Anterior Pelvic Exenteration for Chemo-irradiated Non-diethylstilbestrol Exposed Clear Cell Vaginal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Clear cell vaginal adeno-carcinomas are rare tumors occurring in women which are usually treated by chemo radiotherapy with good outcomes. However, in certain cases, this treatment is not associated with complete response and a further surgery is needed.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a 38-year-old patient diagnosed with stage IVA clear cell vaginal cancer who had been previously submitted to radio chemotherapy and in whom the lesion persisted after the oncological treatment; therefore, the patient was proposed for surgery with curative intent. The tumor was resected by performing an anterior pelvic exenteration with good outcomes, the patient being discharged in the seventh postoperative day. At one-year follow-up the patient remains free of recurrent disease.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic exenteration with curative intent might be the option of choice for persistent locally advanced clear cell vaginal cancer.

The combination of electroporation and electrolysis (E2) employing different electrode arrays for ablation of large tissue volumes

Background

The combination of electroporation with electrolysis (E2) has previously been introduced as a novel tissue ablation technique. E2 allows the utilization of a wide parameter range and may therefore be a suitable technology for development of tissue-specific application protocols. Previous studies have implied that it is possible to achieve big lesions in liver in a very short time. The goal of this study was to test a variety of electrode configurations for the E2 application to ablate large tissue volumes.

Materials and methods

27 lesions were performed in healthy porcine liver of five female pigs. Four, two and bipolar electrode-arrays were used to deliver various E2 treatment protocols. Liver was harvested approx. 20h after treatment and examined with H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining, and via TUNEL staining for selective specimen.

Results

All animals survived the treatments without complications. With four electrodes, a lesion of up to 35x35x35mm volume can be achieved in less than 30s. The prototype bipolar electrode created lesions of 50x18x18mm volume in less than 10s. Parameters for two-electrode ablations with large exposures encompassing large veins were found to be good in terms of vessel preservation, but not optimal to reliably close the gap between the electrodes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the ability to produce large lesions in liver within seconds at lower limits of the E2 parameter space at different electrode configurations. The applicability of E2 for single electrode ablations was demonstrated with bipolar electrodes. Parameters for large 4-electrode ablation volumes were found suitable, while parameters for two electrodes still need optimization. However, since the parameter space of E2 is large, it is possible that for all electrode geometries optimal waveforms and application protocols for specific tissues will emerge with continuing research.

The role of the vasculature niche on insulin-producing cells generated by transdifferentiation of adult human liver cells

Background

Insulin-dependent diabetes is a multifactorial disorder that could be theoretically cured by functional pancreatic islets and insulin-producing cell (IPC) implantation. Regenerative medicine approaches include the potential for growing tissues and organs in the laboratory and transplanting them when the body cannot heal itself. However, several obstacles remain to be overcome in order to bring regenerative medicine approach for diabetes closer to its clinical implementation; the cells generated in vitro are typically of heterogenic and immature nature and the site of implantation should be readily vascularized for the implanted cells to survive in vivo. The present study addresses these two limitations by analyzing the effect of co-implanting IPCs with vasculature promoting cells in an accessible site such as subcutaneous. Secondly, it analyzes the effects of reconstituting the in vivo environment in vitro on the maturation and function of insulin-producing cells.

Methods

IPCs that are generated by the transdifferentiation of human liver cells are exposed to the paracrine effects of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are the “building blocks” of the blood vessels. The role of the vasculature on IPC function is analyzed upon subcutaneous implantation in vivo in immune-deficient rodents. The paracrine effects of vasculature on IPC maturation are analyzed in culture.

Results

Co-implantation of MSCs and ECFCs with IPCs led to doubling the survival rates and a threefold increase in insulin production, in vivo. ECFC and MSC co-culture as well as conditioned media of co-cultures resulted in a significant increased expression of pancreatic-specific genes and an increase in glucose-regulated insulin secretion, compared with IPCs alone. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that ECFC and MSC co-culture increases the expression of CTGF and ACTIVINβα, which play a key role in pancreatic differentiation.

