Left hepatectomy with simultaneous hepatic artery and portal vein reconstructions in the operation for cholangiocarcinoma: the surgical techniques comprised of step-by-step established procedures

Hepatectomy needing simultaneous reconstruction of the hepatic artery and the portal vein in the operation for cholangiocarcinoma is a challenging procedure. We experienced three cases of left hepatectomy with simultaneous reconstructions of the right hepatic artery (RHA) and the right portal vein (RPV) in all of which the surgical procedures were performed in the same manner. At the initial step of the procedure, we confirmed that the RHA and the RPV at the porta hepatis as well as the proper hepatic artery and the main portal vein (MPV) proximal to the cancer involvement could be controlled by tapes, which meant the cancer could be resected by means of vascular reconstructions. All the vascular reconstructions were performed under loupe magnification. The mean periods of portal and arterial ischemic time of the remnant liver were 14 min. 32 sec. and 35 min. 58 sec., respectively. The mean operative time and the intraoperative blood loss were 627 min. and 804 mL, respectively. No serious postoperative complication occurred. By performing step-by-step well-established procedures, this complicated and challenging operation could be safely completed.

Successful hepatectomy for hepatic abscess with chronic granulomatous disease: a case report

BACKGROUND

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), a rare inherited disorder, is characterized by impaired ability of phagocytic cells to kill certain bacteria and fungi. Although liver abscess is a common manifestation of CGD, its optimal management in these patients is unknown. Here, we present a case of successful hepatectomy for hepatic abscess in a patient with CGD.

CASE PRESENTATION

An adolescent patient with previously diagnosed CGD presented to the pediatrics department of our institution with fever. Blood tests showed high concentrations of inflammatory markers. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a multilocular mass measuring 52 mm × 34 mm in hepatic segment 4 (S4). Blood cultures were negative. Despite administration of antibiotics and γ-globulin, his fever and high concentrations of inflammatory markers persisted and the mass did not change on CT scan images. Because the medications had proved ineffective and percutaneous drainage would have been difficult because of the honeycombing in the abscess, we performed hepatic S4a + S5 anatomic resection and cholecystectomy. Culture of the excised specimen was negative. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. On day 62, CT showed no abscess around the resection stump. On day 81, he was transferred to undergo bone marrow transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment for hepatic abscess can be effective when medical treatment has failed.

Enhanced karyopherin-α2 expression is associated with carcinogenesis in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) can become malignant. Karyopherin-α2 (KPNA2) plays a central role in nucleocytoplasmic transport and is associated with various types of cancer. The current study examined pancreatic KPNA2 expression in cancer patients and evaluated its association with clinicopathological factors, cancer cell proliferation.

METHODS

KPNA2 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in 40 surgically resected IPMN samples and its association with clinicopathological factors and Ki-67 expression were examined.

RESULTS

Eighteen IPMN samples (45% of patients) showed positive KPNA2 expression. KPNA2 expression levels in IPMN tissue with invasive carcinoma were significantly higher than those in adjacent normal tissues and in IPMN tissue with low-to high-grade dysplasia. KPNA2 expression correlated with pathological malignancy and Ki-67 labeling index and KPNA2 and Ki-67 expression was co-localized in nuclei. E2F were co-localized with KPNA2 in the IPMN tissues with high expression of KPNA2. KPNA2 expression was enhanced in the invasion front and in proliferating Ki-67-positive cells. In addition, KPNA2 expression in IPMN tissues was associated with older age, dilation of main pancreatic duct diameter, the presence of nodules, and histological type.

