Contribution of silent gallstones in gallbladder cancer

Intelligent recognition of CTCs from gallbladder cancer by ultrasensitive electrochemical cytosensor and diagnosis of chemotherapeutic resistance

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is one of most aggressive and lethal malignancies. Early diagnosis of GBC is crucial for determining appropriate treatment and improving chances of cure. Chemotherapy represents the main therapeutic regimen for unresectable GBC patients to inhibit tumor growth & metastasis. But, chemoresistance is the major cause of GBC recurrence. Thus, there is an urgent need to explore potentially non-invasive and point-of-care approaches to screen GBC and monitor their chemoresistance. Herein, we established an electrochemical cytosensor to specifically detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and their chemoresistance. Trilayer of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were cladded upon SiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs), forming Tri-QDs/PEI@SiO₂ electrochemical probes. Upon conjugation of anti-ENPP1, the electrochemical probes were able to specifically label captured CTCs from GBC. The detection of CTCs and chemoresistance were realized by square wave anodic stripping voltammetric (SWASV) responses to anodic stripping current of Cd ²⁺ ion when cadmium in electrochemical probes was dissolved and eventually electrodeposited on bismuth film-modified glassy carbon electrode (BFE). Taking use of this cytosensor, one ensured the screening of GBC and limit of detection for CTCs approaches to ～10 cells/mL. Furthermore, by monitoring phenotypic changes of CTCs after drug treatment, the diagnosis of chemoresistance was achieved by our cytosensor.

Survival analysis and prognostic factors of the carcinoma of gallbladder

BACKGROUND

The present study aims to evaluate the survival status of patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC) and explore the prognostic factors for the improvement and preventions.

METHODS

The study consists of 176 patients with clinically diagnosed gallbladder cancer; the study was conducted between 2019 and 2021 registered at Kamala Nehru Memorial Cancer Hospital, Prayagraj, India. The survival rates were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method; survival rate difference was analyzed by log-rank test, prognosis factors; and hazard ratio for mortality outcomes was estimated using Cox regression method.

RESULTS

The overall median survival time of patients was 5 months with the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates of 24.4%, 8.5%, and 4.5%, respectively. The 3-year survival for patients with jaundice was 2.9%, liver infiltration (4.2%), gallstones (0.8%), and with advanced tumor grade (1.4%). Elderly GBC patients had lower survival rates (3.8%), while the 3-year overall survival for patients residing in urban areas dropped to zero. No patients in the tumor stage (T3/T4) and with distance metastasis stage survived in 3 years, while only 1.1% of patients with advanced nodal stage survived. On receiving surgery and radiation therapy, the 3-year survival rate increased to 19.5% and 35%, respectively. The results of multivariate analysis showed that urban region (HR = 1.568, p = 0.040), gallstone or not (1.571, p = 0.049), N stage (HR = 1.468, p = 0.029), and M stage (HR = 2.289, p < 0.0001) were independent risk factors for prognosis, while surgery or not (HR = 0.573, p = 0.030) was the protective factor for the prognosis of GBC.

CONCLUSION

The overall survival of GBC in the Gangetic belt is poor. The geographical region of patients, gallstones, and N and M stage was the risk factors for prognosis, while surgery or not was the protective factor for the prognosis of GBC.

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of biliary tract cancers 2019: The 3rd English edition

BACKGROUND

The Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery launched the clinical practice guidelines for the management of biliary tract cancers (cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and ampullary cancer) in 2007, then published the 2nd version in 2014.

METHODS

In this 3rd version, clinical questions (CQs) were proposed on six topics. The recommendation, grade for recommendation, and statement for each CQ were discussed and finalized by an evidence-based approach. Recommendations were graded as Grade 1 (strong) or Grade 2 (weak) according to the concepts of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

The 31 CQs covered the six topics: (a) prophylactic treatment, (b) diagnosis, (c) biliary drainage, (d) surgical treatment, (e) chemotherapy, and (f) radiation therapy. In the 31 CQs, 14 recommendations were rated strong and 14 recommendations weak. The remaining three CQs had no recommendation. Each CQ includes a statement of how the recommendations were graded.