Conclusions

Vasculature is an important player in generating regenerative medicine approaches for diabetes. Vasculature displays a paracrine effect on the maturation of insulin-producing cells and their survival upon implantation. The reconstitution of the in vivo niche is expected to promote the liver-to-pancreas transdifferentiation and bringing this cell therapy approach closer to its clinical implementation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1157-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Clinical effects of hemoadsorption with CytoSorb® in patients with severe acute pancreatitis: A case series

Hemoadsorption using CytoSorb^® has recently gained attention as a new therapy aimed at modulating the inflammatory response syndrome in critically ill patients. The aim of our study was to assess the clinical effects of CytoSorb in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. We prospectively included 12 patients admitted to the intensive care unit for severe acute pancreatitis. After inclusion, continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration in conjunction with CytoSorb was applied. Clinical data, number of organ dysfunctions, paraclinical data, and vasopressor support were collected before and after the treatment. The use of CytoSorb was associated with a decrease in C-reactive protein from 242 (30, 300) to 180 (20, 252) mg/L (p = 0.04) and procalcitonin from 2.21 (0.01, 15.02) to 1.10 (0.01, 3.79) ng/mL (p = 0.02). The median vasopressor support was 0.1 (0, 0.9) mg/h at the beginning of the treatment and it was discontinued in all cases after the treatment. In conclusion, the use of CytoSorb in patients with severe acute pancreatitis was associated with improved hemodynamics and decreased inflammatory markers.

The Impact on the Long-term Outcomes of Hormonal Status After Hepatic Resection for Breast Cancer Liver Metastases

BACKGROUND/AIM

Breast cancer remains one of the most frequently encountered malignancies worldwide, which is in most cases diagnosed in early stages of disease. However, although surgery and adjuvant oncological treatment are performed with curative intent, a certain number of cases will develop distant metastases. In cases presenting oligometastatic disease, surgery might be tempted in order to maximize the benefit in terms of survival. The aim of this paper was to identify which cases could benefit most after liver resection for breast cancer liver metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 67 patients submitted to surgery for breast cancer liver metastases between 2003 and 2017 in the "Dan Setlacec" Center of Gastrointestinal Diseases and Liver Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute.

RESULTS

Patients diagnosed with hormone-positive breast tumors reported a significantly higher disease-free and overall survival after resection of the primary tumor. After resection for breast cancer liver metastases, patients presenting hormone receptors at the level of the metastatic sites also experienced a better outcome when compared to those in which hormonal receptors were absent. However, the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Liver resection for breast cancer liver metastases seems to be associated with the best outcomes in terms of survival in patients presenting positive hormonal receptors status.

Male gender and increased body mass index independently predicts clinically relevant morbidity after spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy

AIM

To identify risk factors for clinically relevant complications after spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP). No previous studies explored potential predictors of morbidity after SPDP.

METHODS

The data of 41 patients who underwent a SPDP in a single surgical center between 2000 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively maintained electronic database established in our Department of Surgery. The database included demographic, clinical, bioumoral, pathological, intraoperative and postoperative parameters. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to assess potential predictors of clinically relevant morbidity. Postoperative morbidity was defined as in-hospital complications and mortality was assessed at 90 d. Clinically relevant morbidity was defined as complication ≥ grade 2 Dindo.

RESULTS

Overall morbidity rate was 34.1% (14 patients): grade I (6 patients, 14.6%), grade II (2 patients, 4.8%), grade IIIa (1 patient, 2.4%), and grade IIIb (5 patients, 12.2%). A number of 5 patients (12.2%) required re-laparotomy for postoperative complications. There was no postoperative mortality. Thus, at least one clinically relevant complication occurred in 8 patients (19.5%). Univariate analysis identified male gender (P = 0.034), increased body mass index (P = 0.002) and neuroendocrine pathology (P = 0.013) as statistically significant risk factors. Multivariate analysis identified male gender [odds ratio (OR): 1.29, 95%CI: 1.07-1.55, P = 0.005] and increased body mass index (OR: 23.18, 95%CI: 1.72-310.96, P = 0.018) as the only independent risk factors of clinically relevant morbidity after SPDP.

CONCLUSION

Male gender and increased body mass index are independently associated with increased risk of clinically relevant morbidity after SPDP. These findings may assist a surgeon in clinical decision-making to better select patients suitable for SPDP.

Rectosigmoidian Involvement in Advanced-stage Ovarian Cancer - Intraoperative Decisions

BACKGROUND/AIM

Ovarian cancer remains one of the most commonly encountered malignancies affecting women worldwide, that is unfortunately commonly diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease. In these stages, the tumoral process usually involves the surrounding viscera throughout contiguity or induces the apparition of distant metastases via peritoneal, lymphatic or hematogenous spread, multiple resections being needed in order to achieve a good control of the disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the present study, we present a case series of 12 patients in whom various surgical procedures on the rectosigmoidian loop were performed in order to achieve debulking surgery to no residual disease.

RESULTS

Digestive tract resections consisted of rectosigmoidian resection with left colostomy in three cases, low rectosigmoidian resections with anastomosis in eight cases and a stripping procedure of the peritoneal layer in one case.