CONCLUSION

KPNA2 expression is associated with carcinogenesis of IPMN through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

Poor prognosis in cholangiocarcinoma patients with low FBXW7 expression is improved by chemotherapy

The tumor suppressor FBXW7 has been demonstrated to degrade several oncoproteins, including c-Myc. Although low FBXW7 expression levels are suggested to be a poor prognostic factor in a number of types of solid tumor, the role of FBXW7 in chemosensitivity is controversial. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether FBXW7 expression may be used as a marker for poor prognosis and chemosensitivity in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CC). FBXW7 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in 100 surgically resected CC samples, and the association between FBXW7 expression, clinicopathological factors and prognosis was evaluated. Nuclear FBXW7 expression tended to be lower compared with normal tissues. A total of 54 patients exhibited high expression levels of FBXW7, and 46 patients exhibited low expression levels. Patients with low FBXW7 expression possessed significantly larger tumors (P=0.049), enhanced expression of c-Myc and Ki-67 and significantly poorer prognoses compared with those with high FBXW7 expression (P=0.016). Multivariate analysis revealed that low FBXW7 expression was an independent negative prognostic factor in CC (P=0.043). In patients with high FBXW7 expression levels, the cancer-specific survival times were not significantly different between patients with or without chemotherapy. However, in patients with low FBXW7 expression levels, the cancer-specific survival times were significantly longer in subjects who underwent chemotherapy compared with those who did not (P=0.001). These data suggest that FBXW7 status in CC is a useful predictor of poor prognosis and cancer progression. Additionally, FBXW7 may be a surrogate marker to predict the efficacy of chemotherapy in CC.

Perioperative management of hepatectomy in patients with interstitial pneumonia: a report of three cases and a literature review

PURPOSE

Interstitial pneumonia (IP) is a progressive and irreversible fibrosis and can be fatal if acute exacerbation (AE) occurs. While a useful risk-scoring system has been established for lung surgery, no risk evaluation exists for AE of IP related to non-pulmonary surgery. The objective of this review is to describe the management for patients with IP.

METHODS

We experienced three hepatectomy cases with IP. The first was a 72-year-old male patient diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) revealed IP with reticular shadow at the base of both lungs. After hepatectomy, his IP became acutely exacerbated and did not improve with steroid or sivelestat treatment. The second was a 74-year-old male patient diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, and the third was a 75-year-old male patient with liver metastasis. In both these cases, CT revealed a reticular shadow in the lung fields, with increased serum KL-6 levels. We administered pirfenidone for perioperative management, during which time no respiratory complications occurred.

RESULTS

Perioperative management with pirfenidone for hepatectomy accompanied by IP was successful in our cases.

CONCLUSION

We reviewed reports on the perioperative prevention, intraoperative risk factors, and treatment of postoperative AE of IP and summarized the perioperative management techniques for IP patients undergoing non-pulmonary surgery.

Abstract P5-15-11: Eribulin should be a candidate strategy in combination with pertuzumab plus trastuzumab for taxane pretreated HER2 positive advance breast cancer

