Updated analysis of SWOG-directed intergroup study 0116: a phase III trial of adjuvant radiochemotherapy versus observation after curative gastric cancer resection

Single patient classifier as a prognostic biomarker in pT1N1 gastric cancer: Results from two large Korean cohorts

Objective

Benefits of adjuvant treatment in pT1N1 gastric cancer (GC) remain controversial. Additionally, an effective biomarker for early GC is the need of the hour. The prognostic and predictive roles of single patient classifier (SPC) were validated in stage II/III GC. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of SPC as a biomarker for pT1N1 GC.

Methods

The present retrospective biomarker study (NCT03485105) enrolled patients treated for pT1N1 GC between 1996 and 2012 from two large hospitals (the Y cohort and S cohort). For SPC, mRNA expression of four classifier genes (GZMB, WARS, SFRP4 and CDX1) were evaluated by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. The SPC was revised targeting pT1 stages and the prognosis was stratified as high- and low-risk group by the expression of SFRP4, a representative epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker.

Results

SPC was evaluated in 875 patients (n=391 and 484 in the Y and S cohorts, respectively). Among 864 patients whose SPC result was available, 41 (4.7%) patients experience GC recurrence. According to revised SPC, 254 (29.4%) patients were classified as high risk [123 (31.5%) and 131 (27.1%) in the Y and S cohorts, respectively]. The high risk was related to frequent recurrence in both Y and S cohort (log-rank P=0.023, P<0.001, respectively), while there was no difference byGZMB and WARS expression. Multivariable analyses of the overall-cohort confirmed the high risk of revised SPC as a significant prognostic factor [hazard ratio (HR): 4.402 (2.293−8.449), P<0.001] of GC. A significant difference was not detected by SPC in the prognosis of patients in the presence and absence of adjuvant treatment (log-rank P=0.670).

Conclusions

The present study revealed the revised SPC as a prognostic biomarker of pT1N1 GC and suggested the use of the revised SPC for early-stage GC as like stage II/III.

Naples Prognostic Score Predicts Tumor Regression Grade in Resectable Gastric Cancer Treated with Preoperative Chemotherapy

Simple Summary

Multimodal treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer is still debated today due to controversial results in different trials. Nevertheless, perioperative chemotherapy with radical surgery certainly shows a better long-term outcome than surgery alone, so much so it is the main multimodal treatment offered in Europe, at the present. Tumor regression grade is the objective response to preoperative chemotherapy and its extent, in terms of reduction of neoplastic cells in the resected specimen, is strongly affected by Lauren’s classification, TNM stage, and tumor grading. Therefore, since this information can be achieved only after surgical resection, the return of chemotherapy is quite unpredictable in advance and, in about half cases, it is definitely ineffective. Naples Prognostic Score, that mirrors the immune–nutritional conditions, tested on 59 consecutive advanced gastric cancer patients undergoing multimodal treatment, showed a strong power in predicting tumor regression grade and therefore is strictly correlated with long-term outcome and survival.

Abstract

Despite recent progresses, locally advanced gastric cancer remains a daunting challenge to embrace. Perioperative chemotherapy and D2-gastrectomy depict multimodal treatment of gastric cancer in Europe, shows better results than curative surgery alone in terms of downstaging, micrometastases elimination, and improved long-term survival. Unfortunately, preoperative chemotherapy is useless in about 50% of cases of non-responder patients, in which no effect is registered. Tumor regression grade (TRG) is directly related to chemotherapy effectiveness, but its understanding is achieved only after surgical operation; accordingly, preoperative chemotherapy is given indiscriminately. Conversely, Naples Prognostic Score (NPS), related to patient immune-nutritional status and easily obtained before taking any therapeutic decision, appeared an independent prognostic variable of TRG. NPS was calculated in 59 consecutive surgically treated gastric cancer patients after neoadjuvant FLOT4-based chemotherapy. 42.2% of positive responses were observed: all normal NPS and half mild/moderate NPS showed significant responses to chemotherapy with TRG 1–3; while only 20% of the worst NPS showed some related benefits. Evaluation of NPS in gastric cancer patients undergoing multimodal treatment may be useful both in selecting patients who will benefit from preoperative chemotherapy and for changing immune-nutritional conditions in order to improve patient’s reaction against the tumor.

Combined Therapy of Locally Advanced Oesophageal and Gastro-Oesophageal Junction Adenocarcinomas: State of the Art and Aspects of Predictive Factors

The following main treatment approaches are currently used in locally advanced adenocarcinomas of the oesophagus and gastrooesophageal junction (GOJ): preoperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery, and perioperative chemotherapy and surgery. While preoperative chemoradiotherapy is used primarily in oesophageal tumours, perioperative chemotherapy is the treatment of choice in Western countries for gastric cancer. The optimal treatment strategy for GOJ adenocarcinoma is still not clear. In comparison to other malignancies, biomarkers are used as predictive factors in distal oesophageal and GOJ adenocarcinomas in a very limited way, and moreover, only in metastatic stages (e.g., HER2 status, or microsatellite instability status). The aim of the article is to provide an overview of current treatment options in locally advanced adenocarcinomas of oesophagus and GOJ based on the latest evidence, including the possible potential of predictive biomarkers in optimizing treatment.

Neoadjuvant versus Postoperative Chemoradiotherapy is Associated with Improved Survival for Patients with Resectable Gastric and Gastroesophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The optimal timing of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for patients with localized gastric cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the survival outcomes between neoadjuvant and postoperative CRT for patients with gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed 152 patients with gastric (42%) or GEJ (58%) adenocarcinoma who underwent definitive surgical resection and received either neoadjuvant or postoperative CRT between 2005 and 2017 at the authors' institution. The primary end point of the study was overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 37.5 months. Neoadjuvant CRT was performed for 102 patients (67%) and postoperative CRT for 50 patients (33%). The patients who received neoadjuvant CRT were more likely to be male and to have a GEJ tumor, positive lymph nodes, and a higher clinical stage. The median radiotherapy (RT) dose was 50.4 Gy for neoadjuvant RT and 45.0 Gy for postoperative RT (p < 0.001). The neoadjuvant CRT group had a pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of 26% and a greater rate of R0 resection than the postoperative CRT group (95% vs. 76%; p = 0.002). Neoadjuvant versus postoperative CRT was associated with a lower rate of any grade 3+ toxicity (10% vs. 54%; p < 0.001). The multivariable analysis of OS showed lower hazards of death to be independently associated neoadjuvant versus postoperative CRT (hazard ratio [HR] 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-0.91; p = 0.020) and R0 resection (HR 0.50; 95% CI 0.27-0.90; p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant CRT was associated with a longer OS, a higher rate of R0 resection, and a lower treatment-related toxicity than postoperative CRT. The findings suggest that neoadjuvant CRT is superior to postoperative CRT in the treatment of gastric and GEJ cancer.

A Pilot Study of Perioperative Cisplatin-Capecitabine Chemotherapy With Preoperative Chemoradiation for Resectable Gastric Cancers

OBJECTIVES

The standard of care for resectable gastric cancers (GCs) includes perioperative chemotherapy (CT) or postoperative chemo/chemoradiotherapy (CRT) strategies. Poor treatment compliance postsurgery suggests that intensified surgical adjuvant treatment is more likely deliverable preceding surgery and, therefore, the safety and efficacy of perioperative cisplatin-capecitabine (CX) with preoperative chemoradiation (preopCRT) were ascertained.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2017 and December 2018, 28 potentially resectable locally advanced GC patients were offered neoadjuvant CT-2 cycles of CX at 3-weekly intervals, followed by preopCRT 45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks and concurrent capecitabine, followed by surgical resection and 3 adjuvant cycles of CX.

RESULTS

Neoadjuvant CT was commenced in 28 patients (100%), preopCRT in 18 patients (64%), and surgery performed in 13 patients (46%). At each treatment step, decreasing patient numbers were due mainly to disease progression (12 [43%]) or other reasons, including (3 [11%]) from treatment-related toxicity. The R0 resection rate was 92% (12/13); a median of 18 nodes was obtained after D2 nodal clearance in 92% (12/13). There were 20%/4%/4% grade 3/4/5 toxicities. The median radiotherapy dose/duration was 45 Gy/5.4 weeks. Adjuvant CT was started in 11 patients (39%) and the third cycle was received by 7 patients (25%). No tumor (ypT0N0) was noted in 23% of the operated patients (3/13), or 11% of the intention-to-treat population (3/28). The median, 1-year, and 2-year survivals were 12 months, 53%, and 32%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Intensified preoperative treatment is doable in relatively unselected advanced GC patients in real-world settings of a public-sector hospital from a low-middle-income country. Disease progression during preoperative therapy allows patients destined for early clinical evidence of disease dissemination to avoid futile surgery, as opposed to a surgery-first strategy, without an overt increase in surgical morbidity or mortality, with encouraging R0 resection rates.