CONCLUSION

Due to the close proximity of the digestive and gynecological tract, advanced-stage ovarian tumors frequently involve the rectosigmoidian loop, imposing association of digestive tract surgical procedures.

Comparative Analysis between Simultaneous Resection and Staged Resection for Synchronous Colorectal Liver Metastases - A Single Center Experience on 300 Consecutive Patients

Introduction: In synchronous colorectal liver metastases (SCLMs), simultaneous resection (SR) of the primary tumor and liver metastases has not gained wide acceptance. Most authors prefer staged resections (SgR), especially in patients presenting rectal cancer or requiring major hepatectomy. Methods: Morbidity, mortality, survival rates and length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups of patients (SR vs. SgR). A subgroup analysis was performed for patients with similar characteristics (e.g. rectal tumor, major hepatectomy, bilobar metastases, metastatic lymph nodes, preoperative chemotherapy). Results: Between 1995 and 2016, SR was performed in 234 patients, while 66 patients underwent SgR. Comparative morbidity (41% vs. 31.8%, respectively, p = 0.1997), mortality (3.8% vs. 3%, respectively, p = 1) and overall survival rates (85.8%, 51.3% and 30% vs. 87%, 49.6% and 22.5%, at 1-, 3- and 5-years, respectively, p = 0.386) were similar between the SR and SgR group. Mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in patients undergoing SR than SgR (15.11 ‚+- 8.60 vs. 19.42 ‚+- 7.36 days, respectively, p 0.0001). The characteristics of SR and SgR groups were similar, except the following parameters: rectal tumor (34.1% vs. 19.7%, respectively, p = 0.0245), metastatic lymph nodes (68.1% vs. 86.3%, respectively, p = 0.0383), bilobar liver metastases (22.6% vs. 37.8%, respectively, p = 0.0169), major hepatectomies (13.2% vs. 30.3%, respectively, p= 0.0025) and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (13.2% vs. 77.2%, respectively, p 0.0001). A comparative analysis of morbidity, mortality and survival rates between SR and SgR was performed for subgroups of patients presenting these parameters. In each of these subgroups, SR was associated with similar morbidity, mortality and survival rates compared with SgR (p value 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In patients with SCLMs, SR provides similar short-term and long-term outcomes as SgR, with a shorter hospital stay. Therefore, in most patients with SCLMs, SR might be considered the treatment of choice.

Molecular Biomarkers as Predictors for Biliary Complications Following Liver Transplantation. A Prospective Study

Background: The biliary complications (BC) have been always considered the „Achilles’ heel” of liver transplantation (LT), being one of the leading causes of postoperative morbidity. Aim: To analyse predictors of BC, by monitoring in the peripheral blood the biomarkers involved in the inflammation and hepatic fibrosis, such as the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP 2, 9) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP1), the interleukins (IL 2, 8), alfa-TNF, the endothelins and their receptors.Methods: Thirty LT patients were followed-up prospectively for 5 years. The mRNA for the following biomarkers was quantified in the peripheral blood by qRTPCR and protein expression investigated by ELISA: MMP 2, 9, TIMP1, IL 2, IL 8, TNF-alfa, and endothelins and their receptors.Results: Five patients developed anastomotic stenosis (AS). There was no difference regarding mRNA levels for all studied genes between AS and non-AS patients. Two cytokines were significantly different: pre-LT TNF alpha was higher in the non-AS group and post-LT endothelin-1 at day 7 and month 3 were higher in the AS group. There was a trend for lower levels of serum cytokines for patients without AS compared to patients with AS.Conclusion: BC play an important role in the patients‘ postoperative morbidity and molecular biomarkers prediction should improve their early recognition and treatment..Abbreviations: ALT: alanine aminotransferase; AS: anastomotic stenosis; AST: aspartate aminotransferase; BC: Biliary complications ; HBV: hepatitis B virus; HCV: hepatitis C virus; HDV: hepatitis D virus; HSC: hepatic stellate cells; IL: interleukin; IR: ischemia reperfusion; LT: liver transplantation ; MMP: matrix metalloproteinases; TIMP: metalloproteinases tissue inhibitor; TGF: tumor growth factor; TNF: tumor necrosis factor.