Background: Pertuzumab (P) improves clinical outcome when combined with docetaxel and trastuzumab (T). The efficacy of continuing multiple anti-HER2 therapy including P and/or T after initial progression is unclear. Eribulin mesylate (ERI) is able to overcome taxane (TAX) resistance advanced breast cancer (ABC). The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of ERI plus P and T for both TAX and T pretreated HER2-positive ABC. Methods: This is a single institute, open-label, single-arm, Phase II study with pharmacokinetics (PK) of ERI (UMIN000012375). The initial dose of P is 840 mg, followed by 420 mg q3w; the initial dose of T 8 mg/kg, followed by 6 mg/kg q3w; ERI is administered at 1.4 mg on Days 1 and 8 of each cycle, q3w. Dose reductions of ERI (to 1.1 and 0.7 mg/m2) were permitted to manage any toxicity (more than grade 3). Patients (Pts) must have previous treatment with both TAX and T. The primary endpoint is assessed overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety, and PK of ERI. Left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) was evaluated before and end of this study. Results: Thirty Pts were enrolled. Median age at baseline was 57 years. Half of Pts had endocrine positive. All Pts were treated with TAX and T. Twenty-one Pts were treated with anthracycline-based treatment (70%). Median number of previous chemotherapy was 4 (2-5). Pts had multiple metastases, 40% with bone, 36.7% with lung, 20% with liver, and 10% with brain. Pts received a median number of 8 cycles of ERI (mean dose 1.2 ± 0.19 mg/sqm), 8 cycles of both P and T. Total number of 27 Pts needed to reduce dose of ERI because of adverse events (AEs) especially grade 3 neutropenia. The ORR (CR+PR) was 34.8% (95% CI 16.4-57.3, n=23) with median PFS of 42.6 weeks (95% CI 20.3-51.9, n=30). Clinical benefit rate (CR+PR+≥6 month SD) was 60.9% (95% CI 16.4-57.3%). T-DM1 pretreated affected poor outcome than the other factors (p=0.0011). The most common grade 3/4 AEs were neutropenia in 20 Pts (66.7%) without febrile neutropenia. Grade 1/2 AEs were fatigue in 24 Pts (80%), anorexia in 23 Pts (76.7%), anemia in 22 Pts (73.3%), diarrhea in 20 Pts (66.7%), peripheral neuropathy in 16 Pts (53.3%), and hand-foot syndrome in 12 Pts (43.3%). Baseline LVEF was 67%. One Pt had asymptomatic LVEF decrease (below an absolute value of 55%). Otherwise, there was no overall decrease in mean LVEF from baseline. Nine points (pre-dose, end of infusion, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 24, 72, and 168 h after ERI) of PK analyses were evaluated in 6 Pts, and 3 point (pre-dose, end of infusion, and 168 h after ERI) in 10 Pts. PK parameters of ERI were as follows; Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 375.96 (257.6-531.8) ng/ml, terminal half-life was 36.807 (31.90-40.80) h, total clearance was 1.945 (1.15-3.15) L/h/m2. Cmax of ERI was not correlated with neutrophil count (R2=0.2338, n=16). Conclusions: The combination of ERI plus P and T was well tolerated; no new safety signals ware observed. PK parameter of ERI were as same as previous reports when combined with both P and T. ERI might be a one of strategy in combination with P plus T for TAX pretreated HER2 positive ABC.

Citation Format: Araki K, Fukada I, Kobayashi K, Takahashi S, Ito Y. Eribulin should be a candidate strategy in combination with pertuzumab plus trastuzumab for taxane pretreated HER2 positive advance breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-15-11.

Stathmin 1 promotes the proliferation and malignant transformation of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

Pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are a type of pancreatic tumor, which have been identified following improvements in diagnostic imaging. However, the malignant transformation of IPMN has been difficult to diagnose clinically. To date, the mechanisms driving the progression of IPMN to cancer remain to be fully elucidated. The present study focused on Stathmin 1 (STMN1), a protein that is associated with the development of various types of cancer. The expression of STMN1 was examined immunohistochemically in tissues from cases of IPMN. The correlation between the STMN1 staining and clinical pathological factors was evaluated, and the expression of STMN1, p27 and S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) were compared. High expression levels of STMN1 were significantly correlated with regions of malignancy, and was associated with high expression of SKP2, low expression of nuclear p27 and a high Ki-67 index. High expression levels of STMN1 and SKP2 were significantly correlated with the transformation of IPMN to carcinoma. In addition, within the regions of carcinoma, the expression of STMN1 was weak in regions of adenoma and high in the cancerous regions. It was concluded that the high expression of STMN1 contributed to tumor proliferation and malignant transformation in the patients with IPMN. These results suggested that characterization of the expression of STMN1 may be a promising approach for predicting malignant transformation of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous adenoma.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts in hepatocellular carcinoma

The hepatic stellate cells in the liver are stimulated sustainably by chronic injury of the hepatocytes, activating myofibroblasts, which produce abundant collagen. Myofibroblasts are the major source of extracellular proteins during fibrogenesis, and may directly, or secreted products, contribute to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the components of the tumor microenvironment that promote the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells by secreting various growth factors and cytokines. CAFs crosstalk with cancer cells stimulates tumor progression by creating a favorable microenvironment for progression, invasion, and metastasis through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Basic studies on CAFs have advanced, and the role of CAFs in tumors has been elucidated. In particular, for hepatocellular carcinoma, carcinogenesis from cirrhosis is a known fact, and participation of CAFs in carcinogenesis is supported. In this review, we discuss the current literature on the role of CAFs and CAF-related signaling in carcinogenesis, crosstalk with cancer cells, immunosuppressive effects, angiogenesis, therapeutic targets, and resistance to chemotherapy. The role of CAFs is important in cancer initiation and progression. CAFtargeted therapy may be effective for suppression not only of fibrosis but also cancer progression.