CONCLUSIONS

This latest guideline provides recommendations for important clinical aspects based on evidence. Future collaboration with the cancer registry will be key for assessing the guidelines and establishing new evidence.

Massive gallstone in an asymptomatic Indigenous Canadian male: Case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Gallstones are present in 10-15% of North Americans, but only 20% become symptomatic. This case report describes a patient with a 7.5 cm gallstone detected incidentally while being investigated for cardiac pathology. This is the first report in the English literature of a stone this size that has remained clinically asymptomatic. This work is reported in line with the SCARE criteria.

CASE REPORT

The patient was a 71-year-old Indigenous Canadian male, with atrial fibrillation. His cardiologist ordered a CT scan of his chest, which incidentally identified a large gallstone. He was referred to surgery for asymptomatic cholelithiasis. An uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Final pathology showed a 7.5 cm gallstone with features of chronic cholecystitis.

DISCUSSION

The patient's ethnicity and gallstone size placed him at increased risk for gallbladder cancer, gallstone fistulization and perforation. We reviewed the literature for asymptomatic patients who may benefit from cholecystectomy: transplant recipients and those with hemolytic disorders. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not currently indicated in diabetics and bariatric surgery patients.

CONCLUSION

This case report shows that there are asymptomatic patients with massive gallstones. A review of their history, risk factors for malignancy and future gallstone related complications must be carefully weighed and discussed prior to deciding on surgical versus expectant management.

Diet and biliary tract cancer risk in Shanghai, China

Trends in biliary tract cancer incidence rates have increased in Shanghai, China. These trends have coincided with economic and developmental growth, as well as a shift in dietary patterns to a more Westernized diet. To examine the effect of dietary changes on incident disease, we evaluated associations between diet and biliary tract cancers amongst men and women from a population-based case-control study in Shanghai, China. Biliary tract cancer cases were recruited from 42 collaborating hospitals in urban Shanghai, and population-based controls were randomly selected from the Shanghai Household Registry. Food frequency questionnaire data were available for 225 gallbladder, 190 extrahepatic bile duct, and 68 ampulla of Vater cancer cases. A total of 39 food groups were created and examined for associations with biliary tract cancer. Interestingly, only four food groups demonstrated a suggested association with gallbladder, extrahepatic bile duct, or ampulla of Vater cancers. The allium food group, consisting of onions, garlic, and shallots showed an inverse association with gallbladder cancer (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68-0.97). Similar trends were seen in the food group containing seaweed and kelp (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.67-0.96). In contrast, both preserved vegetables and salted meats food groups showed positive associations with gallbladder cancer (OR:1.27, 95% CI: 1.06-1.52; OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.37, respectively). Each of these four food groups showed similar trends for extrahepatic bile duct and ampulla of Vater cancers. The results of our analysis suggest intake of foods with greater anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in decreasing the risk of biliary tract cancers. Future studies should be done to better understand effects of cultural changes on diet, and to further examine the impact diet and inflammation have on biliary tract cancer incidence.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: consensus conference-based guidelines

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard technique for gallbladder diseases in both acute and elective surgery. Nevertheless, reports from national surveys still seem to represent some doubts regarding its diffusion. There is neither a wide consensus on its indications nor on its possible related morbidity. On the other hand, more than 25 years have passed since the introduction of LC, and we have all witnessed the exponential growth of knowledge, skill and technology that has followed it. In 1995, the EAES published its consensus statement on laparoscopic cholecystectomy in which seven main questions were answered, according to the available evidence. During the following 20 years, there have been several additional guidelines on LC, mainly focused on some particular aspect, such as emergency or concomitant biliary tract surgery.

METHODS

In 2012, several Italian surgical societies decided to revisit the clinical recommendations for the role of laparoscopy in the treatment of gallbladder diseases in adults, to update and supplement the existing guidelines with recommendations that reflect what is known and what constitutes good practice concerning LC.