Surgical Treatment of Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm with Digestive Tract Communication - Presentation of Two Cases

Splenopancreatectomy performed for pancreatic pseudo-cyst with splenic artery pseudo-aneurysm and communication with the digestive tract (stomach or colon) is a very rare indication and a small number of these procedures are described in literature. Managing peri-pancreatic pseudo-aneurysm is complex and can be challenging. Surgical treatment is of curative intent and can involve multiple visceral resections. Surgery can be performed in an emergency setting, if the patient presents cataclysmic bleeding, or in a planned manner if the pseudo-aneurysm is discovered incidentally or if the patient manages to overcome the initial bleeding. In this paper we present two cases of pancreatic pseudo-cysts with splenic artery pseudo-aneurysms and communication with the digestive tract (one with pseudo-cystic-colonic communication and the other one with gastric communication). Both patients were males, suffered from chronic pancreatitis and were known to have pancreatic pseudo-cysts. For the treatment of the first patient, surgery was performed in an elective setting, after intensive investigations. The other patient presented with cataclysmic bleeding and emergency surgery was performed in order to control the bleeding. We conclude that surgery remains the main option of treatment for these patients. It can be used as a first line of treatment or secondary to endovascular procedures.

Whole-Genome and Epigenomic Landscapes of Etiologically Distinct Subtypes of Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a hepatobiliary malignancy exhibiting high incidence in countries with endemic liver-fluke infection. We analyzed 489 CCAs from 10 countries, combining whole-genome (71 cases), targeted/exome, copy-number, gene expression, and DNA methylation information. Integrative clustering defined 4 CCA clusters-fluke-positive CCAs (clusters 1/2) are enriched in ERBB2 amplifications and TP53 mutations; conversely, fluke-negative CCAs (clusters 3/4) exhibit high copy-number alterations and PD-1/PD-L2 expression, or epigenetic mutations (IDH1/2, BAP1) and FGFR/PRKA-related gene rearrangements. Whole-genome analysis highlighted FGFR2 3' untranslated region deletion as a mechanism of FGFR2 upregulation. Integration of noncoding promoter mutations with protein-DNA binding profiles demonstrates pervasive modulation of H3K27me3-associated sites in CCA. Clusters 1 and 4 exhibit distinct DNA hypermethylation patterns targeting either CpG islands or shores-mutation signature and subclonality analysis suggests that these reflect different mutational pathways. Our results exemplify how genetics, epigenetics, and environmental carcinogens can interplay across different geographies to generate distinct molecular subtypes of cancer.Significance: Integrated whole-genome and epigenomic analysis of CCA on an international scale identifies new CCA driver genes, noncoding promoter mutations, and structural variants. CCA molecular landscapes differ radically by etiology, underscoring how distinct cancer subtypes in the same organ may arise through different extrinsic and intrinsic carcinogenic processes. Cancer Discov; 7(10); 1116-35. ©2017 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1047.

Genomic and proteomic characterization of ARID1A chromatin remodeller in ampullary tumors

AT rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) is one of the most commonly mutated genes in a broad variety of tumors. The mechanisms that involve ARID1A in ampullary cancer progression remains elusive. Here, we evaluated the frequency of ARID1A and KRAS mutations in ampullary adenomas and adenocarcinomas and in duodenal adenocarcinomas from two cohorts of patients from Singapore and Romania, correlated with clinical and pathological tumor features, and assessed the functional role of ARID1A. In the ampullary adenocarcinomas, the frequency of KRAS and ARID1A mutations was 34.7% and 8.2% respectively, with a loss or reduction of ARID1A protein in 17.2% of the cases. ARID1A mutational status was significantly correlated with ARID1A protein expression level (P=0.023). There was a significant difference in frequency of ARID1A mutation between Romania and Singapore (2.7% versus 25%, P=0.04), suggestive of different etiologies. One somatic mutation was detected in the ampullary adenoma group. In vitro studies indicated the tumor suppressive role of ARID1A. Our results warrant further investigation of this chromatin remodeller as a potential early biomarker of the disease, as well as identification of therapeutic targets in ARID1A mutated ampullary cancers.

Hepatic Resection for Liver Metastases from Cervical Cancer Is Safe and May Have Survival Benefit

The goal of this study was to evaluate the single-centre experience with hepatectomy for liver metastases from cervical cancer (CCLM). Fifteen patients who underwent such surgery at the Fundeni Clinical Hospital between January 2002 and April 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Liver lesions diagnosed at more than 6 months from cervical cancer diagnosis were classified as metachronous lesions, while lesions occurring within the first 6 months were considered synchronous lesions. Two patients were diagnosed with synchronous CCLM, while the other 13 patients had metachronous. Early postoperative death occurred in a single patient with metachronous liver metastases and pelvic recurrence, but this was not related to liver surgery. The median overall survival for the entire cohort was 18 months from the time of liver resection; patients with metachronous lesions had an improved outcome when compared to those with synchronous lesions. In patients with metachronous liver metastases, prognostic factors associated with an improved outcome were the general biological status of the patient, grade of tumoural differentiation and absence of other abdomino-pelvic recurrences. In multivariate analysis, only the grade of differentiation was statistically significant. In conclusion, hepatic resection for liver metastases from cervical cancer can be performed safely, may prove effective, and should be part of the multimodal treatment.