Presence of Cytokeratin 19-Expressing Cholangiocarcinoma-Like Tumour in a Liver Metastatic Lesion of Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumour

Introduction

Tumours with adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine components have often been reported, although the reason underlying the dual components remains unclear.

Case Presentation

A 43-year-old woman with multiple liver metastatic lesions of rectal neuroendocrine tumour underwent primary tumour resection and subsequent liver transplantation. Pathological examination indicated a cholangiocarcinoma-like tumour with gland formation, adjacent to a liver metastatic lesion of the neuroendocrine tumour. This tumour comprised atypical columnar epithelium, and stained positively for neuroendocrine markers and the ductal marker cytokeratin 19, indicating amphicrine properties and a partial cholangiocarcinoma phenotype – features not observed in the primary and metastatic neuroendocrine tumours.

Conclusion

The presence of adenocarcinoma only at the metastatic site indicated that neuroendocrine tumour cells acquired stemness and differentiated into adenocarcinoma through metastasis, or that the adenocarcinoma newly arose from the adjacent epithelium influenced by the neuroendocrine tumour. We propose a novel mechanism for the pathogenesis of mixed tumours in neuroendocrine tumours.

Neuroendocrine tumor of the ampulla of Vater with distant cystic lymph node metastasis: a case report

Background

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the ampulla of Vater are rare and difficult to diagnose. We report a rare case of a small NET of the ampulla of Vater with metastasis to distant lymph nodes.

Case presentation

The patient was a 54-year-old man complaining of epigastric pain and melena. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a bulging papilla with active bleeding, which was diagnosed as a well-differentiated NET of the ampulla of Vater. An approximately 10-mm hypervascular tumor at the ampulla of Vater and a 41-mm cyst adjacent to the wall of the jejunum were revealed by abdominal computed tomography. We performed pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with lymph node dissection. Macroscopic examination revealed a 9-mm tumor of the ampulla of Vater and a 52-mm cyst adjacent to the wall of the jejunum. Histological examination revealed that the cyst was a lymph node metastasis. The final diagnosis was non-functional NET G1 of the ampulla of Vater, designated T1N1M0 stage IIIB. Postoperatively, the patient underwent no treatment and has had no recurrence for 4 years.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates that sporadic NETs of Vater’s papilla have aggressive metastatic potential even with a small primary lesion, and radical resection with lymphadenectomy is recommended for all cases.

Stenting for Stenoses of the Proximal Vertebral Artery

We report our initial experience of stenting for symptomatic stenoses of the proximal vertebral artery. A total of 25 lesions affecting the proximal vertebral artery were treated by PTA with stent in 23 patients. The lesions involved the vertebral artery ostium in 20 lesions and the nonostial V1 portion in five lesions. The mean stenosis rate of those lesions was 81% pre-stenting and was reduced to 4% post-stenting.

There were two transient neurological complications: hemiparesis in one patient and visual acuity disturbance in another. Angiographic follow-up studies more than three months after treatment demonstrated restenosis in three patients. One of these patients was symptomatic. These restenoses were successfully treated by PTA.

Our initial results demonstrated that stenting is a feasible and safe method of treating stenosis of the proximal vertebral artery.

