An integrated analysis of two phase II trials (JCOG0001 and JCOG0405) of preoperative chemotherapy followed by D3 gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC) with extensive lymph node metastasis (ELM)

90

Background: GC with ELM (bulky N2 metastasis and / or para-aortic lymph node metastases [PAN]) is commonly regarded unresectable, while in JCOG combined modality treatment has been tested since 2000 (JCOG0001 and JCOG0405). Both trials met their primary endpoints (i.e., 3 year-survival of 27.3% in JCOG0001 and R0 resection of 82.4% in JCOG0405). The survival and the toxicity profile were quite different between the trials despite the similar eligibility with an outstanding 3-year survival of 58.8% in JCOG0405. This study is conducted to explore if survival is still better in JCOG0405 after adjusting baseline factors and if there is a subset of patients (pts) who benefit more from either treatment.

Methods: Eligibility criteria for both included histologically proven gastric adenocarcinoma; bulky nodal involvement around major branched arteries to the stomach and/or PAN; cM0 (except PAN); negative lavage cytology; not linitis plastica type; PS of 0 or 1. Pts received two or three cycles of induction chemotherapy of IP: irinotecan (70 mg/m2 on day 1 and day 15) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2 on day 1) in JCOG0001, or SP: S1 (80 mg/m2 from day 1 to 21) and cisplatin (60 mg/m2 on day 8) in JCOG0405, followed by D3 gastrectomy. Multivariate analysis for overall survival adjusting baseline factors and treatment (IP/SP) was performed with a Cox regression model. Interaction tests were also carried out between baseline factors and treatment.

Results: After adjusting baseline factors, SP was superior than IP for overall survival (HR=0.335: 0.184 – 0.612). There was only interaction effect between treatment and the status of lymph node metastases (bulkyN+/PAN- vs bulkyN-/PAN+ vs bulkyN+/PAN+; p=0.1306).

Conclusions: SP was shown to be the favorable treatment for GC with ELM by multivariate analysis, while poor prognosis in pts having both bulky N+ and PAN+ may necessitate further treatment improvement.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A randomized controlled phase III trial to evaluate the effect of preoperative enteral immunonutrition on the surgical site infection after total gastrectomy (OGSG0507)

74

Background: To investigate the effect of preoperative enteral immunonutrion on the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer, we conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Eligibility criteria included: (1) histologically proven adenocarcinoma of stomach, (2) scheduled total gastrectomy, (3) aged less than 80 years, (4) not malnourished, (5) possible to ingest liquid diet, (6) written informed consent. Eligible patients (pts) wereassigned to the immunonutrition (I) group or the control (C) group. In the C group pts freely accessed to regular diet until surgery. In the I group, pts were supplemented with 1,000 ml/day of immunonutrient enriched with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids and RNA (Impact) in addition to the regular diet for 5 days before surgery. The primary endpoint was the incidence of SSI and the secondary endpoints were other infectious complications and serum CRP level on POD 3 or 4.

Results: From 02/2004 to 12/2009, 240 gastric cancer patients (pts) who underwent gastric surgery were enrolled. 125 pts assigned to the I group and 115 pts assigned to the C group. Age, sex, body weight, serum albumin and general nutritional status were well balanced between the two groups. 223 pts underwent total gastrectomy, 6 pts proximal gastrectomy, 4 pts distal gastrectomy, and 7 pts simple laparotomy. In terms of tumor status, there were no significant difference between the groups in histological type, T stage, and lymph node metastasis. 104 of 125 pts assigned to the I group tolerated a daily intake 1,000 ml of Impact for 5 days. The incidence of SSI was 26 (20.8%) in the I group and 24 (20.9%) in the C group (R.R: 1.00, 95% C.I: 0.61-1.63). Postoperative morbidity was 36 (28.8%) in the I group and 30 (26.1%) in the C group. There was no difference in days of hospital stay after surgery between the groups.