Adjuvant chemotherapy is an additional option for locally advanced gastric cancer after radical gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy: a retrospective control study

BACKGROUND

This study compared the long-term efficacy of different durations of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with gastric cancer after radical gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 428 patients with stage II-III gastric cancer who underwent D2 gastrectomy between 2009 and 2016. Patients were divided into four groups according to the duration of adjuvant chemotherapy, including 0 week (no adjuvant, group A), 20 to 24 weeks (completed 7-8 cycles every 3 weeks or 10-12 cycles every 2 weeks, group B), and 12 to18 weeks (completed 4-6 cycles every 3 weeks or 6-9 cycles every 2 weeks, group C), and less than 12 weeks (received up to 3 cycles every 3 weeks or 5 cycles every 2 weeks, group D). The chemotherapy regimens included XELOX, SOX, and FOLFOX. 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The 5-year OS rates for groups A, B, C, and D were 52.3, 73.7, 72.0, and 53.3%, respectively, and the 5-year DFS rates were 50.0, 68.0, 65.4, and 50.0%, respectively. OS and DFS were higher in group B than in groups A and D. Similarly, patients in group C were more likely to have higher OS and DFS than those in groups A and D. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in OS and DFS between groups B and C. The multivariate analysis confirmed with high statistical significance the efficacy of complete courses of adjuvant chemotherapy, and, among them, the similar impact of 4-6/6-9 and 7-8/10-12 cycles, resulting in similar HRs vs Group A (0.52 and 0.42, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce toxicity and maintain efficacy, XELOX or SOX chemotherapy regimens administered for 4-6 cycles every 3 weeks or FOLFOX regimen for 6-9 cycles every 2 weeks might be a favorable option for patients with stage II-III gastric cancer after D2 gastrectomy. Prospective multicenter clinical trials with adequate sample sizes are necessary to verify these findings.

Perioperative chemotherapy versus adjuvant chemotherapy strategies in resectable gastric and gastroesophageal cancer: A Markov decision analysis

BACKGROUND

Perioperative chemotherapy has been shown to improve overall survival (OS) for operable gastric and gastroesophageal cancer. However, optimal sequence of surgery and chemotherapy has not been clearly identified. Markov models are useful for analyzing the outcomes of different treatment strategies in the absence of adequately powered randomized clinical trials. In this study, we use Markov decision analysis models to compare median OS (mOS), quality-adjusted mOS, life expectancy (LE), and quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) of perioperative chemotherapy with adjuvant chemotherapy strategies in resectable gastric and gastroesophageal cancer patients.

METHODS

Markov models are constructed to compare two strategies: adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery and preoperative chemotherapy followed by cancer resection and postoperative chemotherapy. LE and QALE are calculated analytically, and mOS are obtained by simulation. Parameters used in the models are computed from prospective clinical trial data published in PUBMED from January 2000 to July 2020.

RESULTS

Total of 8088 patients from 25 prospective studies were included in this analysis. Regardless of R0 resection ratio, the analyses of the models show a higher mOS for patients in the perioperative therapy arm compared to adjuvant chemotherapy. For R0 resected patients, the perioperative therapy arm provided an additional 11.0 mOS months (61.3 months vs. 50.3 months). For R1 resected patients, the perioperative therapy arm had mOS of 17.0 months vs. 10.7 months in adjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The Markov models indicate that perioperative chemotherapy improves mOS, quality-adjusted mOS, LE, and QALE for resectable gastric and gastroesophageal cancer patients compared to adjuvant chemotherapy strategies.

Microsatellite Instability and Effectiveness of Adjuvant Treatment in pT1N1 Gastric Cancer: A Multicohort Study

BACKGROUND

Microsatellite status is a prognostic biomarker in advanced gastric cancer. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the usefulness of microsatellite status in predicting prognosis and response to adjuvant treatment in pT1N1 gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Among 875 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for pT1N1 gastric cancer at two tertiary hospitals, 838 with available microsatellite instability (MSI) data were included and classified into two groups according to microsatellite status: microsatellite stable (MSS) and MSI-high (MSI-H). Recurrence-free survival rate and risk factors for tumor recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 838 gastric cancer patients, 100 (11.9%) were MSI-H and 307 (36.6%) received adjuvant treatment. During median follow-up of 70 months, 42 (5.0%) patients experienced gastric cancer recurrence; hematogenous recurrences were the most common (45.2%). Recurrence-free survival was similar in the MSS and MSI-H groups (p = 0.27), and adjuvant treatment did not show an oncological benefit over surgery alone for pT1N1 gastric cancer (p = 0.53). On univariate analysis, age, operation period, and Lauren classification were significantly associated with tumor recurrence, while adjuvant treatment and MSI status were not associated with tumor recurrence. On multivariate analysis, MSI status was not associated with tumor recurrence, and adjuvant treatment worsened the tumor recurrence risk [hazard ratio (HR) 2.373, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.125-5.006, p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

MSI status may not be a prognostic factor for tumor recurrence or a predictor of response to adjuvant treatment in pT1N1 gastric cancer patients. Considering that the effect of adjuvant treatment to decrease the risk of tumor recurrence is not clear, it may not be indicated in pT1N1 patients.

Results and molecular correlates from a pilot study of neoadjuvant induction FOLFIRINOX followed by chemoradiation and surgery for gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas

PURPOSE

We performed a NCI-sponsored, prospective study of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX followed by chemoradiation (CRT) with carboplatin/paclitaxel followed by surgery in patients with locally advanced gastric or gastroesophageal (GEA) cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The primary objective was to determine completion rate of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX x 8 followed by CRT. Secondary endpoints were toxicity and pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. Exploratory analysis was performed of ctDNA to treatment response.

RESULTS

From Oct 2017 to June 2018, 25 patients were enrolled. All patients started FOLFIRINOX, 92% completed all 8 planned cycles, and 88% completed CRT. Twenty (80%) patients underwent surgical resection, and 7 had a pCR (35% in resected cohort, 28% ITT ). Tumor-specific mutations were identified in 21 (84%) patients, of whom 4 and 17 patients had undetectable and detectable ctDNA at baseline, respectively. Presence of detectable post-CRT ctDNA (p=0.004) and/or postoperative ctDNA (p=0.045) were associated with disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Here we show neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX followed by CRT for locally advanced GEA is feasible and yields a high rate of pCR. ctDNA appears to be a promising predictor of postoperative recurrence.

Shifting sands: the role of radiotherapy for patients with gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma

Gastric adenocarcinoma, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, is treated primarily with surgical resection in the non-metastatic setting. However, the optimal role and sequencing of adjunctive therapies, including radiotherapy (RT) as well as systemic therapy, remains unclear. A complex milieu of trials spanning several decades has evaluated different treatment strategies for gastric cancer, including the role of RT. In this review, we summarize the trial-level evidence for the diverse gastric cancer treatment paradigms. Despite initial success, postoperative RT has not shown a clear benefit in modern prospective studies in the setting of more aggressive surgical nodal dissection. On the other hand, the role of preoperative RT in optimizing oncologic outcomes for gastric cancer patients remains relatively under-explored; ongoing trials assessing preoperative RT aim to illuminate the optimal treatment strategy for non-metastatic gastric cancer patients.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus postoperative adjuvant XELOX chemotherapy versus postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with XELOX regimen for local advanced gastric cancer-A randomized, controlled study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) combined with postoperative adjuvant XELOX (Oxaliplatin +Capecitabine) chemotherapy and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) with XELOX for local advanced gastric cancer (LAGC).

METHODS

In this prospectively randomized trial, we investigated the effect of NACRT combined with postoperative ACT for LAGC. 60 patients were randomly divided into NACRT group and ACT group, with 30 patients in each group. Patients in NACRT group were given three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (45 Gy/1.8 Gy/f) accompanied by synchronous XELOX of two cycles, followed by surgery, and then postoperative adjuvant XELOX chemotherapy of four cycles was performed. Patients in ACT group received surgery in advance, and then XELOX chemotherapy of six cycles was given.