MIB-1 labeling index, Ki-67, is an indicator of invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

Despite strict criteria for the observation of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), it remains difficult to distinguish invasive IPMN from non-invasive IPMN. The aim of the present study was to identify an indicator of invasive IPMN. The present study retrospectively evaluated 53 patients (28 with non-invasive and 25 with invasive IPMN) who underwent resection of IPMN, and examined the usefulness of the MIB-1 labeling index as an indicator of invasive IPMN. The MIB-1 labeling indexes in patients with invasive IPMN were significantly higher compared with those with non-invasive IPMN (P<0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the area under the curve was 0.822. These results suggested that a cut-off level for the MIB-1 labeling index should be set to 15.5% to distinguish invasive from non-invasive IPMN. A multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model revealed the MIB-1 labeling index (hazard ratio, 18.692; 95% confidential interval, 4.171-83.760; P<0.001) and the existence of mural nodules (hazard ratio, 6.187, 95% confidential interval, 1.039-36.861; P=0.045) were predictive factors for invasive IPMN. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between patients with a lower MIB-1 labeling index and patients with a higher MIB-1 labeling index (P=0.798). The MIB-1 labeling index must be considered as a candidate for the classification of IPMN.

Abstract P4-02-13: The pattern of tumor shrinkage is associated with prognosis in low grade luminal early breast cancer during neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: In neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for early breast cancer, the pathological response rate in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors has been low in comparison with those of ER-negative tumors. Therefore, surrogate makers other than the pCR rate are needed during NAC for luminal breast cancer. Using MRI, we analyzed the patterns of tumor shrinkage after NAC as a surrogate prognostic factor in low grade luminal breast cancer. METHODS: Of 854 patients who had received NAC in a single institute from Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2009, 183 patients with low grade luminal breast cancer were retrospectively evaluated for this study. They were defined as ER and/or PgR positive in more than 10% of cancer cells and HER2 negative (IHC 0, 1+ or FISH &lt;2.0) with nuclear grade 1 and 2. RESULTS: The median observation period was 67.9 months following surgery, and recurrence was observed in 31 patients (16.9%). The median age was 49 (22-76) years. One hundred eighty patients received anthracycline-containing chemotherapy, and 158 received taxane. There were 16 deaths (8.7%) related to breast cancer. We categorized the patterns of tumor shrinkage by MRI into 6 types: concentric shrinkage (CS), diffuse decrease (DD), reduction to small foci (RSF), decrease of intensity only (DIO), no change (NC), and enlargement (EL). According to our categorization, CS occurred in 97 (53.0%), RSF in 7 (3.8%), DD in 62 (33.9%), DIO in 7 (3.8%), NC in 5 (2.7%), and EL in 5 (2.7%). As expected, there were statistically significant differences in both the median DFS and OS in each pattern of tumor shrinkage (p &lt;0.001 and p=0.001, respectively); in particular, the CS pattern had excellent prognosis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that concentric shrinkage was the only significant good prognostic factor for OS (p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor shrinkage patterns as revealed by MRI could be important surrogate prognostic factors for NAC in early low grade luminal breast cancer.

Citation Format: Fukada I, Araki K, Kobayashi K, Gomi N, Horii R, Akiyama F, Takahashi S, Iiwase T, Ohno S, Ito Y. The pattern of tumor shrinkage is associated with prognosis in low grade luminal early breast cancer during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-02-13.

Abstract P3-14-10: Phase Ia/Ib study of taselisib (GDC-0032), a potent and selective phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors or hormone receptor-positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (JO29196 study)

Background:

Taselisib (GDC-0032) is an orally bioavailable, potent and selective phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. Preclinical data showed that taselisib had increased antitumor activity against PIK3CA (gene encoding the PI3Kα isoform) mutant tumors. This study aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of taselisib as monotherapy and in combination with fulvestrant in Japanese patients (pts).

Materials and methods:

A 3+3 design was used. In Phase Ia, pts with advanced solid tumors received taselisib tablet monotherapy (2, 4 or 6 mg once daily [QD]), and safety and PK were evaluated. In Phase Ib, pts with hormone receptor-positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer received taselisib (2 or 4 mg QD) in combination with fulvestrant (500 mg at a time), and safety and PK were evaluated. Maximal administered doses of 6 mg QD as a single agent and 4 mg QD in combination with fulvestrant were based upon prior clinical trial experience with taselisib (Juric D. et al. AACR 2013, Abstract LB-64; Juric D. et al. SABCS 2013, Abstract PD1-3).