Conclusions: The oral administration of immunonutrient for 5 days before surgery did not contributed to the reduction of infectious complications after total gastrectomy in gastric cancer pts.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Randomized controlled trial of omental bursectomy for resectable cT2-3 gastric cancer

72

Background: Omental bursectomy, a traditional surgical procedure to dissect the peritoneal lining covering the pancreas and the anterior plane of the transverse mesocolon, has often been performed against resectable gastric cancer. We have conducted a multi- institutional randomized controlled trial to elucidate the safety and usefulness of this procedure.

Methods: Patients with cT2 or cT3 gastric adenocarcinoma were intraoperatively randomized to radical gastrectomy plus D2 lymphadenectomy either with or without bursectomy. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The planned sample size was 464, with an alpha error of 0.05 and statistical power of 80% to detect a 10% margin of non-inferiority for the non-bursectomy group. The first interim analysis was conducted on Sep 2008, and we decided the preliminary data release according to Korn's proposal (J Clin Oncol. 2005).

Results: Between Jul 2002 and Jan 2007, a total of 210 patients were randomized to either the bursectomy group or the non-bursectomy group. Background characteristics were well balanced. Intraoperative blood loss was greater in the bursectomy group than in the non-bursectomy group (median, 475 mL vs. 350 mL, p=0.047), while other surgical factors did not vary significantly. The overall morbidity rate was 14%, the same between two groups. The hospital mortality rate was 0.95%; one patient per group. In the first interim analysis, the 3-year OS were 86% in bursectomy group and 79% in non-bursectomy group, and the hazard ratio was 1.55 (95% CI: 0.84-2.84). The non-bursectomy group had more patients with peritoneal recurrences than the bursectomy group (14% vs. 8%).

Conclusions: Experienced surgeons could safely perform a D2 gastrectomy with an additional bursectomy. First interim analysis suggested the survival advantage of omental bursectomy for cT2-3 gastric cancer patients. Final analysis will be conducted in 2012.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Effects of intermittent Pringle's manoeuvre on cirrhotic compared with normal liver

BACKGROUND

Although patients with liver cirrhosis are supposed to tolerate ischaemia-reperfusion poorly, the exact impact of intermittent inflow clamping during hepatic resection of cirrhotic compared with normal liver remains unclear.

METHODS

Intermittent Pringle's manoeuvre was applied during minor hepatectomy in 172 patients with a normal liver, 59 with chronic hepatitis and 97 with liver cirrhosis. To assess hepatic injury, delta (D)-aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and D-alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (maximum level minus preoperative level) were calculated. To evaluate postoperative liver function, postoperative levels of total bilirubin, albumin and cholinesterase (ChE), and prothrombin time were measured.

RESULTS

Significant correlations between D-AST or D-ALT and clamping time were found in each group. The regression coefficients of the regression lines for D-AST and D-ALT in patients with normal liver were significantly higher than those in patients with cirrhotic liver. Irrespective of whether clamping time was 45 min or less, or at least 60 min, D-AST and D-ALT were significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis than in those with a normal liver. Parameters of hepatic functional reserve, such as total bilirubin, prothrombin time, albumin and ChE, were impaired significantly after surgery in patients with a cirrhotic liver.

CONCLUSION

Patients with liver cirrhosis had a smaller increase in aminotransferase levels following portal triad clamping than those with a normal liver. However, hepatic functional reserve in those with a cirrhotic liver seemed to be affected more after intermittent inflow occlusion.

Effects of intermittent Pringle's manoeuvre on cirrhotic compared with normal liver

BACKGROUND

Although patients with liver cirrhosis are supposed to tolerate ischaemia-reperfusion poorly, the exact impact of intermittent inflow clamping during hepatic resection of cirrhotic compared with normal liver remains unclear.

METHODS

Intermittent Pringle's manoeuvre was applied during minor hepatectomy in 172 patients with a normal liver, 59 with chronic hepatitis and 97 with liver cirrhosis. To assess hepatic injury, delta (D)-aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and D-alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (maximum level minus preoperative level) were calculated. To evaluate postoperative liver function, postoperative levels of total bilirubin, albumin and cholinesterase (ChE), and prothrombin time were measured.

RESULTS

Significant correlations between D-AST or D-ALT and clamping time were found in each group. The regression coefficients of the regression lines for D-AST and D-ALT in patients with normal liver were significantly higher than those in patients with cirrhotic liver. Irrespective of whether clamping time was 45 min or less, or at least 60 min, D-AST and D-ALT were significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis than in those with a normal liver. Parameters of hepatic functional reserve, such as total bilirubin, prothrombin time, albumin and ChE, were impaired significantly after surgery in patients with a cirrhotic liver.

CONCLUSION

Patients with liver cirrhosis had a smaller increase in aminotransferase levels following portal triad clamping than those with a normal liver. However, hepatic functional reserve in those with a cirrhotic liver seemed to be affected more after intermittent inflow occlusion.

Phase II study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and extended surgery for locally advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Locally advanced gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis is usually considered unresectable and so treated by chemotherapy. This trial explored the safety and efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy followed by extended surgery in the management of locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Patients with gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis received two or three 28-day cycles of induction chemotherapy with irinotecan (70 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 15) and cisplatin (80 mg/m(2) on day 1), and then underwent gastrectomy with curative intent with D2 plus para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Primary endpoints were 3-year overall survival and incidence of treatment-related death.

RESULTS

The study was terminated because of three treatment-related deaths when 55 patients had been enrolled (mortality rate above 5 per cent). Two deaths were due to myelosuppression and one to postoperative complications. Clinical response and R0 resection rates were 55 and 65 per cent respectively. The pathological response rate was 15 per cent. Median overall survival was 14.6 months and the 3-year survival rate 27 per cent.

CONCLUSION

This multimodal treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer provides reasonable 3-year survival compared with historical data, but at a considerable cost in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Phase II feasibility study of adjuvant S-1 plus docetaxel for stage III gastric cancer patients after curative D2 gastrectomy (OGSG 0604)

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Background: Although an adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 has become the standard treatment for stage II-III gastric cancer (GC) patients (pts) after curative D2 gastrectomy in Japan, the survival benefit for stage III pts obtained by S-1 is considered to be modest. S-1 plus docetaxel has shown a good response rate of 56% with prolonged median overall survival (OS) of 14.3 months in pts with advanced GC. This phase II study evaluated the feasibility and safety of adjuvant S-1 plus docetaxel for stage III GC pts after R0 resection. Methods: Patients with curatively resected pathological stage III GC receiving D2 dissection, age 20–80 years, performance status < 1, no prior adjuvant treatment, adequate organ function, and informed consent were given S-1 (80 mg/m2/day) orally for consecutive 2 weeks plus docetaxel (40 mg/m2) intravenously on day 1, repeated every 3 weeks. The treatment was started within 45 days after gastrectomy, and repeated for 4 cycles, followed by S-1 monotherapy until 1 year after surgery. Study endpoints included feasibility of the 4 cycles of S-1 plus docetaxel as primary, and safety, progression free survival (PFS), and OS as secondary. Sample size was set to be 50, which was determined to reject the feasibility of 50% under the expectation of 75% with power of 90% and two-sided α of 5%. Results: Fifty-three pts, 42 males and 11 females with a median age of 65 years, were enrolled between 5/2007 and 8/2008. Pathological stages included IIIA in 36 pts and IIIB in 17 pts. Planned 4 cycles of treatment were delivered to 41 out of 53 pts, with the feasibility of 77.4% (95% CI 63.8–87.7%, P<0.001). Reasons for discontinuation were recurrent cancer in 1 pt, adverse events in 10, and miscellaneous in 1, respectively. Grade 4 neutropenia was observed in 28% of pts with grade 3 febrile neutropenia in 9%. Non-hematological toxicities of grade 3 or more involved fatigue in 6%, anorexia in 9%, and nausea in 6%. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Conclusions: Adjuvant S-1 plus docetaxel was well-tolerated and showed good compliance. Although follow-up is ongoing on survival, this regimen could be a candidate of future phase III trial seeking for the optimal adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III GC pts after curative D2 gastrectomy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Updated result on the 2.5-year follow-up of GC0301/TOP-002: Randomized phase III study of irinotecan plus S-1 (IRI-S) versus S-1 alone as first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer (AGC)

4544

Background: IRI-S had longer in median survival time (MST) than S-1 alone, and was well tolerated in previously untreated AGC, but not statistically significant. Considering 68 patients (pts) were censored, further follow-up was needed to confirm the OS with more precision (Imamura et al. ASCO-GI 2008). We now present updated results of OS and exploratory analysis with the prolonged 2.5 year follow-up data. Methods: Treatments Arm A (oral S-1 80 mg/m2/day from Day 1 to 28, q6w), or Arm B (IRI-S; oral S-1 80 mg/m2/day from Day 1 to 21 and intravenous irinotecan 80 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 15, q5w) were continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities were observed. The primary endpoint was to compare OS between groups. This updated result was regarded as exploratory position. Results: Although the MST of Arm A was 319 days (95%Cl: 286–395) and of Arm B was 389 days (95%Cl: 324–459), Arm B didn’t show statistically significant superiority to Arm A (log-rank test p=0.54; hazard ratio (HR) =0.93). The 1-year survival was 45.0% in Arm A and 52.0% in Arm B, and the 2-year survival was 22.5% and 18.0%, respectively. Response rate was significantly different (Arm A/B, 26.9%/41.5%; chi-square test p=0.04) in 187 patient evaluated by RECIST criteria. Time to treatment failure was also favored in Arm B (median=138 days) compared to Arm A (111 days; log-rank test p=0.16; HR=0.85). In subset analyses, two groups showed possibility of clinical benefit in Arm B. The HR of diffuse type group was 0.71 (95%Cl: 0.52–0.96), and of PS1, 2 group was 0.63 (95%Cl: 0.42–0.95). As post protocol treatment, 45.6% of Arm A patients received an irinotecan-based regimen, and the MST of them was 496 days (95%Cl: 395–573). Conclusions: IRI-S did not show statistically significant superiority to S-1 alone in OS with this follow-up data. Post protocol treatment, effective treatment after S-1 failure might have affected survival. According to exploratory analyses, IRI-S may have clinical benefit in early-term of treatment, group of the diffuse type and that of PS1, 2. We need more considering predictive factors, because the gastric cancer is heterogeneous adenocarcinoma.

[Table: see text]

A randomized phase III trial to determine the efficacy of postoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in gastric cancer surgery (OGSG0501)

e15576

Background: In Japan, antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) is typically administered for 3 to 4 days postoperatively in gastric cancer surgery. This far exceeds the recommended 24h or less laid out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for the prevention of surgical-site infections, after a clean-contaminated operation. Methods: A multicenter randomized phase III trial was designed to evaluate the effect of postoperative AMP in gastric cancer surgery. Patients (pts) were required to have histologically proven gastric cancer which was curable by distal gastrectomy, be classifiable as ASA 1 or 2, and have adequate organ function. Pts were randomized to: (A) perioperative AMP (cefazolin 1g, at <30min before incision, every 3h intraoperative supplements) plus postoperative AMP (cefazolin 1g, twice daily for 2 postoperative days) or (B) perioperative AMP alone. Pts were stratified by institution and ASA. The primary endpoint was the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI). With 171 pts per arm, this study had 80% power to demonstrate non-inferiority with 5% margin of peri-AMP alone and 0.05 1-sided alpha. Results: 355 patients were recruited (A: 179, B: 176) in 7 centers between June 2005 and December 2007. The surgical-site infection rate was 9.0 percent (16 of 178) for peri-/post AMP and 4.5 percent (8 of 176) for peri-AMP alone, with no significant differences (Fisher's exact test: P=0.14, RR=1.98 [95%CI, 0.89–4.44]), but showing a significant non-inferiority (P<0.001). The remote site infection rate was 3.4 percent (6 of 178) for peri-/post AMP and 5.1 percent (9 of 175) for peri-AMP alone, with no significant differences (P=0.44, RR=0.66 [95%CI, 0.25- 1.70]). Conclusions: This multicenter randomized phase III trial confirms that postoperative AMP is unnecessary in patients undergoing distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Multi-center, phase II study for combination therapy with paclitaxel/doxifluridine to treat advanced/recurrent gastric cancer showing resistance to S-1: Final results (OGSG 0302)

15025

Background: We report here results of phase II study for a combination therapy with paclitaxel/doxifluridine to treat advanced/recurrent gastric cancer showing resistance to S-1. S-1 is an oral fluoropyrimidine drug that combines tegafur, CDHP, and oxonic acid (Oxo), which has been most frequently used in Japan. Methods: Subject registration was started to employ 35 patients with advanced/recurrent gastric cancer, who were selected among those with measurable lesions fitting to RECIST, and with resistant to S-1 treatment (PS, 0–2; and patient’s ages ranged from over 20 to under 75 years). We employed dosages that Hyodo et. al. used in phase I study and recommended as a standard regimen including paclitaxel, 80 mg/m2, i.v. on days 1 and 8; and doxifluridine, 600 mg/m2, p.o. on days 1–14.. These were repeated every 3 weeks. Primary endpoint of present phase II study was: RR; and secondary endpoints were OS, PFS, and onset rate of adverse events. Results: From September, 2003 to March, 2005, 35 patients were registered: including 28 men; 7 women; median age of 66 years (range, 49–75 years); and PS levels were, zero with 21 and one with 14 patients. In 33 eligible patients, except 2, clinical usefulness was evaluated resulting in response rate of 18.2% (PR, 6; SD, 15; PD, 10; and NE, 2 patients). OS was 321 days, and PFS was 119 days. Severe adverse events were found in 3 patients to discontinue the present treatment though; other adverse events were relatively mild without no death due to the present therapy. Conclusions: Patients in the present study with advanced/recurrent gastric cancer were those resistant to S-1 treatment. Response rate was 18.2% increasing to 63.6% when SD was added. OS resulted in relatively long period of 321 days, while OS from initial time starting S-1 treatment was 619 days. This suggests that the present treatment is useful as the sequential therapy. Adverse events were controllable suggesting a high reliability of the present therapy. In conclusion, the present therapy with paclitaxel/doxifluridine could be a treatment of choice as an useful second line chemotherapy for patients undergone S-1 treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Irinotecan plus S-1 (IRIS) versus S-1 alone as first line treatment for advanced gastric cancer: Preliminary results of a randomized phase III study (GC0301/TOP-002)

4525

Background: Irinotecan has single agent activity and combination activity with S-1 reportedly in phase I/II studies with advanced gastric cancer patients (pts). S-1, oral fluoropyrimidine, also has activity on gastric cancer. A multicenter, randomized phase III trial comparing IRIS to S-1 alone in advanced gastric cancer was conducted. Methods: Pts with previously untreated gastric cancer were randomized to Arm A (oral S-1 80 mg/m2/day from day 1 to 28 followed by a 14-day rest period), or Arm B (oral S-1 80 mg/m2/day from day 1 to 21 and intravenous irinotecan 80 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15 followed by a 14-day rest). Treatment was continued unless disease progression was observed. Inclusion criteria: PS (ECOG) of 0 to 2; adequate major organ functions. Primary endpoint was overall survival. Results: From June 2004 to November 2005, 326 pts were randomized to arm A (162 pts) and arm B (164 pts). Pts characteristics (arm A vs. arm B) were as follows: median age: 63 vs. 63 years, PS 0–1: 97% vs. 97%, and distribution of subtype of intestinal/diffuse/others: 44%/55%/1% vs. 41%/58%/1%. Among 187 RECIST-evaluable pts (93 vs 94) reviewed by independent review panel, best response rates were 26.9% for arm A and 41.5% for arm B(p=0.035). Among 319 toxicity-evaluable patients (161 vs 158), grade 3 or 4 toxicities for arm A vs arm B (% of pts) were as follows: neutropenia 9.3% vs 26.6%, diarrhea 5.6% vs 15.8%, anorexia 9.9% vs 15.8%, nausea 3.7% vs 7.0%, vomiting 0.6% vs 2.5%. Conclusions: IRIS is effective, and well tolerated in pts with advanced gastric cancer. Survival analysis is underway.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A retrospective study of surgical treatment for gastric cancer in our institute as a clinical hospital in Japan