RESULTS

The objective response rate of NACRT was 76.7%. The overall incidence of postoperative complications in NACRT group was not significantly different from that in ACT group (23.1% vs 30.0%, p = 0.560). The 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years progression-free survival (PFS）and overall survival (OS) in NACRT and ACT groups were 80.0% vs 56.7%, 73.3% vs 46.7%, 60.0% vs 33.3%, and 86.7% vs 80.0%, 76.7% vs 66.7%, 63.3% vs 50.0%, respectively. Patients in NACRT group showed a significantly higher R0 resection rate (84.6% vs 56.7%, p = 0.029),lower loco-regional recurrence rate (36.7% vs 11.5%, p = 0.039), longer PFS (p = 0.019) and freedom from locoregional progression(FFLP) (p = 0.004) than patients in ACT group, while there was no difference in OS (p = 0.215) and in toxicity incidence (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

NACRT combined with postoperative adjuvant XELOX chemotherapy can improve R0 resection rate, reduce loco-regional recurrence, prolong PFS and FFLP without increasing the incidence of postoperative complications in patients with LAGC.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Compared with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, locally advanced gastric cancer patients may benefit from neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and toxicity associated with chemoradiotherapy was tolerant and manageable.

Neo-adjuvant radiation therapy provides a survival advantage in T3-T4 nodal positive gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: a SEER database analysis

BACKGROUND

Due to negative results in clinical trials of postoperative chemoradiation for gastric cancer, at present, there is a tendency to move chemoradiation therapy forward in gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are currently recruiting subjects to investigate the effect of neo-adjuvant radiotherapy (NRT) in gastric and GEJ cancer. Large retrospective studies may be beneficial in clarifying the potential benefit of NRT, providing implications for RCTs.

METHODS

We retrieved the clinicopathological and treatment data of gastric and GEJ adenocarcinoma patients who underwent surgical resection and chemotherapy between 2004 and 2015 from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We compared survival between NRT and non-NRT patients among four clinical subgroups (T_1-2N^-, T_1-2N⁺, T_3-4N^-, and T_3-4N⁺).

RESULTS

Overall, 5272 patients were identified, among which 1984 patients received NRT. After adjusting confounding variables, significantly improved survival between patients with and without NRT was only observed in T_3-4N⁺ subgroup [hazard ratio (HR) 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66-0.95; P = 0.01]. Besides, Kaplan-Meier plots showed significant cause-specific survival advantage of NRT in intestinal type (P <  0.001), but not in diffuse type (P = 0.11) for T_3-4N⁺ patients. In the multivariate competing risk model, NRT still showed survival advantage only in T_3-4 N⁺ patients (subdistribution HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.64-0.93; P = 0.006), but not in other subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

NRT might benefit resectable gastric and GEJ cancer patients of T3-4 stages with positive lymph nodes, particularly for intestinal-type. Nevertheless, these results should be interpreted with caution, and more data from ongoing RCTs are warranted.

Vitamin D modulation and microRNAs in gastric cancer: prognostic and therapeutic role

Gastric adenocarcinoma arises after a complex interaction between the host and environmental factors. Tumor location and TNM are the tools that currently guide treatment decisions. Surgery is the only curative treatment, but relapse is common. After relapse or advanced staged disease survival is poor and systemic treatment has modestly improved survival. An association between sun exposure, vitamin D status and gastric cancer (GC) incidence and mortality has been reported. The molecular differences of the histological subtypes and the new molecular classifications account for the great heterogeneity of this disease and are the basis for the discovery of new therapeutic targets. New prognostic and predictive factors are essential and microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small non-coding RNA molecules with a great potential for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer. There are hundreds of miRNAs with altered expression in tumor gastric tissue when compared to normal gastric tissue. Many of these miRNAs are associated with clinicopathological variables and survival in patients with GC. Furthermore, the expression of some of these miRNAs with prognostic importance in CG is influenced by vitamin D and others are mediators of some of the actions of this vitamin. This review aims to update the evidence on several miRNAs with prognostic value and therapeutic potential in GC, whose expression may be influenced by vitamin D or may regulate vitamin D signaling.

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using Nigella sativa and Curtobacterium proimmune K3 and evaluation of their anticancer activity

In recent times, the development of functionalized nanoparticle methodology for biomedical applications has become a major challenge. In the present study, we prepared a novel gold nanoparticle (AuNP), named Curto-Cumin AuNP (CC-AuNP), using the biosynthetic process involving Nigella sativa (black cumin) seed extract and membrane vesicles isolated from the novel probiotic strain, Curtobacterium proimmune K3. Various spectrometric and microscopic analyses were performed to characterize the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles. CC-AuNP exhibited significant cytotoxicity against human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells but not against normal cells. The toxic effects of the nanoparticles were associated with the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in damaged mitochondria. Further, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic effect of CC-AuNP. Results showed that except for B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), the intracellular apoptotic signaling molecules, such as p53, Bcl-associated X protein (Bax), and Caspase 9/Caspase 3 were significantly upregulated in AGS cells. ROS production and alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential were observed in AGS cells treated with CC-AuNP. The activation of autophagy flux-related biomarkers, such as LC3b/a, Beclin-1, p62, and Caspase 8, was confirmed by qPCR and western blotting. Autophagy pathway was suppressed in CC-AuNP-treated AGS cells and could not proceed further to the mature state. This was confirmed by the evaluation of both apoptosis and autophagy signaling pathways using autophagy-induced AGS cells treated with rapamycin, a well-studied autophagy activator. Overall, our results showed that CC-AuNP upregulates apoptotic signaling and suppresses the autophagy-related signaling pathway, and thus has potential as an anticancer agent. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate that CC-AuNP may serve as novel therapeutic agent against gastric cancer. Furthermore, our study provides preliminary data which can be used to develop novel anticancer candidates and understand their anticancer mechanisms, and seems to be a good starting point for the development of alternative medications based on CC-AuNP.

Roles of Nrf2 in Gastric Cancer: Targeting for Therapeutic Strategies

Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) is a specific transcription factor with potent effects on the regulation of antioxidant gene expression that modulates cell hemostasis under various conditions in tissues. However, the effects of Nrf2 on gastric cancer (GC) are not fully elucidated and understood. Evidence suggests that uncontrolled Nrf2 expression and activation has been observed more frequently in malignant tumors, including GC cells, which is then associated with increased antioxidant capacity, chemoresistance, and poor clinical prognosis. Moreover, Nrf2 inhibitors and the associated modulation of tumor cell redox balance have shown that Nrf2 also has beneficial effects on the therapy of various cancers, including GC. Based on previous findings on the important role of Nrf2 in GC therapy, it is of great interest to scientists in basic and clinical tumor research that Nrf2 can be active as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor depending on different background situations.

BRAZILIAN GASTRIC CANCER ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES (PART 2): UPDATE ON TREATMENT

BACKGROUND

: The II Brazilian Consensus on Gastric Cancer of the Brazilian Gastric Cancer Association BGCA (Part 1) was recently published. On this occasion, countless specialists working in the treatment of this disease expressed their opinion in the face of the statements presented.

AIM

: To present the BGCA Guidelines (Part 2) regarding indications for surgical treatment, operative techniques, extension of resection and multimodal treatment.

METHODS

To formulate these guidelines, the authors carried out an extensive and current review regarding each declaration present in the II Consensus, using the Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library and SciELO databases initially with the following descriptors: gastric cancer, gastrectomy, lymphadenectomy, multimodal treatment. In addition, each statement was classified according to the level of evidence and degree of recommendation.

RESULTS

: Of the 43 statements present in this study, 11 (25,6%) were classified with level of evidence A, 20 (46,5%) B and 12 (27,9%) C. Regarding the degree of recommendation, 18 (41,9%) statements obtained grade of recommendation 1, 14 (32,6%) 2a, 10 (23,3%) 2b e one (2,3%) 3.

CONCLUSION

: The guidelines complement of the guidelines presented here allows surgeons and oncologists who work to combat gastric cancer to offer the best possible treatment, according to the local conditions available.

Multidisciplinary treatment strategy for locally advanced gastric cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Multidisciplinary management of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) remains unstandardized worldwide. We performed a systemic review to summarize the advancements, regional differences, and current recommended multidisciplinary treatment strategies for LAGC.

METHODS

Eligible studies were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases and Embase. Phase 3 randomized controlled trials which investigated survival of patients with LAGC who underwent gastrectomy with pre-/perioperative, postoperative chemotherapy, or chemoradiotherapy were included.

RESULTS

In total, we identified 11 studies of pre-/perioperative chemotherapy, 38 of postoperative chemotherapy, and 14 of chemoradiotherapy. In Europe and the USA, the current standard of care is perioperative chemotherapy for patients with LAGC using the regimen of 5-FU, folinic acid, oxaliplatin and docetaxel (FLOT). In Eastern Asia, upfront gastrectomy and postoperative chemotherapy is commonly used. The S-1 monotherapy or a regimen of capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CapOx) are used for patients with stage II disease, and the CapOx regimen or the S-1 plus docetaxel regimen are recommended for those with stage III Gastric cancer (GC). The addition of postoperative radiotherapy to peri- or postoperative chemotherapy is currently not recommended. Additionally, clinical trials testing targeted therapy and immunotherapy are increasingly performed worldwide.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent clinical trials showed a survival benefit of peri-over postoperative chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. As such, this strategy may have a potential as a global standard for patients with LAGC. Outcome of the ongoing clinical trials is expected to establish the global standard of multidisciplinary treatment strategy in patients with LAGC.

Evolving treatment paradigms in esophageal cancer

A heterogenous disease with a dismal prognosis, esophageal cancer poses a major health challenge worldwide. In recent years, the treatment landscape for esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has undergone major evolution, with the elucidation of underlying biologic pathways and predispositions. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation has emerged as a leading approach for the management of locoregional esophageal cancer, while perioperative chemotherapy has shown promising outcomes specifically in adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Studies also explore the implementation of chemoradiation in various sequential preoperative strategies, as well as in the adjuvant setting. Definitive chemoradiation is considered a valid alternative for non-surgical candidates with SCC. Clinical trials currently evaluating the potential benefits of different approaches may shed light on existing controversies regarding optimal management of locoregional disease. For patients with metastatic cancer, chemotherapy remains the backbone of antineoplastic treatment alongside palliative care, moreover the discovery of novel biological targets has led to the initiation of targeted and immune therapy for specific subpopulations. Taken together, an era of burgeoning clinical trials and changing paradigms has evolved in esophageal oncology. Multidisciplinary collaboration is key to effective combination and sequencing of treatment modalities tailored per patient and per tumor histology. This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art oncological management of esophageal cancer, with consideration of new challenges and obstacles to be overcome.

Current status and future perspectives on neoadjuvant therapy in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer, with high morbidity and mortality rates, is one of the most heterogeneous tumors. Radical gastrectomy and postoperative chemotherapy are the standard treatments. However, the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) need to be confirmed by many trials before implementation, creating a bottleneck in development. Although clinical benefits of NAT have been observed, a series of problems remain to be solved. Before therapy, more contributing factors should be offered for choice in the intended population and ideal regimens. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) scanning is usually applied to evaluate effectiveness according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), yet CT scanning results sometimes differ from pathological responses. After NAT, the appropriate time for surgery is still empirically defined. Our review aims to discuss the abovementioned issues regarding NAT for GC, including indications, selection of regimens, lesion assessment and NAT-surgery interval time.

Chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy as adjuvant treatment for resected gastric cancer: should we use selection criteria?

Background

The management of gastric adenocarcinoma is essentially based on surgery followed by adjuvant treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) as well as chemoradiotherapy (CTRT) have proven their effectiveness in survival outcomes compared to surgery alone. However, there is little data comparing the two adjuvant approaches. This study aimed to compare the prognosis and survival outcomes of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma operated and treated by adjuvant radio-chemotherapy or chemotherapy.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively evaluated 80 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LGC) who received adjuvant treatment. We compared survival outcomes and patterns of recurrence of 53 patients treated by CTRT and those of 27 patients treated by CT.

Results

After a median follow-up of 38.48 months, CTRT resulted in a significant improvement of the 5-year PFS (60.9% vs. 36%, p = 0.03) and the 5-year OS (55.9% vs. 33%, p = 0.015) compared to adjuvant CT. The 5-year OS was significantly increased by adjuvant CTRT (p = 0.046) in patients with lymph node metastasis, and particularly those with advanced pN stage (p = 0.0078) and high lymph node ratio (LNR) exceeding 25% (p = 0.012). Also, there was a significant improvement of the PFS of patients classified pN2-N3 (p = 0.022) with a high LNR (p = 0.018). CTRT was also associated with improved OS and PFS in patients with lymphovascular and perineural invasion (LVI and PNI) compared to chemotherapy.

Conclusion

There is a particular survival benefit of adding radiotherapy to chemotherapy in patients with selected criteria such as lymph node involvement, high LNR LVI, and PNI.

Identification of Patients With Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer Who May Benefit From Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy After D2 dissection: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Background

One of the most controversial areas in gastrointestinal oncology is the benefit of postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) over chemotherapy (CT) alone after D2 dissection of locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). We aimed to identify the LAGC patients who may benefit from adjuvant CRT.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively 188 patients receiving radical gastrectomy with D2 dissection for LAGC in our hospital. Patients were divided into two balanced groups by using propensity score matching: CRT group (n = 94) received adjuvant CRT, and CT group received adjuvant CT alone.

Results

At a median follow-up of 27.10 months, 188 patients developed 79 first recurrence events (36 in CRT group and 43 in CT group). Our results showed that adjuvant CRT significantly decreased the risk of developing local regional recurrence (LRR) when compared to CT alone (14.9% vs. 25.5%, p = 0.044), while the estimated 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was comparable between the CRT and CT groups (59.3% vs. 50.9%, p = 0.239). In the subgroup analysis, a significantly decreased LRR rate was also observed in LAGC patients with N1-3a stage after adjuvant CRT (p = 0.046), but not for N3b. Para-aortic lymph nodes (station No. 16) were the most frequent sites of LRR. After receiving radiotherapy, recurrence of 16 a2 region and 16 b1 region were significantly deceased (p = 0.026 and p = 0.044, respectively). Patients who received irradiation more than 4 months after surgery showed an increased risk of LRR (p = 0.022).

Conclusions

This study showed that adjuvant CRT significantly reduced LRR after D2 dissection of LAGC. Early initiation of adjuvant RT with clinical target volume encompassing a2 and b1 regions of para-aortic lymph nodes is recommended for pN1-3a patients after D2 dissection.

Molecular Subtypes and CD4+ Memory T Cell-Based Signature Associated With Clinical Outcomes in Gastric Cancer

Background

CD4⁺ memory T cells are an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and affect tumor occurrence and progression. Nevertheless, there has been no systematic analysis of the effect of CD4⁺ memory T cells in gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

Three datasets obtained from microarray and the corresponding clinical data of GC patients were retrieved and downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We uploaded the normalize gene expression data with standard annotation to the CIBERSORT web portal for evaluating the proportion of immune cells in the GC samples. The WGCNA was performed to identify the modules the CD4⁺ memory T cell related module (CD4⁺ MTRM) which was most significantly associated with CD4⁺ memory T cell. Univariate Cox analysis was used to screen prognostic CD4⁺ memory T cell-related genes (CD4⁺ MTRGs) in CD4⁺ MTRM. LASSO analysis and multivariate Cox analysis were then performed to construct a prognostic gene signature whose effect was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC), Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), and decision curve analyses (DCA). A prognostic nomogram was finally established based on the CD4⁺ MTRGs.

Result

We observed that a high abundance of CD4⁺ memory T cells was associated with better survival in GC patients. CD4⁺ MTRM was used to stratify GC patients into three clusters by unsupervised clustering analysis and ten CD4⁺ MTRGs were identified. Overall survival, five immune checkpoint genes and 17 types of immunocytes were observed to be significantly different among the three clusters. A ten-CD4⁺ MTRG signature was constructed to predict GC patient prognosis. The ten-CD4⁺ MTRG signature could divide GC patients into high- and low-risk groups with distinct OS rates. Multivariate Cox analysis suggested that the ten-CD4⁺ MTRG signature was an independent risk factor in GC. A nomogram incorporating this signature and clinical variables was established, and the C-index was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.697–0.763). Calibration curves and DCA presented high credibility for the OS nomogram.

Conclusion

We identified three molecule subtypes, ten CD4⁺ MTRGs, and generated a prognostic nomogram that reliably predicts OS in GC. These findings have implications for precise prognosis prediction and individualized targeted therapy.

Comparison of Perioperative Chemotherapy versus Postoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Operable Stomach Cancer: A Western Canadian Province Experience

Background: The standard approaches for resectable stomach cancer are postoperative chemoradiotherapy (PCR) or perioperative chemotherapy (PC). Limited evidence is available regarding the superiority of one of the two approaches. We aimed to compare the survival of patients with operable stomach cancer who were treated with PC or PCR. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with operable stomach cancer diagnosed between 2005–2015 in the province of Saskatchewan were identified and, based on type of treatment, were placed into PCR and PC groups. A Cox proportional multivariate analysis was performed to assess independent prognostic variables, including survival advantage of PC over PCR. Results: A total of 88 eligible patients with a median age of 66 (56–71) and a male to female ratio of 1:0.44 were identified. Seventy-three (83%) patients had pathologically node positive disease. Sixty-seven (76%) patients received PCR, while 21 (24%) patients received PC. The median overall survival of the whole group was 34 months, with 38 months (95% CI 24.6–51.3) in the PCR group vs. 30 months (14.3–45.7) in the PC group (p = 0.29). Median relapse-free survival was 34 months (20.7–47.3) in the PCR group vs. 23 months (6.7–39.3) in the PC group (p = 0.20). Toxicities were comparable. On multivariate analysis, T ≥ 3 tumor (HR, 3.57 (1.39–8.56)), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (LNR) > 2.8 (HR, 1.85 (1.05–3.25)), and positive resection margins (HR, 1.89 (1.06–3.37)) were independently correlated with inferior survival. Conclusions: This well-designed population based cohort study suggests a lack of survival benefit of PC over PCR. Both treatment options remain viable approaches for resectable stomach cancer.

Treatment approach, hospital practice patterns, and receipt of multimodality therapy as measures of quality for locally advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Adequate lymphadenectomy (AL) during surgical resection and delivery of multimodality therapy (MMT) are considered important for optimizing oncologic outcomes in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. Both neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches to MMT delivery are considered acceptable treatment strategies. Our goal was to evaluate the association between MMT treatment approach, hospital practice patterns, and survival and to explore whether AL and MMT might represent measures of quality for locally advanced gastric cancer.

METHODS

A national cohort study of 5433 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (≥cT2 and/or cN+) treated at 987 hospitals within the National Cancer Database (2006-2015). Patients were categorized as receiving a neoadjuvant therapy (NT) or adjuvant therapy (AT) approach. Patients were also categorized based on receipt of AL (≥15 nodes) and MMT (surgery with any preoperative, perioperative, or postoperative AT). Hospitals were stratified based on the predominant treatment approach and the proportion of patients that achieved performance benchmarks (AL ≥ 80%; MMT ≥ 75%). Multivariable Cox shared frailty modeling was used to evaluate the association with the overall risk of death.

RESULTS

Overall, 54.5% of patients were treated with an AT and 45.6% with an NT approach. Relative to surgery alone, receipt of MMT by either approach was associated with decreased risk of death (NT-hazard ratio [HR]: 0.75, 95% confidence interval: [0.65-0.86]; AT-HR: 0.80 [0.71-0.90]). Relative to care at mixed pattern hospitals, care at predominantly AT hospitals was associated with an increased risk of death (HR: 1.28 [1.12-1.47]). Relative to patients whose care achieved no quality measures, AL (HR: 0.75, [0.67-0.82]) and MMT (HR: 0.68 [0.60-0.76]) were each associated with a reduced risk of death. Receipt of both measures was associated with an even greater reduction (HR: 0.47 [0.40-0.56]). Hospital performance on AL, MMT, or both measures was not associated with the risk of death.

CONCLUSION

Because over half of patients are treated with surgery first (many having surgery alone) and care at hospitals favoring a surgery first approach is associated with worse outcomes, quality improvement (QI) efforts should focus on increasing the use of NT strategies. Furthermore, delivery of AL and MMT together may represent an actionable, generalizable target for gastric cancer QI efforts because it improves survival and is unrelated to the context in which care is provided.

Beyond the Guidelines: The Grey Zones of the Management of Gastric Cancer. Consensus Statements from the Gastric Cancer Italian Network (GAIN)

BACKGROUND

Management of gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma remains challenging, because of the heterogeneity in tumor biology within the upper gastrointestinal tract. Daily clinical practice is full of grey areas regarding the complexity of diagnostic, staging, and therapeutic procedures. The aim of this paper is to provide a guide for clinicians facing challenging situations in routine practice, taking a multidisciplinary consensus approach based on available literature.

METHODS

The GAIN (GAstric cancer Italian Network) group was established with the aims of reviewing literature evidence, discussing key issues in prevention, diagnosis, and management of gastric and GEJ adenocarcinoma, and offering a summary of statements. A Delphi consensus method was used to obtain opinions from the expert panel of specialists.

RESULTS

Forty-nine clinical questions were identified in six areas of interest: role of multidisciplinary team; risk factors; diagnosis; management of early gastric cancer and multimodal approach to localized gastric cancer; treatment of elderly patients with locally advanced resectable disease; and treatment of locally advanced and metastatic cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The statements presented may guide clinicians in practical management of this disease.

Essential updates 2019/2020: Perioperative and surgical management of gastric cancer

Perioperative and surgical management of gastric cancer have been changing as pivotal phase II trials and landmark phase III trials offer new insights to the existing knowledge. The results of many landmark trials have been published or presented in the past year, many of which have changed or will change current clinical practice. For example, FLOT4 has completely changed the regimen of perioperative chemotherapy in Europe. Furthermore, evidence for minimally invasive surgery for clinical Stage I was firmly established by KLASS-01 and JCOG0912 for distal gastrectomy and CLASS-02, KLASS-03, and JCOG1401 for total gastrectomy. Moreover, promising results were provided by CLASS-01 and KLASS-02 for locally advanced gastric cancer. For adjuvant chemotherapy, JACCRO GC-07 (START-2) has provided a new doublet regimen for pathological Stage III, which is often refractory to chemotherapy. Conversely, JCOG0501 poses a significant challenge for advanced tumors, such as large type 3 and scirrhous (type 4) tumors. In this review, we briefly review recent updates and discuss future perspectives of gastric cancer treatment.

Multimodal Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Malignancies

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An Immune Cell Signature Is Associated With Disease-Free Survival and Adjuvant Chemosensitivity of Patients With Resectable Gastric Cancer

Increasing evidence has indicated that current tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage alone cannot predict prognosis and adjuvant chemotherapy benefits accurately for stages II and III gastric cancer (GC) patients after surgery. In order to improve the predictive ability of survival and adjuvant chemotherapy benefits of GC patients after surgery, this study aimed to establish an immune signature based on the composition of infiltrating immune cells. Twenty-eight types of immune cell fractions were evaluated based on the expression profiles of GC patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). The immunoscore (IS) was constructed using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model. Through the LASSO model, an IS classifier consisting of eight immune cells was constructed. Significant difference was found between high-IS and low-IS groups in the training cohort in disease-free survival (DFS, P < 0.0001) and overall survival (OS, P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that the IS classifier was an independent prognostic indicator. Moreover, a combination of IS and TNM stage exhibited better prognostic value than TNM stage alone. Further analysis demonstrated that low-IS patients who had more tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes had better response to adjuvant chemotherapy. More importantly, we found that patients with high-IS were more likely to benefit from a Xeloda plus cisplatin regimen after surgery. Finally, we established two nomograms to screen the stage II and III GC patients who benefitted from adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. The combination of IS classifier and TNM stage could predict DFS and OS of GC patients. The IS model has been proven as a promising tool that can be used to identify the patients with stages II and III GC who may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

CDK6 is stimulated by hyperthermia and protects gastric cancer cells from hyperthermia‑induced damage

Hyperthermia is one of the most widely employed adjuvant treatments for cancer, especially for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and has few side effects. Gastric cancer has various hyperthermia sensitivities, but the exact molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, western blotting was performed to detect differential expression of proteins that have been reported to be upregulated in gastric cancer. Following knockdown of these proteins, apoptosis was measured by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) double staining and hyperthermia treatment was applied. To evaluate the effect of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) on hyperthermia-induced apoptosis, CDK6 was knocked down or inhibited by the addition of a specific inhibitor and subsequent PI staining and cell proliferation, migration and invasion assays were performed. Hyperthermia-induced protein kinase B (AKT) expression and phosphorylation inhibition were detected. As demonstrated in the present study, the hyperthermia-induced proteins kinesin family member 11 (KIF11), cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), stromal antigen 2, NIMA-related kinase 2 and karyopherin subunit α 4 were highly expressed in gastric cancer cells, including SH-10-TC and HGC-27 cells. Knockdown of KIF11 significantly increased apoptosis without hyperthermia treatment and CDK6 significantly increased hyperthermia-induced apoptosis, prompting the present study to focus on CDK6. It was further confirmed that CDK6 activity was critical for decreasing hyperthermia-induced apoptosis and for cell proliferation. Hyperthermia-induced AKT expression and phosphorylation inhibition is potentially the main cause of CDK6 transcriptional upregulation. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that CDK6 is upregulated via hyperthermia-induced AKT inhibition and subsequently protected gastric cancer cells from hyperthermia-induced apoptosis, indicating that it is a potential therapeutic target to sensitize gastric cancer cells to hyperthermia-based therapy.

Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Staging and Multimodal Therapy of Esophageal and Gastric Tumors

Gastric and esophageal tumors are diverse neoplasms that involve mucosal and submucosal tissue layers and include squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, spindle cell neoplasms, neuroendocrine tumors, marginal B cell lymphomas, along with less common tumors. The worldwide burden of esophageal and gastric malignancies is significant, with esophageal and gastric cancer representing the ninth and fifth most common cancers, respectively. The approach to diagnosis and staging of these lesions is multimodal and includes a combination of gastrointestinal endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and cross-sectional imaging. Likewise, therapy is multidisciplinary and combines therapeutic endoscopy, surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapeutic tools. Future directions for diagnosis of esophageal and gastric malignancies are evolving rapidly and will involve advances in endoscopic and endosonographic techniques including tethered capsules, optical coherence tomography, along with targeted cytologic and serological analyses.

Inestabilidad microsatelital y cáncer gástrico

La inestabilidad microsatelital es causada por una alteración de los sistemas de reparación de apareamientoincorrecto, que puede afectar los microsatélites dentro de todo el genoma humano, produciendo errores en su replicación. Los estudios publicados, principalmente en la literatura inglesa, han encontrado que algunos tumores, como los gástricos, pueden expresar inestabilidad microsatelital. En la siguiente revisión de tema, se presenta una descripción de los sistemas de reparación de apareamientos incorrectos y su relación con la presencia de inestabilidad microsatelital en los tumores gástricos, así como su posible utilidad clínica, como factor asociado en la respuesta al tratamiento con inmunoterapia en los pacientes con dicha patología.

Concurrent lymphovascular and perineural invasion after preoperative therapy for gastric adenocarcinoma is associated with decreased survival

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate the impact of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and perineural invasion (PNI) on survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients treated with preoperative therapy.

METHODS

Patients with gastric cancer treated with preoperative therapy and potentially curative resection were stratified according to the presence of LVI, PNI, or both. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the impact on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

The study included 281 patients, of whom 93 (33%) had LVI, 69 (25%) had PNI, 51 (18%) had both LVI and PNI, and 170 (61%) had neither. LVI and PNI were each associated with higher ypT and ypN categories and more positive lymph nodes (all p < .001), associations that were emphasized with both factors present. On multivariable analyses, ypN (p < .001) and concurrent LVI/PNI (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55-4.45; p = .001) were predictive of OS and DFS (ypN: p < .001; both LVI/PNI: HR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.34-3.82; p = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric cancer patients with concurrent LVI and PNI after preoperative therapy have more advanced disease and worse survival outcomes than patients with neither or only one of these factors.

Executive Summary of the American Radium Society Appropriate Use Criteria for Operable Esophageal and Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma: Systematic Review and Guidelines

PURPOSE

Limited guidance exists regarding the relative effectiveness of treatment options for nonmetastatic, operable patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). In this systematic review, the American Radium Society (ARS) gastrointestinal expert panel convened to develop Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) evaluating how neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant treatment regimens compared with each other, surgery alone, or definitive chemoradiation in terms of response to therapy, quality of life, and oncologic outcomes.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was used to develop an extensive analysis of peer-reviewed phase 2R and phase 3 randomized controlled trials as well as meta-analyses found within the Ovid Medline, Cochrane Central, and Embase databases between 2009 to 2019. These studies were used to inform the expert panel, which then rated the appropriateness of various treatments in 4 broadly representative clinical scenarios through a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi).

RESULTS

For a medically operable nonmetastatic patient with a cT3 and/or cN+ adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or GEJ (Siewert I-II), the panel most strongly recommends neoadjuvant chemoradiation. For a cT2N0M0 patient with high-risk features, the panel recommends neoadjuvant chemoradiation as usually appropriate. For patients found to have pathologically involved nodes (pN+) who did not receive any neoadjuvant therapy, the panel recommends adjuvant chemoradiation as usually appropriate. These guidelines assess the appropriateness of various dose-fractionating schemes and target volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy and/or radiation regimens for esophageal cancer are still evolving with many areas of active investigation. These guidelines are intended for the use of practitioners and patients who desire information about the management of operable esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Decision-making of adjuvant therapy in pT1N1M0 gastric cancer: Should radiotherapy be added to chemotherapy? A propensity score-matched analysis

Background: Early gastric cancer (EGC) with metastatic lymph nodes (mLNs) has a relatively higher recurrence rate and poorer prognosis than EGC without mLNs. However, the postoperative treatment directions of pT1N1M0 vary from different guidelines. This study attempted to confirm the value of postoperative treatments in pT1N1M0 GC patients.

Methods: Overall, 379 patients with pT1N1M0 GC following gastrectomy from 2000 to 2016 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was used to reduce bias. Overall survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to confirm the independent prognostic factors.

Results: Before matching, the results of survival analyses indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) and chemoradiotherapy (ACRT) could significantly prolong the survival time of the cohort (P < 0.05). After PSM analysis, 136 patients remained and ACRT maintained significance in the survival analysis (P = 0.018). Furthermore, patients with well or moderately differentiated GC (HR = 0.226, P =0.018) or intestinal type GC (HR = 0.380, P = 0.040) achieved a significantly superior prognosis with ACRT, compared to patients receiving ACT.

Conclusion: The survival benefit of ACRT and ACT for pT1N1M0 GC patients following gastrectomy was confirmed in the SEER cohort. RT added to ACT might be recommended according to Lauren's classification and tumor grade in clinical decision making.

Propensity-score-matching-based analysis of laparoscopic gastrectomy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is widely accepted as a potential treatment for advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) has recently been performed for advanced gastric cancer and could lead to improved adherence to multimodal treatment. In the present study, we compared the feasibility and outcomes of LG in patients with or without NAC in our institution.

METHODS

We assessed patients who underwent LG with (n=185) or without (n=1204) NAC between 1997 and 2013. We used propensity score matching to evaluate perioperative short-term outcomes and long-term outcome.

RESULTS

We used propensity score matching by patient background and treatment-rerated factors to establish two groups of 157 patients with or without NAC. There were no significant differences in perioperative short-term outcomes or long-term outcome between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

LG for selected patients with NAC is feasible and safe but has no long-term survival benefit.

Phase II Study of Preoperative Intra-Arterial Epirubicin, Etoposide, and Oxaliplatin Combined with Oral S-1 Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Borrmann Type 4 Gastric Cancer

Purpose

A phase II study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative, intra-arterial perfusion of epirubicin, etoposide, and oxaliplatin combined with oral chemotherapy S-1 (SEEOX) for the treatment of type 4 gastric cancer.

Materials and Methods

A single-center, single-arm phase II trial was conducted on 36 patients with histologically proven type 4 gastric cancer without distant peritoneal or organ metastasis. Patients received 3, 21-day courses of SEEOX preoperative chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and the secondary outcomes assessed were chemotherapeutic response, radical resection rate, pathological regression, toxicities, postoperative morbidity, and mortality.

Results

All patients were at an advanced stage of cancer (stage III or IV) and completed the entire course of treatment. Based on changes in tumor volume and peritoneal metastasis, the objective response rate was 55.6% (20/36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 38.5%–72.6%) and the disease control rate was 69.4% (25/36; 95% CI, 53.6%–85.3%). The radical resection rate was 75% (27/36; 95% CI, 60.1%–89.9%) and the proportion of R0 resections was 66.7% (21/36; 95% CI, 50.5%–82.8%). The pathological response rate was 33.3%, of which 13.9% showed complete pathological regression. The median survival was 27.1 months (95% CI, 22.24–31.97 months), and the 2-year OS was 48.5% (95% CI, 30.86%–66.1%).

Conclusions

Preoperative SEEOX is a safe and effective treatment for type 4 gastric cancer. Based on these preliminary data, a phase III study will be conducted to confirm the superiority of this regimen over standard treatment.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02949258

Towards Personalization in the Curative Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and has a high mortality rate. In the last decades, treatment strategy has shifted from an exclusive surgical approach to a multidisciplinary strategy. Treatment options for patients with resectable gastric cancer as recommended by different worldwide guidelines, include perioperative chemotherapy, pre- or postoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy. Although gastric cancer is a heterogeneous disease with respect to patient-, tumor-, and molecular characteristics, the current standard of care is still according to a one-size-fits-all approach. In this review, we discuss the background of the different treatment strategies in resectable gastric cancer including the current standard, the specific role of radiotherapy, and describe the current areas of research and potential strategies for personalization of therapy.

Chemoradiotherapy Is Inferior to Chemotherapy Alone in Adjuvant Setting for Signet Ring Cell Containing Gastric Cancer

Background

Signet ring cell containing gastric cancer (SRCGC) is a rare subtype of gastric cancer, and its adjuvant therapy is based on general gastric cancer. However, the effectiveness of radiotherapy for those SRCGC patients remains unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to analyze whether the addition of radiotherapy to adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) can benefit survival in resected SRCGC patients.

Methods

Patients with SRCGC, who underwent D2 gastrectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy (CRT), were retrospectively collected. According to the proportion of signet ring cells, patients were histologically classified as pure SRCGC (pSRCGC) containing 100% of signet ring cells, mixed SRCGC (mSRCGC) containing >50% of signet ring cells, and contaminated SRCGC (cSRCGC) containing <50% of signet ring cells. Among the 272 patients, 156 were treated by CT alone and 116 by CRT. The primary endpoint was 3-year overall survival rate (3-year OS rate).

Results

With a median follow-up of 80.5 months, the 3-year OS rate was significantly higher in the CT group (70.5% vs. 58.6%, HR = 0.633, P = 0.017) compared with CRT group. Three independent characteristics were predictive of a poor overall survival: CRT treatment (P = 0.019), tumor size ≥5 cm (P < 0.001), and the presence of vessel invasion (P = 0.009). Subgroup analyses showed CRT significantly impaired prognosis in SRCGC patients in the cSRCGC subset, as well as lesions located in lower-middle sites, subtotal gastrectomy, male, <60 year, and no vessel invasion. Peritoneal was the most common recurrence site in SRCGC patients. The adverse events leukopenia and neutropenia were more common in the CRT group (P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was associated with poor survival compared with adjuvant chemotherapy in SRCGC patients with D2 gastrectomy.

Home enteral nutrition and oral nutritional supplements in postoperative patients with upper gastrointestinal malignancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The safety and potential benefits of home enteral route nutrition (HERN), referring specifically to home enteral nutrition (HEN) and oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in this article, after upper gastrointestinal (GI) resection are inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of HERN on nutritional status, complications, and quality of life (QOL) after upper GI resection.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Nine databases were searched from inception to October 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the impact of HERN after upper gastrointestinal resection were included. Relative risk/weighted mean difference/standardized mean difference (RR/WMD/SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models.

RESULTS

Overall, 15 RCTs involving 1059 patients were included. Compared with normal oral diet, HERN significantly prevented weight loss (-3.95 vs -5.82 kg; SMD: 1.98 kg; 95% CI: 1.24-2.73); improved added-level of albumin (3.48 vs 2.41 g/L; SMD: 1.36 g/L; 95% CI: 0.81-1.91), hemoglobin (6.54 vs -1.29 g/L; WMD: 7.45 g/L; 95% CI: 5.05-9.86), pre-albumin (37.59 vs 7.35 mg/L; WMD: 21.6 mg/L; 95% CI: 5.96-37.24), and transferrin (63.08 vs 50.45 mg/L; WMD: 16.44 mg/L; 95% CI: 13.51-19.38); and reduced the incidence of malnutrition or latent malnutrition (RR = 0.54; P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis based on the approach of HERN showed that weight loss in the HEN subgroup was significantly lower than that of the control group (WMD = 2.69, P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference between the ONS subgroup and the control group (P = 0.1). The same results were found in albumin. Physical function (WMD: 5.29; 95% CI: 1.86-8.73) and fatigue (WMD: -8.59; 95% CI: -12.61, -4.58) dimensions in QOL were significantly better in the HERN group. No significant differences in gastrointestinal and tube-related complications.

CONCLUSION

HERN improved nutritional status and some dimensions of QOL in upper GI malignancy patients after surgery, without increasing complications. Subgroup analysis showed that HEN experienced more benefits than ONS.

Adjuvant chemotherapy is superior to chemoradiation after D2 surgery for gastric cancer in the per-protocol analysis of the randomized CRITICS trial

BACKGROUND

The Intergroup 0116 and the MAGIC trials changed clinical practice for resectable gastric cancer in the Western world. In these trials, overall survival improved with post-operative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and perioperative chemotherapy (CT). Intention-to-treat analysis in the CRITICS trial of post-operative CT or post-operative CRT did not show a survival difference. The current study reports on the per-protocol (PP) analysis of the CRITICS trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The CRITICS trial was a randomized, controlled trial in which 788 patients with stage Ib-Iva resectable gastric or esophagogastric adenocarcinoma were included. Before start of preoperative CT, patients from the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark were randomly assigned to receive post-operative CT or CRT. For the current analysis, only patients who started their allocated post-operative treatment were included. Since it is uncertain that the two treatment arms are balanced in such PP analysis, adjusted proportional hazards regression analysis and inverse probability weighted analysis were used to minimize the risk of selection bias and to estimate and compare overall and event-free survival.

RESULTS

Of the 788 patients, 478 started post-operative treatment according to protocol, 233 (59%) patients in the CT group and 245 (62%) patients in the CRT group. Patient and tumor characteristics between the groups before start of the post-operative treatment were not different. After a median follow-up of 6.7 years since the start of post-operative treatment, the 5-year overall survival was 57.9% (95% confidence interval: 51.4% to 64.3%) in the CT group versus 45.5% (95% confidence interval: 39.2% to 51.8%) in the CRT group (adjusted hazard ratio CRT versus CT: 1.62 (1.24-2.12), P = 0.0004). Inverse probability weighted analysis resulted in similar hazard ratios.

CONCLUSION

After adjustment for all known confounding factors, the PP analysis of patients who started the allocated post-operative treatment in the CRITICS trial showed that the CT group had a significantly better 5-year overall survival than the CRT group (NCT00407186).

Optimal tumor coverage with different beam energies by IMRT, VMAT and TOMO: Effects on patients with proximal gastric cancer

To compare the effects of different photon energies on radiation planning by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and helical tomotherapy (TOMO) for proximal gastric cancer (PGC). Network analysis with microarray procession and gene ontology were used to identify the effect of radiotherapy (RT) on PGC. Then, we retrospectively analyzed 8 PGC patients after receiving irradiation with a prescribed dose of 50.4 Gy. The Pinnacle treatment planning system (TPS, V9.8) was used to generate IMRT and VMAT plans by using 6 or 10 MV. TOMO plans were calculated on the Tomotherapy Planning Station Hi-Art Version 4.2.3 workstation (Tomotherapy Incorporated, Madison, WI, USA). PGC is associated with high DNA repair ability. TOMO plan results in higher tumor coverage and a better conformity index than IMRT and VMAT. 10-MV VMAT yields better dosimetric quality of the gradient index than 6-MV VMAT (P = .012). TOMO was associated with a lower irradiation dose in the mean dose to the right kidney (P = .049), left kidney and heart than 6-MV IMRT and 6-MV VMAT. 6-MV IMRT plan presented a higher dose of lung Dmean (P = .017) than 10-MV IMRT. Additionally, VMAT, using a planning energy of 6 MV, was associated with a significantly higher left kidney Dmean (P = .018) and V10 (P = .036) than a planning energy of 10 MV. TOMO is a better RT plan not only for tumor coverage but also for sparing organs at risk. IMRT and VMAT plans with 10 MV beams are more suitable than 6 MV beams for PGC treatment.

Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy Versus Postoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Patients With Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Study Based on Propensity Score Analyses

Purpose

Although adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) used to be recommended as a standard of care for locally advanced gastric cancer, this suggestion has been strongly challenged recently. However, clear evidence regarding the optimization of radiotherapy is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of preoperative CRT versus that of postoperative CRT for resectable or potentially resectable gastric cancer.

Methods

From January 2005 to December 2017, patients with clinical stage III/IVa (i.e., T3-4aN+M0 or T4bNxM0) locally advanced gastric cancer were retrospectively identified. Survival after preoperative CRT and postoperative CRT was assessed by unadjusted, propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) analyses. Moreover, exploratory subgroup analyses were performed, and toxicity and patterns of failure were also investigated.

Results

The median follow-up time was 32.5 months. A total of 82 and 463 patients were enrolled in the preoperative and postoperative CRT groups, respectively. After propensity score matching, preoperative CRT was associated with improved overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) compared with postoperative CRT (3-year OS: 72.6 vs. 54.4%, log-rank p = 0.0021; 3-year DFS: 61.7 vs. 44.7%, log-rank p = 0.002). The unadjusted and IPTW analyses yielded consistent results. A complete pathologic response was achieved in 13.4% of the preoperative CRT group. Although the incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse effects and surgical complications were similar between the two groups, significantly fewer patients experienced treatment interruptions or dose reductions due to toxic effects in the preoperative CRT setting than in the postoperative CRT setting (3.7 vs. 10.6%, p = 0.049).

Conclusions

Compared with postoperative CRT, preoperative CRT was associated with improved OS and DFS, superior treatment compliance and comparable surgical complications for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. Our findings provide important evidence for the optimal combination modalities of surgery and CRT in the absence of randomized clinical data.

Locoregional gastric cancer: a narrative review of multidisciplinary management

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. While relatively uncommon in the United States, worldwide it is the 5^th most common cancer diagnosed. Almost half of patients present with locoregional disease. Even with advanced surgical techniques and adjuvant perioperative treatment the prognosis for patients in this cohort is still dismal. Perioperative chemotherapy and/or radiation have been used in the last several decades in an attempt to improve outcomes in locally advanced resectable gastric cancer. In this article, we will review the development of these multimodal treatment strategies over the past two to three decades. We will compare these treatment modalities and their impact on survival outcomes. We will review the evidence for perioperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy, used in isolation and in combination. We will evaluate the evidence for these various treatment strategies and discuss how this impacts the current guidelines and recommendations. While advanced locoregional gastric cancer continues to carry significant mortality, several recent studies have added to the armament of treatment options and have seen significant improvement in progression free and overall survival in this patient population. Ongoing studies into perioperative management continue to investigate alternative treatment options and best practice for locally advanced resectable gastric cancer.

Adjuvant radiochemotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer: from evidence to daily clinical practice in a single institution

Background

Gastric cancer is one of the main important causes of cancer death in Chile.

Objective

To report the results of adjuvant radiochemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer.

Material and Methods

Between 2000 and 2018, 214 subjects aged 23-85 (median, 62) years with lymph node and/or serosa involvement were treated with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy after curative resection.

Results

With a median follow-up of 41 months, overall 3- and 5-year survival was 54.9% and 40.85%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the factors associated with lower survival were aged >65 years, stage group and number of lymph nodes involved.

Conclusion

In patients with locoregionally advanced gastric cancer treated with curative intent with surgery and adjuvant radiochemotherapy, the overall 5-year survival reported from local clinical practice is similar to that reported in randomised series and supports its use as an effective treatment for this type of patients in our country.

Distinguish the Role of Radiotherapy From Chemoradiotherapy for Gastric Cancer With Behavior of Metastasis-Indolent in Lymph Node

BACKGROUND

Although the landmark INT-0116 trial and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommended pT3-4Nx gastric cancer (GC) patients to receive chemoradiotherapy, the role of radiotherapy has not been distinguished from chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

GC with behavior of metastasis-indolent in lymph node (MILN) being confirmed with more than 15 examined LNs after gastrectomy were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result (SEER) database. The cancer-specific survival (CSS) of subgroups for radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy and non-adjuvant-treatment were compared. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed between radiotherapy and non-radiotherapy subgroups to further distinguish the role of radiotherapy from chemoradiotherapy. Cox regression was performed to identify whether radiotherapy or chemotherapy could independently improve prognosis.

RESULTS

We identified 690 MILN GC patients in SEER database. 5-year CSS was 71.9% in radiotherapy subgroup and 75.1% in non-radiotherapy subgroup(HR = 1.013, 95% CI = 0.714-1.438, p = 0.940), 75.6% in chemotherapy subgroup and 68.5% in non-chemotherapy subgroup(HR = 0.616, 95% CI = 0.430-0.884, p = 0.008), 52.5% in radiotherapy-alone subgroup and 71.9% in non-adjuvant treatment group (HR = 1.604, 95% CI = 0.575-4.471, p = 0.360), 72.9% in chemoradiotherapy subgroup and 79.5% in chemotherapy-alone subgroup (HR = 1.365, 95% CI = 0.859-2.172, p = 0.185), respectively. Further, PSM markedly improved balance of variables between radiotherapy subgroup and non-radiotherapy subgroup. After PSM, the role of the variables of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in contributing to improving CSS are consistent with that before PSM. Cox regression showed chemotherapy, tumor size, tumor invasiveness and Lauren classification were independent prognostic factors, but not including radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemoradiotherapy confers superior prognosis to MILN GC patients compared with surgery alone might only be attributed to chemotherapy rather than radiotherapy.

The efficacy of treating patients with non-metastatic gastric linitis plastica using surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy

Background

To explore the efficacy of treatment strategies for non-metastatic gastric linitis plastica (GLP).

Methods

Patients with non-metastatic GLP from 2004 to 2014 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). We compared overall survival (OS) of those patients who received different treatments, including surgery alone, a combination of surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (S + C/R), chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (C/R), and no treatment.

Results

The cohort included 474 patients with non-metastatic GLP. Overall, the median survival was significantly different among four groups (13.90 months in S + C/R, 8.38 months in surgery alone, 8.94 months in C/R and 2.50 months in no treatment). Then, we compared the efficacy of surgery alone and surgery with postoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (S + post C/R). When the tumor size was greater than 8 cm in stage III patients, S + post C/R was associated with a better survival benefit than surgery alone. S + post C/R also conferred an obvious survival advantage compared to surgery alone for R0 patients with positive lymph nodes and patients with positive margins.

Conclusions

Surgery plays the fundamental role in improving the OS of patients with non-metastatic GLP. S + post C/R would benefit patients in stage III with large-sized tumors (>8 cm), patients with negative margins and positive lymph nodes, and/or patients with positive margins.

Novel molecular targets in gastric adenocarcinoma

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. A high mortality rate and resistance to treatment protocols due to a heterogeneous molecular pathogenesis has made discovering the key etiologic molecular alterations of the utmost importance. The remarkable role played by epigenetic modifications in repressing or activating many cancer-related genes and forming new epigenetic signatures can affect cancer initiation and progression. Hence, targeting the key epigenetic drivers could potentially attenuate cancer progression. MLLs, ARID1A and EZH2 are among the major epigenetic players that are frequently mutated in GACs. In this paper, we have proposed the existence of a network between these proteins that, together with PCAF and KDM6A, control the 3D chromatin structure and regulate the expression of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) and oncogenes in GAC. Therefore, we suggest that manipulating the expression of EZH2, PCAF, and KDM6A or their downstream targets may reduce the cancerous phenotype in GAC.

Pyrotinib enhances the radiosensitivity of HER2‑overexpressing gastric and breast cancer cells

The overexpression or amplification of HER2 has been observed in a significant proportion of both gastric cancer (GC) and breast cancer (BC) cases. Pyrotinib is an irreversible dual (EGFR/HER2) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), newly evaluated for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing cancer types. As radiotherapy (RT) serves a crucial role in controlling the local recurrence of GC and BC, the present study investigated the impact of pyrotinib on the irradiation response. The current results demonstrated that pyrotinib enhanced the radiosensitivity of HER2-overexpressing GC and BC cells in vitro and in vivo. In both NCI-N87 and SKBR3 cells, pyrotinib suppressed the irradiation-induced HER2 nuclear transport. Furthermore, pyrotinib increased DNA damage induced by irradiation in both cancer cell lines. Pyrotinib also enhanced the cytotoxicity of docetaxel, which may provide a novel strategy for potential drug combinations. Thus, pyrotinib is a promising irradiation sensitizer in patients with HER2-overexpressing GC and BC. The present results provide a theoretical foundation for further clinical evaluation of pyrotinib.

UR, Jesus VHF, Jr WLC, Prolla G. Brazilian Group of Gastrointestinal Tumours' consensus guidelines for the management of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is among the ten most common types of cancer worldwide. Most cases and deaths related to the disease occur in developing countries. Local socio-economic, epidemiologic and healthcare particularities led us to create a Brazilian guideline for the management of gastric carcinomas. The Brazilian Group of Gastrointestinal Tumors (GTG) invited 50 physicians with different backgrounds, including radiology, pathology, endoscopy, nuclear medicine, genetics, oncological surgery, radiotherapy and clinical oncology, to collaborate. This document was prepared based on an extensive review of topics related to heredity, diagnosis, staging, pathology, endoscopy, surgery, radiation, systemic therapy and follow-up, which was followed by presentation, discussion, and voting by the panel members. It provides updated evidence-based recommendations to guide clinical management of gastric carcinomas in several scenarios and clinical settings.