Results:

As of 15 Mar 2015, 9 pts (PIK3CA mutant: 2 pts) were enrolled in Phase Ia and 3 pts in Phase Ib. Phase Ia dose-escalation study has been completed and Phase Ib is ongoing.

In Phase Ia, no dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed at any dose level tested (maximum administered dose of 6 mg QD). Common (≥3 pts) adverse reactions (ARs) were stomatitis (4 pts), rash (3 pts) and diarrhea (3 pts); the only Grade ≥3 AR was neutropenia (1 pt). Partial response was observed in 1 pt who received taselisib 4 mg and had a PIK3CA mutant breast tumor. Stable disease was observed in 4 pts. Cmax and AUC indicated a dose-proportional PK profile of taselisib within the dose range tested. Moreover, taselisib PK in Japanese pts was consistent with the PK reported from North American and European pts (Juric D. et al. AACR 2013, Abstract LB-64).

In Phase Ib, 3 pts received taselisib 2 mg in combination with fulvestrant and no DLT was observed. Preliminary ARs were similar to those with monotherapy and no Grade ≥3 AR was reported. Confirmation of tolerability of taselisib 4 mg in combination with fulvestrant is under evaluation.

Conclusion:

Taselisib monotherapy was well tolerated in Japanese pts up to a dose of 6 mg, which is the recommended dose in non-Japanese pts. Promising preliminary activity of monotherapy was observed in advanced solid tumors, especially in a pt with PIK3CA mutant tumor. The combination of taselisib 2 mg with fulvestrant is well tolerated. Investigation of tolerability of taselisib 4 mg in combination with fulvestrant is ongoing. Final results of this study will be presented here at the Symposium this year.

Citation Format: Kobayashi T, Nakano K, Tomomatsu J, Nara E, Ito Y, Kobayashi K, Fukada I, Araki K, Shimomura A, Shimoi T, Kodaira M, Yunokawa M, Yonemori K, Shimizu C, Nakamura K, Kotani N, Inatani M, Tamura K, Takahashi S. Phase Ia/Ib study of taselisib (GDC-0032), a potent and selective phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors or hormone receptor-positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (JO29196 study). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-14-10.

Overexpression of natural killer group 2 member D ligands predicts favorable prognosis in cholangiocarcinoma

The natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor and its ligands are important mediators of immune responses to tumors. NKG2D ligands are overexpressed in several malignant tumor types; however, the prognostic value of these ligands is unclear. Here, we aimed to elucidate the role of NKG2D ligands in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC). We therefore investigated the expression of the NKG2D receptor and its ligands MHC class I chain-related proteins A and B (MICA/B), unique long 16 binding protein (ULBP) 1, and ULBP2/5/6 in resected specimens from 82 patients with EHCC. All NKG2D ligands were highly expressed in EHCC. High expression of MICA/B or ULBP2/5/6 correlated with overall and disease-free survival. In contrast, high expression of ULBP1 was significantly associated with improved overall survival, but not disease-free survival. Concurrent high expression of multiple NKG2D ligands revealed significantly better overall and disease-free survival than that observed with the overexpression of any one NKG2D ligand. Co-expression of multiple NKG2D ligands was an independent prognostic indicator of improved survival. Furthermore, co-overexpression of multiple NKG2D ligands was significantly correlated with high expression of the NKG2D receptor. Inhibiting interactions between multiple NKG2D ligands and the NKG2D receptor might be a promising approach for controlling cancer progression and improving patient prognosis in EHCC.

Feasibility of laparoscopic liver resection for caudate lobe: technical strategy and comparative analysis with anteroinferior and posterosuperior segments

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is now considered a standard procedure in peripheral segments, there are few reports on laparoscopic segment 1 (Sg1) resection. The aim of this study was to assess both safety and feasibility of Sg1 LLR.

METHODS

From 2000 to 2014, all patients who underwent LLR were identified from a prospective database. Patients with resection of Sg1 (Sg1 group) were compared with those with resection of anteroinferior segments (AI group: segments 3, 4b, 5, 6) or posterosuperior segments (PS group: segments 4a, 7, 8), in terms of tumor characteristics, surgical treatment, and short-term outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 15, 151, and 67 patients in Sg1, AI, and PS groups. Tumor size and tumor number were similar between the three groups (p = 0.139, p = 0.102). Operative time was significantly shorter in Sg1 (150 min) and AI group (135 min) compared with PS group (180 min) (p = 0.021). Median blood loss was notably higher in PS group (140 ml) compared with Sg1 group (75 ml) and AI group (10 ml) (p = 0.001). No mortality was observed in all groups. Postoperative complication rate was 20.0 % with Sg1 group, 14.6 % with AI group, and 20.9 % with PS group (p = 0.060). The rate of major complication was significantly higher in Sg1 group (13.3 %) and PS group (11.9 %) compared with AI group (4.0 %) (p = 0.042). Resection margins were clear in all Sg1 and PS group patients, whereas two (1.3 %) patients in AI group had R1 margins (p = 0.586).

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic approach of isolated resection located in the caudate lobe is a feasible and curative surgical option in selected patients.

Electrode materials based on α-NiCo(OH)2 and rGO for high performance energy storage devices

Described herein is a composite material based on rGO and α-NiCo(OH)₂ nanoparticles combining very fast charge/discharge processes with the high energy density of batteries, suitable for application in high performance energy storage devices.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: Difficulty in differentiating from gallbladder cancer

AIM: To compare cases of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) and advanced gallbladder cancer and discuss the differential diagnoses and surgical options.

METHODS: From April 2000 to December 2013, 6 XGC patients received extended surgical resections. During the same period, 16 patients were proven to have gallbladder (GB) cancer, according to extended surgical resection. Subjects chosen for analysis in this study were restricted to cases of XGC with indistinct borders with the liver as it is often difficult to distinguish these patients from those with advanced GB cancer. We compared the clinical features and computed tomography findings between XGC and advanced GB cancer. The following clinical features were retrospectively assessed: age, gender, symptoms, and tumor markers. As albumin and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are prognostic in several cancers, we compared serum albumin levels and the NLR between the two groups. The computerized tomography findings were used to compare the two diseases, determine the coexistence of gallstones, the pattern of GB thickening (focal or diffuse), the presence of a hypoattenuated intramural nodule, and continuity of the mucosal line.

RESULTS: Based on the preoperative image findings, we suspected GB carcinoma in all cases including XGC in this series. In addition, by pathological examination, we found that the group of patients with XGC developed inflammatory disease after surgery. Patients with XGC tended to have abdominal pain (4/6, 67%). However, there was no significant difference in clinical symptoms, including fever, between the two groups. Serum albumin and NLR were also similar in the two groups. Serum tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), tended to increase in patients with GB cancer. However, no significant differences in tumor markers were identified. On the other hand, gallstones were more frequently observed in patients with XGC (5/6, 83%) than in patients with GB cancer (4/16, 33%) (P = 0.0116). A hypoattenuated intramural nodule was found in 3 patients with XGC (3/6, 50%), but in only 1 patient with GB cancer (1/16, 6%) (P = 0.0024). The GB thickness, continuous mucosal line, and bile duct dilatation showed no significant differences between XGC and GB cancer.

CONCLUSION: Although XGC is often difficult to differentiate from GB carcinoma, it is possible to obtain an accurate diagnosis by careful intraoperative gross observation, and several intraoperative frozen sections.

Technical aspects of dental CBCT: state of the art

As CBCT is widely used in dental and maxillofacial imaging, it is important for users as well as referring practitioners to understand the basic concepts of this imaging modality. This review covers the technical aspects of each part of the CBCT imaging chain. First, an overview is given of the hardware of a CBCT device. The principles of cone beam image acquisition and image reconstruction are described. Optimization of imaging protocols in CBCT is briefly discussed. Finally, basic and advanced visualization methods are illustrated. Certain topics in these review are applicable to all types of radiographic imaging (e.g. the principle and properties of an X-ray tube), others are specific for dental CBCT imaging (e.g. advanced visualization techniques).