Epigenetic changes in carcinogenesis of gallbladder

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a lethal and a common malignancy affecting mostly females. There are restricted high incidence pockets across the world and in northern India highest incidence of GBC is reported from the Gangetic belt. The etiology of this disease remains largely unknown though several risk factors have been stated. The genetic aberrations in GBC involving mutations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes have been reported in literature. However, there is scarcity of data regarding epigenetic changes that may also be involved in gallbladder carcinogenesis. This review attempts to summarize our current understanding of the epigenetic changes in GBC.

Chronic inflammation and gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common biliary tract malignancy with an extremely poor prognosis. Epidemiological data have demonstrated that chronic inflammation resulting from infection of gallbladder or gallstones predispose individuals to GBC. Recent studies have begun to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying the development of GBC in the setting of chronic inflammation. It is possible that persistently local inflammatory reactions may contribute to the development and progression of GBC through inducing genetic alterations, and subsequent promoting survival and proliferation of mutated sells, inhibiting apoptosis, stimulating angiogenesis and metastasis. This article reviews the current understanding of the involvement of chronic inflammation in gallbladder tumorigenesis.

Risk factors for gallbladder cancer: a case-control study

Risk factors for gallbladder cancer (GBC) except gallstones are not well known. The objective was to study the risk factors for GBC. In a case-control study, 200 patients with GBC, 200 healthy controls and 200 gallstones patients as diseased controls were included prospectively. The risk factors studied were related to socioeconomic profile, life style, reproduction, diet and bile acids. On comparing GBC patients (mean age 51.7 years; 130 females) with healthy controls, risk factors were chemical exposure [odd ratios (OR): 7.0 (2.7-18.2); p < 0.001)], family history of gallstones [OR: 5.3 (1.5-18.9); p < 0.01)], tobacco [OR: 4.1 (1.8-9.7); p < 0.001)], fried foods [OR: 3.1 (1.7-5.6); p < 0.001], joint family [OR: 3.2 (1.7-6.2); p < 0.001], long interval between meals [OR: 1.4 (1.2-1.6); p < 0.001] and residence in Gangetic belt [OR: 3.3 (1.8-6.2); p < 0.001]. On comparing GBC cases with gallstone controls, risk factors were female gender [OR: 2.4 (1.3-4.3); p = 0.004], residence in Gangetic belt [OR: 2.3 (1.2-4.4); p = 0.012], fried foods [OR: 2.5 (1.4-4.4); p < 0.001], diabetes [OR: 2.7 (1.2-6.4); p = 0.02)], tobacco [OR 3.8 (1.7-8.1); p < 0.001)] and joint family [OR: 2.1 (1.2-3.4); p = 0.004]. The ratio of secondary to primary bile acids was significantly higher in GBC cases than gallstone controls (20.8 vs. 0.44). Fried foods, tobacco, chemical exposure, family history of gallstones, residence in Gangetic belt and secondary bile acids were significant risk factors for GBC.

Epidemiology of gallbladder disease: cholelithiasis and cancer

Diseases of the gallbladder are common and costly. The best epidemiological screening method to accurately determine point prevalence of gallstone disease is ultrasonography. Many risk factors for cholesterol gallstone formation are not modifiable such as ethnic background, increasing age, female gender and family history or genetics. Conversely, the modifiable risks for cholesterol gallstones are obesity, rapid weight loss and a sedentary lifestyle. The rising epidemic of obesity and the metabolic syndrome predicts an escalation of cholesterol gallstone frequency. Risk factors for biliary sludge include pregnancy, drugs like ceftiaxone, octreotide and thiazide diuretics, and total parenteral nutrition or fasting. Diseases like cirrhosis, chronic hemolysis and ileal Crohn's disease are risk factors for black pigment stones. Gallstone disease in childhood, once considered rare, has become increasingly recognized with similar risk factors as those in adults, particularly obesity. Gallbladder cancer is uncommon in developed countries. In the U.S., it accounts for only ~ 5,000 cases per year. Elsewhere, high incidence rates occur in North and South American Indians. Other than ethnicity and female gender, additional risk factors for gallbladder cancer include cholelithiasis, advancing age, chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gallbladder, congenital biliary abnormalities, and diagnostic confusion over gallbladder polyps.

Expression profile of cholecystokinin type-A receptor in gallbladder cancer and gallstone disease

BACKGROUND

Regulatory peptide receptors have attracted the interest of oncologists as a new promising approach for cancer pathology, imaging and therapy. Although cholecystokinin (CCK) is a potent modulator of gallbladder contractility and plays a potential role in pancreatic carcinogenesis through CCK type-A receptor (CCKAR), its role in gallbladder cancer (GBC) is still unknown and immunohistochemical detection of CCKAR in the gallbladder has not yet been reported. This novel case-control study aimed to investigate the expression profile of CCKAR in GBC and gallstone disease (GSD).

METHODS

This study included 162 samples of gallbladder: 94 from GBC and 68 from GSD. Expression of CCKAR was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. The results were statistically correlated with disease history including age, sex, presence of gallstone, stage and differentiation.

RESULTS

CCKAR was positive in 30/68 (44.1%) of GSD and 72/94 (76.6%) of GBC samples. Fifty-one of the 72 (70.8%) CCKAR-positive GBC samples showed over-expression. Interestingly, consistent results also appeared in the immunoblotting study.

CONCLUSIONS

CCKAR expression was significantly increased in GBC compared to GSD. Moreover, CCKAR expression was associated with the degree of tumor differentiation, i.e., less expression in poorly-differentiated tumors. Thus, it has future prognostic and therapeutic implications in the management of GBC.

Helicobacter pylori and pathogenesis of gallbladder cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare but leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of GBC is increasing at an alarming rate in the Varanasi region, and its etiology remains obscure.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients, 54 with GBC and 54 with gallstone diseases (GSD), were examined for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in gallbladder specimens by rapid urease test, biochemical test, histology, culture, serology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and partial DNA sequencing. PCR was done using heat shock protein-60 (Hsp60) gene-nested primers.

RESULT

Forty (74%) patients with GBC had gallstones. Upon culture, H. pylori colonies were identified in 24 (44%) GBC and 18 (33%) GSD specimens. H. pylori was detected in 20 (37%) GBC and 15 (28%) GSD samples upon histology. Serology was positive in 17 (32%) GBC and 15 (28%) GSD patients. The DNA isolated from GBC and GSD specimens was amplified by PCR with Hsp60-nested primers in 18 (33%) patients with GBC and 15 (28%) with GSD (P > 0.05). These sequences had 98% similarity with the presubmitted Hsp60 sequences of H. pylori in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information's GenBank.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that H. pylori was present in a large population, including both GBC and GSD patients, which indicates its endemic presence in the Varanasi region. Thus, it appears H. pylori might not have a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of GBC in our region.

Hereditary spherocytosis

Hereditary spherocytosis is a common inherited disorder that is characterised by anaemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly. It is reported worldwide and is the most common inherited anaemia in individuals of northern European ancestry. Clinical severity is variable with most patients having a well-compensated haemolytic anaemia. Some individuals are asymptomatic, whereas others have severe haemolytic anaemia requiring erythrocyte transfusion. The primary lesion in hereditary spherocytosis is loss of membrane surface area, leading to reduced deformability due to defects in the membrane proteins ankyrin, band 3, beta spectrin, alpha spectrin, or protein 4.2. Many isolated mutations have been identified in the genes encoding these membrane proteins; common hereditary spherocytosis-associated mutations have not been identified. Abnormal spherocytes are trapped and destroyed in the spleen and this is the main cause of haemolysis in this disorder. Common complications are cholelithiasis, haemolytic episodes, and aplastic crises. Splenectomy is curative but should be undertaken only after careful assessment of the risks and benefits.

Gallstone analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)

BACKGROUND

Gallstone analysis is important in determining the possible etiology of stone formation and the pathophysiology of cholelithiasis. Physical analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), compared to chemical analysis, requires minimal sample volume, shows uniform sensitivity and specificity for all components and provides quantitative results with greater reproducibility. We studied the characteristics and distribution of gallstones using FT-IR in addition to the risk factors for gallstone formation in Korean patients. A better understanding of the mechanism underlying stone formation may help prevent gallstone development.

METHODS

Physical analysis of gallstones in 490 patients who underwent cholecystectomy was carried out using the FT-IR system 2000 (Perkin-Elmer Co.) and Spectrum software (Perkin-Elmer Co.). Visual inspection of the size, color, consistency and surface of the stones was compared with the physical characteristics. Clinical, demographic and laboratory findings were evaluated and compared with the gallstone components.

RESULTS

The FT-IR evaluation showed that most gallstones were composed of a single component (84.1%); cholesterol was the most commonly observed element among the major components (50%, 245/490). Morphological classification according to color, consistency and surface was different from the FT-IR composition analysis. There were significant differences in the components based on age, obesity, education level and the presence of diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that physical analysis of gallstones with FT-IR provides important information on stone composition, distribution and risk factors. These study results will help improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of gallstone disease in the Korean population, where there is a high frequency of hepatobiliary disorders.

The risk of gallbladder cancer from polyps in a large multiethnic series

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is assess whether patients with Indian ethnic background are at an increased risk of developing gallbladder cancer (GBC) if they have been diagnosed with ultrasonic abnormalities of the gallbladder.

METHODS

Between January 1998 and July 2006, 137,655 abdominal ultrasound examinations were performed in Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. After the exclusion of repeat scans and those performed for renal or pelvic disease, 71,431 reports were included in this analysis. Patients in whom the diagnosis of GBC has been made without histology have been identified from the database of Northern and Yorkshire Cancer Registry and the presence of GBC was correlated with ultrasonic gallbladder abnormalities.

RESULTS

Gallbladder polyps (GBP) were detected in 3.3% of patients and these were larger than 10 mm in 0.1% of the cases. Age above 60 years, Indian ethnic background, single GBP larger than 10mm, the presence of gallstones, severe gallbladder wall thickening and irregular thickening were independently associated with the higher odds of developing GBC. The prevalence of malignancy in those with GBP was significantly higher among patients with Indian ethnic background compared to Caucasian patients, 5.5% versus 0.08%, p<0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of GBP, irrelevant of size, amongst patients of Indian ethnic decent, is an indication for further investigation and/or cholecystectomy.

[Precancerous lesions of the gallbladder]

This Mini-review summarizes the epidemiology, predisposing and pre-cancerous conditions related to carcinoma of the gallbladder. In 75% of cases, gallbladder cancer is a cholangiocarcinoma, usually presenting in a late and advanced stage, and it carries one of the worst prognoses of all GI malignancies. Early stage disease is usually discovered incidentally by the pathologist in a gallbladder specimen removed for calculous cholecystitis. It occurs three times more frequently in women than in men and invasive forms usually occur after the age of 60. Incidence varies with geographic location. Besides genetic and geographic factors, the presence of one or more large gallstones is a major risk factor. Gallbladder polyps larger than 1.5 cm. (especially solitary sessile hypoechogenic polyps) are associated with a 50% risk of malignancy. Choledochal cysts and other variations of the biliopancreatic junction are also associated with high risk; cancer may occur at a much younger age in these patients and in the absence of gallstones. Porcelain gallbladder is a risk factor, particularly when there is calcification of the gallbladder mucosa. Chronic gallbladder infection has been implicated as a risk factor for malignant degeneration. Finally, cancer of both the gallbladder and the bile ducts is more frequent in patients suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis.

Gallstone disease

Gallstone disease is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases with a substantial burden to health care systems that is supposed to increase in ageing populations at risk. Aetiology and pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones still are not well defined, and strategies for prevention and efficient nonsurgical therapies are missing. This review summarizes current concepts on the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones with focus on the uptake and secretion of biliary lipids and special emphasis on recent studies into the genetic background.