Tissue Microbiome Profiling Identifies an Enrichment of Specific Enteric Bacteria in Opisthorchis viverrini Associated Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the primary cancer of the bile duct system. The role of bile duct tissue microbiomes in CCA tumorigenesis is unestablished. To address this, sixty primary CCA tumors and matched normals, from both liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini) associated (OVa, n = 28) and non-O. viverrini associated (non-OVa, n = 32) cancers, were profiled using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. A distinct, tissue-specific microbiome dominated by the bacterial families Dietziaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Oxalobacteraceae was observed in bile duct tissues. Systemic perturbation of the microbiome was noted in tumor and paired normal samples (vs non-cancer normals) for several bacterial families with a significant increase in Stenotrophomonas species distinguishing tumors vs paired normals. Comparison of parasite associated (OVa) vs non-associated (non-OVa) groups identified enrichment for specific enteric bacteria (Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae). One of the enriched families, Bifidobacteriaceae, was found to be dominant in the O. viverrini microbiome, providing a mechanistic link to the parasite. Functional analysis and comparison of CCA microbiomes revealed higher potential for producing bile acids and ammonia in OVa tissues, linking the altered microbiota to carcinogenesis. These results define how the unique microbial communities resident in the bile duct, parasitic infections and the tissue microenvironment can influence each other, and contribute to cancer.

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Stenotrophomonas, implicated in bile duct infections, is enriched in tumor tissues of non-fluke related cholangiocarcinoma.

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O. viverrini infection may alter composition of bile duct tissue microbiomes.

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Enteric bacteria with metabolic outputs linked to carcinogenesis are enriched in O. viverrini associated tissue microbiomes.

The link between microbiota and cancer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has been extensively studied. However, the role of tissue microbiome in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), cancer of the bile duct (an organ connected to the GI tract), is largely unknown. In this study, we detected intriguing compositional differences in the tissue microbiomes of liver fluke related and non-related CCA. Taken together, our data suggests a connection between parasitic infections, tissue microbiome alterations, tissue micro-environment changes and CCA development.

Romanian guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

In assessing exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), its diverse etiologies and the heterogeneous population affected should be considered. Diagnosing this condition remains a challenge in clinical practice especially for mild-to-moderate EPI, with the support of the time-consuming breath test or the coefficient of fat absorption. The fecal elastase-1 test, less precise for the diagnosis, cannot be useful for assessing treatment efficacy. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is the mainstay of treatment, whereby enteric-coated mini-microspheres are taken with every meal, in progressive doses based on an individual's weight and clinical symptoms. The main indication for PERT is chronic pancreatitis, in patients who have clinically relevant steatorrhea, abnormal pancreatic function test or abnormal function tests associated with symptoms of malabsorption such as weight loss or meteorism. While enzyme replacement therapy is not recommended in the initial stages of acute pancreatitis, pancreatic exocrine function should be monitored for at least 6-18 months. In the case of unresectable pancreatic cancer, replacement enzyme therapy helps to maintain weight and improve overall quality of life. It is also indicated in patients with celiac disease, who have chronic diarrhea (in spite of gluten-free diet), and in patients with cystic fibrosis with proven EPI.

Pseudogene INTS6P1 regulates its cognate gene INTS6 through competitive binding of miR-17-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma

The complex regulation of tumor suppressive gene and its pseudogenes play key roles in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular cancer (HCC). However, the roles played by pseudogenes in the pathogenesis of HCC are still incompletely elucidated. This study identifies the putative tumor suppressor INTS6 and its pseudogene INTS6P1 in HCC through the whole genome microarray expression. Furthermore, the functional studies – include growth curves, cell death, migration assays and in vivo studies – verify the tumor suppressive roles of INTS6 and INTS6P1 in HCC. Finally, the mechanistic experiments indicate that INTS6 and INTS6P1 are reciprocally regulated through competition for oncomiR-17-5p. Taken together, these findings demonstrate INTS6P1 and INTS6 exert the tumor suppressive roles through competing for oncomiR-17-5p. Our investigation of this regulatory circuit reveals novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis.