Peroral video cholangioscopy to evaluate indeterminate bile duct lesions and preoperative mucosal cancerous extension: a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Despite the development of peroral video cholangioscopy (PVCS), no prospective multicenter studies have been undertaken to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of PVCS in biliary tract diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clarify the accuracy of PVCS in evaluating biliary tract lesions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was a prospective multicenter study at five tertiary referral centers in Japan and included 87 eligible patients with biliary tract diseases who underwent PVCS. The study evaluated the ability of PVCS to diagnose indeterminate biliary tract diseases, detect mucosal cancerous extension preoperatively in extrahepatic bile duct cancers, and predict adverse events.

RESULTS

The use of PVCS appearance alone correctly distinguished benign from malignant indeterminate biliary lesions in 92.1 % of patients whereas biopsy alone was accurate in 85.7 %. In extrahepatic bile duct cancer, mucosal cancer extended histologically at least 20 mm in 34.7 % (17/49) of patients. The accuracy rate of PVCS to evaluate the presence or absence of mucosal cancerous extension by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) alone, ERC with PVCS, and ERC with PVCS + biopsy were 73.5 %, 83.7 %, and 92.9 %, respectively. Adverse events were seen in 6.9 % of PVCS patients, but no serious complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

PVCS enhanced the accurate diagnosis of biliary tract lesions by providing excellent resolution in combination with biopsy.

Feasibility of fused imaging for the evaluation of radiofrequency ablative margin for hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility of fusion of conventional imaging modalities to facilitate assessment of ablative margin of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Two hundred and thirty-nine liver lesions in 109 patients underwent percutaneous RFA under ultrasound for HCC from January 2008 to December 2010. Within these patients, 13 lesions in 12 patients who developed local tumor progression in the follow-up period of at least 8 months were retrospectively reviewed. Imaging obtained before and after RFA was used for creating fused images on a workstation. Ablative margins were assessed using only axial images, and with fused images.

RESULTS

The ablative margin was assessed as sufficient in all 13 lesions using side-by-side axial images; however, all lesions were assessed as insufficient with fused imaging evaluation. The reason for the discrepancy of the assessment results were differences in the respiratory dislocation of the liver in the pre- and post-RFA images in eight lesions (61.5%), and rotational displacement of the liver and the torso in five (38.5%). The site of local tumor recurrence relative to the HCC lesion was craniocaudal in 12 lesions, dorsoventral in seven and lateral in seven. In all lesions, the site of local tumor recurrence was congruent with the area of the thinnest ablative margin.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of ablative margin with fused imaging revealed insufficiency of ablation previously evaluated as sufficient with conventional axial imaging. Fused imaging evaluation has proved to be an accurate and useful tool for the assessment of RFA margins.

[Clinical features and CT findings in the differential diagnosis of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma]

To clarify the clinical features and CT findings of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC), we reviewed 16 cases of IgG4-SC and 10 cases of cholangiocarcinoma concerning patient background, treatment, outcomes and CT findings. The median age of IgG4-SC cases was 70 (range 54-79) years, and only 1 was a woman. Serum IgG4 level of all IgG4-SC patients were elevated and in 13 patients steroid therapy proved effective. The CT findings were analyzed with regard to the biliary strictures (symmetry, outer margin, inner margin), wall enhancement pattern and pancreas size. The CT findings of symmetric wall thickness and total scores were significantly higher in IgG4-SC than in cholangiocarcinoma. Although the small number of patients in this study is a limitation, the CT findings may help distinguish IgG4-SC from cholangiocarcinoma.

[A case of adenoendocrine cell carcinoma on the ampulla of Vater]

The occurrence of an adenoendocrine cell carcinoma on the ampulla of Vater is rare, especially when the component of adenocarcinoma is not located on the mucosa of the ampulla. A 76-year-old man was referred to our hospital for further investigation of a mass lesion on the ampulla. EGD revealed SMT like mass lesion on the ampulla. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed an ampullary hypoechoic mass. We performed pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy on the basis of the diagnosis of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Postoperative pathological examinations revealed two different components of the tumor;malignant endocrine cells, and adenocarcinoma. The component of adenocarcinoma was located on the Ap lesion. We deducted that the adenocarcinoma appeared on the epithelium of Ap, then grew and spread into the direction of duodenum lumen, degenerating to endocrine cells.

Phase II/III clinical trial with VEGFR2-epitope peptide and gemcitabine for patients with locally advanced, metastatic, or unresectable pancreatic cancer: Pegasus-PC study

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Background: Gemcitabine is a key drug for treating pancreatic cancer; however, with the limitation in clinical benefits, the development of another potent therapeutic was strongly called for. VEGF-receptor 2 (VEGFR2: Flk-1 and KDR) is an essential target for tumor angiogenesis, and we have executed a phase I clinical trial using gemcitabine and VEGFR2-peptide (Cancer Sci 2010). Based on promising phase I trial results, a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase II/III clinical trial has been conducted (UMIN000001664). Methods: The eligibility criteria are: locally advanced, metastatic, or unresectable pancreatic cancer. Patients were allocated to either VEGFR2 peptide (OTS102) + gemcitabine group or placebo + gemcitabine in 2:1 ratio by dynamic allocation method. The primary endpoint was overall survival. The Harrington-Fleming test, with the weight proportional to cumulative death probability, was used for the statistical analysis under the time-lagged effect of immunotherapy. Sample size was estimated presuming the effects will be observed from the time point of 50% cumulative survival rate. Assuming a type I error alpha (two-sided) level of 5% and a power of 80% or more for 50%-60% reduction of hazard, sample size necessary was estimated as 100 patients for the active group and 50 patients for the placebo group. Results: No statistically significant survival time prolongation was observed in OTS102 add-on group (p = 0.92). However, the three-month landmark analysis revealed significant interaction between the treatment and reports of indurations or ulcerations (p = 0.005) in add-on group, and if patients survived for over three months, grade 1-2 patients had better survival than grade 0 (1-year survival: 47%(23/49) and 22%(9/44), respectively) in add-on group. Conclusions: Despite the lack of survival time prolongation by OTS102 add-on to gemcitabine therapy, patients experienced injection site indurations or ulcerations may have better survival, suggesting new prognostic factors for VEGFR2-epitope peptide. Our results indicate the possibility of epitope peptide used in cocktail therapies. Clinical trial information: UMIN000001664.

A randomized phase II study of gemcitabine and S-1 combination therapy versus gemcitabine monotherapy for advanced biliary tract cancer

PURPOSE

In order to confirm the impact of adding S-1 to gemcitabine, we conducted a randomized phase II study to compare the combination therapy of gemcitabine plus S-1 to gemcitabine monotherapy in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer.

METHODS

Sixty-two patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma or gallbladder cancer were randomized to either the combination therapy of gemcitabine and S-1 (gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 15 and S-1 40 mg/m(2) b.i.d. on days 1-14, repeated every 4 weeks) or gemcitabine monotherapy (gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, and 15, repeated every 4 weeks). The primary endpoint of this study was response rate, and the regimen which showed the better response rate was selected as a candidate of phase III study. Tumor response was assessed every two cycles using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria version 1.0.

RESULTS

The response rates of the combination therapy and the monotherapy were 20.0 and 9.4 %, respectively. The median time-to-progressions and overall survivals of these two treatments were nearly the same (5.6 vs. 4.3 months; 8.9 vs. 9.2 months). Adverse events occurred more frequently in the combination arm.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination therapy of gemcitabine and S-1 showed the better response rate, but the superiority of this combination therapy was not clear in total. Because the standard of care changed to the combination therapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin during this study, it is difficult to select this combination therapy with a 4-week regimen as a candidate of phase III study.

Three cases of acute or fulminant hepatitis E caused by ingestion of pork meat and entrails in Hokkaido, Japan: Zoonotic food-borne transmission of hepatitis E virus and public health concerns

AIM

  In developed countries including Japan, the transmission route of indigenous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is obscure. Accordingly, public health implications of indigenous HEV infection have not been well addressed. The aim of this study was to clarify the route of transmission of a small outbreak of acute hepatitis E and assess the public health implications of indigenous zoonotic HEV transmission.

METHODS

  Three patients with non-A, B and C acute hepatitis, two of whom presented in a critical condition, were assessed for HEV infection using polymerase chain reaction and their route of infection; the genome sequences of the infecting HEV were also analyzed. A phylogenetic tree based on the full, or near full, HEV RNA sequences were constructed by neighbor-joining method.

RESULTS

  All three patients ingested grilled pork meat and entrails at the same barbecue restaurant in Abashiri, Hokkaido, Japan. When comparing partial to entire, or nearly entire, nucleotide sequences of HEV detected in these patients, they were 99.9-100% identical to each other. These genotype 4 isolates had great resemblance to the genome sequences of the isolates from the mini-outbreak in 2004 in Kitami, a city adjacent to Abashiri. These Kitami/Abashiri strains were segregated into a single cluster on the phylogenetic tree of HEV genotype 4 indigenous to Japan.

CONCLUSION

  Indigenous HEV transmission via a zoonotic food-borne route has been demonstrated in Kitami and Abashiri via pork meat and entrails contaminated with virulent HEV strains. Because a similar outbreak can recur in the future, infection sources and distribution routes should be clarified rapidly for public health.

Comparison of partially covered nitinol stents with partially covered stainless stents as a historical control in a multicenter study of distal malignant biliary obstruction: the WATCH study

BACKGROUND

Covered self-expandable metal stents (CSEMSs) were developed to prevent tumor ingrowth, but stent migration is one of the problems with CSEMSs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a new, commercially available CSEMS with flared ends and low axial force compared with a commercially available CSEMS without the anti-migration system and high axial force.

DESIGN

Multicenter, prospective study with a historical cohort.

SETTING

Twenty Japanese referral centers.

PATIENTS

This study involved patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction.

INTERVENTION

Placement of a new, commercially available, partially covered SEMS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Recurrent biliary obstruction rate, time to recurrent biliary obstruction, stent-related complications, survival.

RESULTS

Between April 2009 and March 2010, 141 patients underwent partially covered nitinol stent placement, and between May 2001 and January 2007, 138 patients underwent placement of partially covered stainless stents as a historical control. The silicone cover of the partially covered nitinol stents prevented tumor ingrowth. There were no significant differences in survival (229 vs 219 days; P = .250) or the rate of recurrent biliary obstruction (33% vs 38%; P = .385) between partially covered nitinol stents and partially covered stainless stents. Stent migration was less frequent (8% vs 17%; P = .019), and time to recurrent biliary obstruction was significantly longer (373 vs 285 days; P = .007) with partially covered nitinol stents. Stent removal was successful in 26 of 27 patients (96%).

LIMITATIONS

Nonrandomized, controlled trial.

CONCLUSION

Partially covered nitinol stents with an anti-migration system and less axial force demonstrated longer time to recurrent biliary obstruction with no tumor ingrowth and less stent migration.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage performed for refractory bile duct stenosis due to chronic pancreatitis: a case report

We report a case of the patient who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) for refractory bile duct stenosis due to chronic pancreatitis. The patient had repeatedly undergone endoscopic biliary stenting for bile duct stenosis due to chronic pancreatitis. Because of repeated relapses of cholangitis and jaundice, transpapillary treatment was judged to have reached its limits. Surgical bypass was attempted but had to be abandoned due to adhesions. Thus, EUS-BD was performed. The procedure was successful, and placement of a covered expandable metallic stent (C-EMS) relieved cholangitis. Two months after placement, the C-EMS was removed, and the patient became stent-free but closure of the fistula subsequently occurred.

A multicenter, prospective, randomized study of selective bile duct cannulation performed by multiple endoscopists: the BIDMEN study

BACKGROUND

Wire-guided cannulation (WGC) with a sphincterotome (S) for selective bile duct cannulation (SBDC) has been reported to have a higher success rate and lower incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) than conventional methods in some randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) that were both single center and limited to only a few endoscopists.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the difference in SBDC according to the method and catheter used in a multicenter and multiendoscopist study.

DESIGN

A prospective, multicenter RCT with a 2 × 2 factorial design.

SETTING

Fifteen referral endoscopy units.

PATIENTS

In total, 400 consecutive patients with naive papillae who were candidates for ERCP were enrolled and randomized.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were assigned to 4 groups according to combined catheter (S or catheter [C]) and method (with/without guidewire [GW]).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Success rate of SBDC performed in 10 minutes, SBDC time, fluoroscopy time, and incidence of complications.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the SBDC success rate between the groups with and without GW, between C and S, or among the 4 groups (C+GW, C, S+GW, S). WGC had a tendency to significantly shorten cannulation and fluoroscopy times only in approximately 70% of patients in this study in whom SBDC was achieved in 10 minutes or less (P = .036 and .00004, respectively). All 4 groups resulted in similar outcomes in PEP (4%, 5.9%, 2%, and 2.1%, respectively).

LIMITATIONS

Non-double-blind study.

CONCLUSIONS

WGC appears to significantly shorten cannulation and fluoroscopy times. However, neither the method nor type of catheter used resulted in significant differences in either SBDC success rate or incidence of PEP in this RCT. (

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000002572.).

Comparing the treatment outcomes between unresectable and recurrent cases receiving gemcitabine and S-1 combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer: Pooled analysis of two prospective studies

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Background: We previously conducted two prospective studies (phase II study and randomized phase II study) of gemcitabine (GEM) and S-1 combination chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to clarify the difference of treatment outcomes between unresectable and recurrent cases receiving GEM/S-1 combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer.

Methods: The data of two prospective studies were combined for the analysis. In these studies, GEM was administered intravenously at a dose of 1,000 mg/m2 over 30 min on days 1 and 15, repeated every four weeks. S-1 was administered orally at a dose of 40 mg/m2 b.i.d. on days 1-14. Tumor response was assessed every two cycles using RECIST version 1.0. The treatment was continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or patient refusal occurred.

Results: Fifty-five unresectable cases and ten recurrent cases were enrolled in this analysis. Patient characteristics were similar between each group except the baseline sum of longest diameter, which was used as a measurement of tumor volume (unresectable 9.0 cm vs recurrent 2.8 cm). Response rates of unresectable and recurrent cases were 25.5% and 40.0%, respectively. Dose intensities of each group were statistically different (gemcitabine 96.8% vs 83.5%, p=0.03; S-1 91.8% vs 75.9%, p=0.03). The median time-to-progressions of unresectable and recurrent cases were 5.7 months and 8.7 months, respectively (p=0.14). The overall survivals of each group were 9.6 months and 16.1 months (p=0.10).

Conclusions: In recurrent cases, tumor volume was smaller and dose intensity was lower than that of unresectable cases. Recurrent cases showed better treatment outcome comparing to unresectable cases. Therefore, unresectable and recurrent cases should be analyzed separately in the future study.

Endoscopic pancreatic duct stents reduce the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in high-risk patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Pancreatitis is the most common and potentially serious complication of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is caused mostly by postprocedural papillary edema and retention of pancreatic juice. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether placement of a temporary-type, pancreatic duct stent prevents PEP and to identify risk factors for PEP.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 426 consecutive patients who underwent ERCP-related procedures at 37 endoscopic units. The patients were assigned randomly to groups that received stents (S group, n = 213) or did not (nS group, n = 213). The stent used was temporary, 5F in diameter, 3 cm long, and straight with an unflanged inner end.

RESULTS

The overall frequency of PEP was 11.3%. The frequencies of PEP in the S and nS groups were 7.9% and 15.2%, respectively; the lower incidence of PEP in the S group was statistically significant based on the full analysis set (P = .021), although there was no statistically significant differences in an intention-to-treat analysis (P = .076). There were significant differences in PEP incidence between groups in multivariate analysis for the following risk factors: pancreatography first, nonplacement of a pancreatic duct stent after ERCP, procedure time of 30 minutes or more, sampling of pancreatic tissue by any method, intraductal ultrasonography, and difficulty of cannulation (≥15 min). Patients with more than 3 risk factors had a significantly greater incidence of pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of a pancreatic duct stent reduces the incidence of PEP. Several risk factors are associated with PEP.

Results of a Japanese multicenter, randomized trial of endoscopic stenting for non-resectable pancreatic head cancer (JM-test): Covered Wallstent versus DoubleLayer stent

BACKGROUND

No study has compared covered metallic stents with Tannenbaum stents. We evaluated the efficacy of the DoubleLayer stent (DLS) and Covered Wallstent (CWS) in patients with pancreatic head cancer (PHC).

PATIENTS & METHODS

This was a multicenter, prospective randomized study. Between October 2005 and December 2007, we enrolled 113 patients (58 DLS, 55 CWS) with unresectable PHC with distal biliary obstructions and observed them for at least 6 months.

RESULTS

No significant difference in patient survival was found between groups, with a median survival of 231 and 248 days in the DLS and CWS groups, respectively. The cumulative stent patency was significantly higher (P = 0.0072) in the CWS group. The respective mean and median stent patency was 202 and 133 days in the DLS group and 285 and 419 days in the CWS group. The incidence of DLS occlusion (53.5%) was significantly higher than that of CWS (23.6%; P = 0.0019). The respective causes of occlusion were tumor overgrowth (0, 1), ingrowth (0, 2), sludge (24, 2), food impaction (3, 5), kinking bile duct (2, 0), and other (2, 3). Other complications were cholecystitis (0, 4), pancreatitis (0, 1), migration (1, 5), liver abscess (2, 0), and other (1, 2). No significant difference in the incidence of complications between groups was observed.

CONCLUSION

CWS had significantly longer patency than DLS for the management of PHC with obstructive jaundice. The incidence of complications other than stent occlusion was higher in CWS, but this difference did not reach significance.

Endoscopic management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy-associated bile duct injuries

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The efficacy of the endoscopic management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC)-associated bile duct injuries is unclear because few studies on the issue report methods matched to injury type or long-term follow-up data.

METHODS

Records from our institution's 11-year experience with the endoscopic management of LC-associated bile duct injuries were reviewed. Leakage was managed with a 5- to 7F endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) tube for 1 week without endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). Stricture was managed with the placement of a single 7F plastic stent for 1-2 months without EST.

RESULTS

Fifteen cases were experienced. Of the 11 cases (77.8%) of leakage, 7 improved clinically and on imaging after ENBD, 2 did not resolve until after the placement of a single plastic 7F stent for several more days, and 2 others with leakage and high risk for accidental ENBD removal improved after the placement of a single 7F stent. All 4 cases of stricture resolved completely after the placement of a single 7F stent. There were no severe complications of the endoscopic procedure. At long-term follow-up, no patient had recurrence of symptoms or complications on imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

ENBD for leakage and biliary stenting for strictures are safe and effective treatments for these LC-associated injuries.

The difference in the capability of delineation between convex and radial arrayed echoendoscope for pancreas and biliary tract; case reports from the standpoint of both convex and radial arrayed echoendoscope

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is useful in obtaining not only high-resolution images of organs and surrounding tissue but also the tissue itself for histopathological diagnosis using fine needle aspiration. Currently, there are two types of EUS available for use: radial and convex arrayed EUS. Each type of EUS has its own advantages and disadvantages. Because radial arrayed EUS can obtain 360 degree images, it is easy to see surrounding organs and vessels. In addition, a single longitudinal image of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile duct is easy to obtain. For this reason, radial arrayed EUS is highly effective in diagnostic examinations. In contrast, while scanning range of convex arrayed EUS limited to 180 degrees, it has the advantage of being able to obtain tissue samples. Additionally while using convex arrayed EUS, the upper part of the bile duct and neck of the pancreas are easily seen beyond the portal vein. It is important to understand the characteristics of each EUS in order to select the most suitable EUS technique for diagnostic assessment.