15125

Background: Two European randomized controlled trials comparing D1 and D2 gastrectomy revealed a high operative mortality in the D2 group. Based on these reports, D1 gastrectomy is a standard treatment for western patients. In contrast, D2 gastrectomy is considered a standard and safe procedure in Japan. Moreover, the operative morbidity/mortality and the incidence of the major surgical complications were not different between D2and extended para-aortic lymphadenectomy in a prospective randomized controlled trial in Japan. We report a retrospective study of surgical treatment for gastric cancer in our institute as a clinical hospital in Japan. Methods: Patients who underwent gastrectomy between January 1998 and November 2006 in our institute were analyzed. Survival according to the staging by Japanese Classification of Gastric Cancer, the level of the dissection of lymph nodes, and all complications were studied. Results: A total 1342 patients underwent gastrectomy between January 1998 and November 2006 in our institute. The male/female ratio was 2.2 and the mean age was 64.7±11.4 years(range,27–94 years). The 5-year survival according to the staging by Japanese Classification of Gastric Cancer was 98.4%, 84.7%, 77.2%, 46.1%, 40.2% and 33.4% in the stage IA, IB, II, IIIA, IIIB, and IV, respectively. D0, D1, D2, and D3 or D4 gastrectomy was performed in 48, 200, 610, and 27 patients, respectively. Complications were identified in 295 patients(22%) involving 2 patients with treatment death(0.01%) and anastomotic leak, surgical site infection, pancreatic fistula, ileus, anastomotic stenosis, abdominal abcess, liver dysfunction, postoperative bleeding, pneumonia , DIC , peritonitis, and others were identified in 66, 51, 42, 28, 26, 23, 21, 14, 13, 4, 3, and 4 patients, respectively. We analyzed the D0/D1 and D2/D3/D4 dissection subgroups about complications. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (p=0.093). Conclusions: Our data suggested that gastrectomy with D2 dissection has been a safe treatment with a good prognosis in our institute. D2 gastrectomy is considered a safe treatmemt without increasing surgical complications.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Esophageal cancer treatment in our institute from 1999 to 2005

15183

Background: 5 year survival rate of esophageal cancer in Japan reported to the Japanese Society for Esophageal Diseases from 1988 to 1994 (9,143 cases) was improved to 35.5% comparing to the rate of the beginning of 1980 which remained around 20%. This result was given by the increase of early cancer cases attributed to the progress of the ability of diagnosis, the improvement of the postoperative management, and the 3 field lymph node dissection introduced from the middle of 1980. Biological malignant potential and the modality of treatment for esophageal cancer in Japan differs from those in the United States. Methods: We studied clinicopathological characteristic and treatment results of 63 esophageal cancer patients in our institute from 1999 to 2005. Results: 63 patients consisted of 47 males and 16 females with mean age of 63.4±11.4. Out of 47 patients who underwent surgical treatment, 6 and 4 patients underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy, respectively. 15 patients without surgical treatment consisted of 12 patients, including one patient after endoscopical mucosal resection, undergoing chemoradiotherapy, 2 patients undergoing chemotherapy, and 3 patients undergoing radiotherapy, respectively. Most common histological type was squamous cell carcinoma (55 patients), followed by adenocarcinoma (3 patients), small cell carcinoma(3 patients), others(2 patients), and unknown(1 patients). There was 1 surgical treatment-related death. The major complications were SSI (18 patients), anastomotic leakage(7 patients) and recurrent nerve palsy (5 patients). The 2-year survival rate of patients with surgical resection was 68.1%, while the rate of the unresectable patients was 38.9%.Since 2002, we have adopted posterior mediastinal route as a prime choice, rather than retrosternal route. The median amount of blood loss, rate of complications and duration of post operative hospital stay of each routes are 650/415(ml), 65/45(%), 35/22(day), respectively. These results suggested that posterior mediastinal route showed superiority comparing to restrosternal route. Conclusions: Backed by these outcomes, we will aim to establish a logical strategy for esophageal cancer therapy which could accompany fewer complications, respect quality of life and prolong survival time.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The prognosis of the patients with gastric cancer intraoperatively detected microscopical free abdominal cancer cells at Douglas cavity

14090

Background: The free abdominal cancer cells in the patients with gastric cancer probably result in peritoneal dissemination. In Japan, the detection of free abdominal cancer cells at Douglas cavity is usually examined immediately after lapalotomy for advanced gastric cancer, because this procedure is recommended in Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma 1999 provided by Japanese Gastric Cancer Association. The patients detected free abdominal cancer cells are diagnosed as stage IV, even if they undergo the surgical curative operation. However some of them have relatively long survival. We investigated that the amount of free abdominal cancer cells or histological type might affect their prognosis. Methods: Surgeon collected 50ml of saline with which Douglas cavity was irrigated. Pathologist stained cells by Papanicolaou follwed by differential centrifugation (2000G for 5 minutes) of saline. Among all 492 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer in our institute between 2000 and 2004, 46 patients underwent the curative surgery except free abdominal cancer cells. We investigated the amount of free abdominal cancer cells and histological type as the factors to affect prognosis of these 46 patients. The log-rank test was used to evaluate the survival curves calculated by Kaplan-Maier method. Results: 5 or less and more than 5 cancer cells per 1 cm2 were microscopically detected in 22 (Group A) and 24 patients (Group B), respectively. The median survival time (MST) of Group A and B were 877 and 384 days, respectively (P=0.16). The two-year survival rates of Group A and B are 63.7% and 27.2%, respectively. The cancer cells diagnosed histologically as differentiated and undifferentiated type were detected in 13 (Group X) and 33 patients (Group Y), respectively. The MSTs of Group X and Y were 877 and 383 days, respectively (P=0.13). The two-year survival rates of Group X and Y are 82.1% and 28.9%, respectively. Conclusions: In patients who have advanced gastric cancer with free abdominal cancer cells, a larger number or undifferentiated type of cancer cells may reduce the survival periods of patients with curative resection.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The advantages of circular stapling instrument compared with Albert-Lembert suture for anastomosis of Billroth I gastrectomy for gastric cancer

14104

Background: In Japan, reconstruction with Billroth I using Albert-Lembert suture had been usually performed in distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. However stapling instruments have within recent years gained wide acceptance not only in total gastrectomy but also in distal gastrectomy. We have introduced circular stapling instrument for anastomosis reconstructed with Billroth I since June 2001. Methods: 111 and 222 patients with gastric cancer underwent distal gastrectomy reconstructed with Billroth I using Albert-Lembert suture from June 1999 to May 2001 (Group A) and using circular stapling instrument from June 2001 to December 2003 (Group B) for anastmosis in our institute, respectively. Albert-Lembert suture was performed as end-to-end gastroduodenostomy followed by resection of proximal line stapled across with liner cutter instrument. The procedure of anastomosis using circular stapling instrument was as followed; the distal duodenum was clamped with the purse-string instrument, divided proximally, the anvil was attached, the purse-string was tied down, the circular stapler without anvil was inserted through a gastrotomy, brought out through a stab wound at the anastomosis site, the instrument was closed and fired, and gastrectomy involving the site of gastrotomy was closed with linear cutter instrument. The followed-up periods of all patients from surgery were more than 2 years. We retrospectively compared the incidence of anastomosis-related complications within 2 years from surgery consisting of anastomotic bleeding, leakage, and stenosis. P-values were calculated statistically using χ2-test. Results: Anastomotic bleeding occurred in 1 (0.45%) patient of Group B, but in none of Group A (P=0.48). Anastomotic leakage occurred in 2 patients (1.80%) of Group A, but in none of Group B (P=0.045). Anastomotic stenosis occurred in 2 patients (0.90%) of Group B, but in none of Group A (P=0.32). All complications were recovered and all patients left hospital in the safety. Conclusions: Our data indicated that circular stapling instrument for anastomosis of Billroth I gastrectomy for gastric cancer significantly reduced the incidence of anastomotic leakage compared with Albert-Lembert suture.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Preoperative Estimation of Right Lateral Sector Graft by Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography

The right lateral sector is an alternative graft for living donor liver transplantation. Three-dimensional image reconstruction of right lateral sector grafts was performed to reveal vascular anatomy and volume using three-dimensional computed tomography software in three donors. There was a correlation between actual and estimated volume (r=.93), although actual graft volume tended to be larger than the preoperative estimated volume. In one donor, a portal branch of the right lateral sector was independently ramified. The branch was sacrificed in the operation because its territory volume was only 44 cm3. Three-dimensional images matched the shape of the right lateral sector graft. Three-dimensional computed tomography might be useful before donor hepatectomy, providing important information for decisions regarding the operative procedure.

Hemophagocytic Syndrome After Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Hemophagocytic syndrome is a fatal complication after liver transplantation that is rarely reported. Among 260 adult patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation at our hospital, three cases (1%) were complicated with hemophagocytic syndrome. Intensive investigation revealed Aspergillus, cytomegalovirus, and hepatitis C virus as the most likely causative organisms in each patient. Despite the immediate initiation of anti-infectious treatment and supportive care, all patients died. When pancytopenia with possible underlying infectious disease is observed in liver transplant recipients, hemophagocytic syndrome should be suspected and bone marrow biopsy considered. The prognosis of hemophagocytic syndrome remains poor and further investigations are required to establish effective therapeutic options.

Neuronal intranuclear hyaline inclusion disease showing motor-sensory and autonomic neuropathy

BACKGROUND

Neuronal intranuclear hyaline inclusion disease (NIHID), a rare neurodegenerative disease in which eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions develop mainly in neurons, has not yet been described to present as hereditary motor-sensory and autonomic neuropathy.

METHODS

Patients in two NIHID families showing peripheral neuropathy were evaluated clinically, electrophysiologically, and histopathologically.

RESULTS

In both families, patients had severe muscle atrophy and weakness in limbs, limb girdle, and face; sensory impairment in the distal limbs; dysphagia, episodic intestinal pseudoobstruction with vomiting attacks; and urinary and fecal incontinence. No patients developed symptoms suggesting CNS involvement. Electrophysiologic study showed the reduced motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities and amplitudes, and also extensive denervation potentials. In sural nerve specimens, numbers of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers were decreased. In two autopsy cases, eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions were widespread, particularly in sympathetic and myenteric ganglion neurons, dorsal root ganglion neurons, and spinal motor neurons. These neurons also were decreased in number.

CONCLUSION

Patients with neuronal intranuclear hyaline inclusion disease (NIHID) can manifest symptoms limited to those of peripheral neuropathy. NIHID therefore is part of the differential diagnosis of hereditary motor-sensory neuropathy associated with autonomic symptoms. Intranuclear hyaline inclusions in Schwann cells and in the myenteric plexus may permit antemortem diagnosis of NIHID.

Long-Term Survival and Causes of Late Graft Loss After Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

The vast amount of experience with deceased donor liver transplantation allows for the evaluation of the causes underlying late graft loss and the adoption of strategies for its prevention. In contrast, the long-term results or causes of late graft loss after adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation have not been fully examined. Thus, we analyzed 176 adult recipients who survived at least 1 year after living donor liver transplantation. The median follow-up period was 33 months. Of the 176 recipients, eight died and three others underwent retransplantation. The most common cause of graft loss in our series was cholangitis (n = 4), which might be due partly to technical problems. The 3-year and 5-year patient survival rates of the subjects were 95% and 90%, respectively. Long-term survival after living donor liver transplantation was satisfactory in our series. Further improvement of surgical techniques for biliary reconstruction may reduce late graft loss.