influencing outcome

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with peritoneal tumors has been improved by the association of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, though still with an unclear impact on patients' quality of life. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the quality of life in 18 cases submitted to cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and particularly to identify the factors that influence it.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quality of life was evaluated using the functional assessment of cancer therapy; the results were correlated with 25 parameters.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated that the patients'quality of life was not modified by treatment with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy; the dose of mitomycin C, the site of the primary tumor, gastrointestinal, renal and neurological toxicity, adjuvant chemotherapy, the patients' age and leukopenia were factors that influenced the quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy allows conservation of preoperative quality of life.

Volvulus due to a giant sigmoid diverticulum: a rare cause of intestinal occlusion

The case of a giant sigmoid diverticulum complicated by a volvulus of the bowel is reported. After an exhaustive literature review, the Authors analyse the aetiopathogenetic, physiopathological and clinical aspects of this rare condition, considering its diagnostic and therapeutic implications. The Authors describe surgical problems and therapeutic management, pointing out that without an accurate study by radiological imaging, it is very difficult to diagnose the condition, particularly when no specific symptoms have been observed.

Excretion profile of boldenone and its metabolites after oral administration to veal calves

The residue profiles of boldenone (17beta-Bol), its epimer (17alpha-Bol) and the related compound androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD), were investigated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in urine of male calves orally treated with boldenone, boldenone esters, and/or ADD. In all the experiments with the administered steroids residues of 17alpha-Bol decreased rapidly after end of treatment; detectable amounts of 17alpha-Bol were however noticed along the withdrawal observation period after end of treatment. Differently, residues of 17beta-Bol were detectable only shortly after administration. This in vivo research concerning oral treatments of cattle with boldenone related substances proves ADD to be a very active boldenone precursor in bovine animals.

[Multiple primitive lipoma of the transverse mesocolon: a rare disease]

The Authors describe a case of multiple lipomatosis of the mesocolon and, after a careful review of the literature, they examine particular findings and discuss diagnostic difficulties, anatomopathological features and treatment. Intraabdominal lipoma is very rare and presents difficulties in diagnosis, both for aspecific symptoms and for the unusual site which does not allow early identification. As it is a tumor which arises from primitive and totipotent mesenchymal cells, radical surgery is the only therapeutic option. The correct diagnosis depends on histological testing which can differentiate the lesion from other mesenchymal tumors.

Serum levels of interleukin 1beta, interleukin 8 and tumour necrosis factor alpha as markers of gastric cancer

Despite the efforts made, a serum marker reliable for the screening and follow-up of patients with gastric cancer has not yet been identified. The aim of this preliminary study was to test the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1beta, interleukin 8 and tumour necrosis factor alpha in patients with gastric cancer and in control groups. The statistical analysis of cytokines serum levels in the group with gastric cancer versus control groups has shown considerable differences (p < 0.001) in their mean rates. The results indicate that the cytokines interleukin 1beta, interleukin 8 and tumour necrosis factor alpha might perhaps act as diagnostic markers in patients with gastric cancer. Therefore, it is hypothesized that after more extended trials, their use in the screening and prognostic assessment of these patients could be a possibility.

[Endoscopic prosthetic treatment of the esophagojejunal leaks after total gastrectomy: clinical experience]

The Authors, on the basis of their experience on the use of self-expanding prostheses in abdominal surgery, report on the use of these prostheses in two patients who, having undergone a gastrectomy for cancer, developed a fistula of the esophago-jejunal anastomosis. Given recent data from literature, using a prosthesis for an anastomotic fistula may be a valid alternative to a second operation, which, apart from obvious difficulties, has a high mortality rate in patients in weakened general health conditions. In these cases, after the application of a stent, excellent results can be obtained and, after some days, the patients can begin a semi-liquid diet, then proceeding to a semi-solid diet, improving quality of life; in addition, within a reasonable time span, after the healing of the fistula, the prosthesis can easily be removed by endoscopy.