Safety and long-term outcomes of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in children with bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

Although experience with diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP in children is growing, little is known about the safety and technical outcomes of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) in pediatric patients with bile duct stones (BDSs).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and long-term outcomes of EPBD in pediatric patients with BDSs.

DESIGN

Case study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS

This study involved 5 children who had BDSs combined with gallstones who underwent EPBD.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Successful EPBD, successful stone removal, procedure-related complications, and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

ERCP was successful in all cases, with cannulation and subsequent EPBD. Stone removal was performed in 1 session in all patients. No EPBD-related complications were observed in any patient. After EPBD, 1 patient subsequently underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones. The remaining 4 were followed without surgery. In 2 patients, gallstones were spontaneously passed from the bile duct into the duodenum. During the follow-up period, over a mean of 7.1 years (range 3.7-9.3 years), no recurrence of BDSs was observed in any patient.

LIMITATIONS

Small number of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although BDSs are rare in pediatric patients, EPBD may be a safe and effective technique for the management of such stones in some children.

A randomized phase II study of gemcitabine (GEM) plus S-1 combination chemotherapy versus GEM monotherapy in patients (pts) with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC)

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Background: Our previous phase II study demonstrated that GEM/S-1 combination chemotherapy was tolerable and showed good efficacy in pts with advanced BTC (Sasaki et al, Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2010). This randomized phase II study compared the response rate of GEM/S-1 combination chemotherapy and GEM monotherapy in pts with advanced BTC.

Methods: Pts with advanced BTC who had at least one measurable lesion were randomized into two groups. GEM/S-1: GEM 1,000 mg/m2 (day 1, 15) and S-1 80 mg/m2 (day 1-14) repeated every 4 weeks. GEM: GEM 1,000 mg/m2 (day 1, 8, 15) repeated every 4 weeks. Treatment was continued until disease progression. The primary endpoint was objective response according to RECIST version 1.0.

Results: From November 2008 to March 2010, 62 pts were enrolled from 13 institutions. Patient characteristics were: median age 72 (range 47-86); Male/Female 36/26; Performance status 0/1/2 (37/22/3). The primary tumor site was; 30 pts in gallbladders, 16 pts in intrahepatic bile ducts, and 16 pts in extrahepatic bile ducts. Seven pts had previous surgical resection. Response rates of GEM/S-1 and GEM were 16.7% and 9.4%, respectively. The median time-to-progressions of GEM/S-1 and GEM were 5.6 months and 4.1 months, respectively.

Conclusions: GEM/S-1 combination chemotherapy is more active than GEM monotherapy in pts with advanced BTC. Updated time-to-progression and overall survival data will be presented at the meeting.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Pancreatobiliary reflux and the length of a common channel

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Gallbladder cancer occurs frequently in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction due to pancreatobiliary reflux. Pancreatobiliary reflux is also detected in some patients with a relatively long common channel. This study aimed to clarify the correlation between pancreatobiliary reflux and the length of a common channel.

METHODS

Two hundred and three patients, in whom both the length of a common channel and amylase level in the bile were measured, were enrolled from nine centers.

RESULTS

Bile amylase level was correlated with the length of a common channel (P < 0.01). The minimum length of a common channel that could induce a markedly elevated amylase level in the bile (>1,000 mg/dl) was determined as 5 mm. We redefined high confluence of pancreatobiliary ducts (HCPBD) as cases with a common channel > or = 5 mm, in which the communication between the pancreatic and bile ducts was occluded with the sphincter contraction. Gallbladder cancer was found in 20% of 56 redefined HCPBD patients. Bile amylase level >1,000 mg/dl and biliopancreatic reflux were detected in 79 and 95% of the patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a common channel > or = 5 mm (redefined HCPBD) should be monitored for the development of gallbladder cancer, as they frequently showed significant pancreatobiliary reflux.