Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of synchronous multifocal gastric carcinomas

Analysis of Characteristics and Risk Factors of Patients with Single Gastric Cancer and Synchronous Multiple Gastric Cancer among 14,603 Patients

Background/Aims

Synchronous multiple gastric cancer (SMGC) accounts for approximately 6% to 14% of gastric cancer (GC) cases. This study aimed to identify risk factors for SMGC.

Methods

A total of 14,603 patients diagnosed with GC were prospectively enrolled. Data including age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history, p53 expression, microsatellite instability, cancer classification, lymph node metastasis, and treatment were collected. Risk factors were analyzed using logistic regression analysis between a single GC and SMGC.

Results

The incidence of SMGC was 4.04%, and that of early GC (EGC) and advanced GC (AGC) was 5.43% and 3.11%, respectively. Patients with SMGC were older (65.33 years vs 61.75 years, p<0.001) and more likely to be male. Lymph node metastasis was found in 27% of patients with SMGC and 32% of patients with single GC. Multivariate analysis showed that SMGC was associated with sex (male odds ratio [OR], 1.669; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.223 to 2.278; p=0.001), age (≥65 years OR, 1.532; 95% CI, 1.169 to 2.008; p=0.002), and EGC (OR, 1.929; 95% CI, 1.432 to 2.600; p<0.001). Survival rates were affected by Lauren classification, sex, tumor size, cancer type, distant metastasis, and venous invasion but were not related to the number of GCs. However, the survival rate of AGC with SMGC was very high.

Conclusions

SMGC had unique characteristics such as male sex, older age, and EGC, and the survival rate of AGC, in which the intestinal type was much more frequent, was very good (Trial registration number: NCT04973631).

An artificial intelligence model to predict survival and chemotherapy benefits for gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy development and validation in international multicenter cohorts

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a major health problem worldwide, with high prevalence and mortality. The present GC staging system provides inadequate prognostic information and does not reflect the chemotherapy benefit of GC.

METHODS

Two hundred fifty-five patients who underwent surgical resection were enrolled in our study (training cohort = 212, internal validation cohort = 43). Nine clinicopathologic features were obtained to construct an support vector machine (SVM) model. The cohorts from 4 domestic centres and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used for external validation.

RESULTS

In the training cohort, the AUCs were 0.773 (95% CI 0.708-0.838) for 5-year overall survival (OS) and 0.751 (95% CI 0.683-0.820) for 5-year disease-free survival (DFS); in the domestic validation cohort, the AUCs were 0.852 (95% CI 0.810-0.894) and 0.837 (95% CI 0.792-0.882), respectively. The model performed better than the TNM staging system according to the receiver operator characteristic(ROC) curve. GC patients were significantly divided into low, moderate and high risk based on the SVM. High-risk TNM stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ patients were more likely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy than low-risk patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The SVM-based model may be used to predict OS and DFS in GC patients and the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in TNM stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ GC patients.

A predictive risk-scoring model for multiple synchronous early gastric cancers or gastric dysplasia before initial endoscopic resection

OBJECTIVE

To establish a new and easy-to-use risk-scoring predictive model to help identify high-risk patients with multiple synchronous gastric neoplasms (MSGN), including early gastric cancer (EGC) and gastric dysplasia (GD), before initial endoscopic resection (ER).

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 1361 patients with EGC or GD who had undergone ER from November 2006 to September 2019. The patients were randomly divided into the training (n = 681) and validation cohorts (n = 680). In the training phase a prediction score was constructed to assess the independent predictors of MSGN based on multivariate logistic regression analysis. The performance of the prediction model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test.

RESULTS

Of the 1361 patients, 122 (9.0%) had MSGN. Three predictors for MSGN were scored and weighted, as follows: elderly male (≥65 y; three points), a family history of gastric cancer (two points) and surface redness (two points). Accordingly, patients were divided into the low (risk score, 0-3 points) or high-risk groups (risk score, 4-7 points). In the validation cohort, the incidence of MSGN in the low-risk and high-risk groups were 6.1% and 32.0%, respectively (P < 0.001). Our predictive risk-scoring model showed good discrimination (the area under the ROC curve [AUROC] 0.719, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.634-0.794, P < 0.001) and calibration ability (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, χ²  = 6.539, P = 0.587) in the validation group.

CONCLUSION

This risk-scoring model has a good performance in predicting MSGN before the initial ER.

Clinicopathological features, risk of lymph node metastasis and survival outcome of synchronous multiple early gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

To determine clinicopathological features, risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and survival outcome in synchronous multiple early gastric cancer (MEGC) patients.

METHODS

A total of 338 solitary early gastric cancer (SEGC) and 26 MEGC patients who underwent surgical resection were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological features and predictive factors for MEGC patients were evaluated. Also, we analyzed risk factors for LNM and compared survival difference between SEGC and MEGC patients.

RESULTS

The frequency of multiple synchronous lesions was 7.1% in early gastric cancer (EGC) patients. The main and minor lesions were mostly confined to the same third of the stomach (84.6%, 22/26), and the most common location was the lower third of the stomach. With regard to the number of coexisting lesions, most of the patients had two lesions and more than three lesions were not common. Tumor size≤2cm (OR:2.684, 95%CI:1.131-6.368, P<0.05) and the presence of atrophic gastritis (OR:2.418, 95%CI:1.052-5.555, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for synchronous MEGC. There was no significant statistical difference between SEGC and MEGC for LNM (17.5% vs 23.1%, P=0.311). The number of coexisting lesions was not associated with the risk of LNM in EGC. In addition, the survival outcome of MEGC patients was similar to that of SEGC (5-year RFS rate, 96.0% vs 93.7%, P=0.329;5-year OS rate, 96.0% vs 88.3%, P=0.479).

CONCLUSION

Meticulous endoscopic examination at the initial diagnosis of MEGC was very important, especially for those with precancerous lesions such as atrophic gastritis. In terms of treatment methods, endoscopic resection may be equally suitable for synchronous MEGC if the lesions fulfilled its indication criteria.

Comparisons of remnant primary, residual, and recurrent gastric cancer and applicability of the 8th AJCC TNM classification for remnant gastric cancer staging

BACKGROUND

Because there is no well-established postoperative staging system for patients with remnant gastric cancer (RGC), we compared the overall survival of patients categorized with the 8th AJCC TNM staging system.

METHOD

A total of 391 patients underwent surgery for RGC at our institution between 1996 and 2019. Among them, 201 patients received their first surgery at our institution and 190 received primary surgery elsewhere. We retrospectively reviewed their medical records and classified each according to Kaminishi's classification and the 8th AJCC TNM staging system for comparison and analysis.

RESULTS

All 201 patients who underwent their first operation at our institution for malignancy were classified as primary (n = 41, 20.4%), residual (n = 103, 51.2%), and recurrent (n = 57, 28.4%) RGC. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for the primary, residual, and recurrent RGC groups were 78.1%, 73.8% and 56.0%, respectively (p = 0.004). In a multivariate analysis, RGC classification was an independent prognostic factor along with the TNM staging system (p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in OS between the three groups of the same TNM stage. In addition, the OS of each stage related to primary cancer was not significantly different from the OS of RGC patients classified in TNM staging.

CONCLUSION

The RGC classification system we used may reflect the comprehensive aspects of previous disease states and predict the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. In addition, the 8th AJCC TNM classification is a practical and applicable staging system for RGC.

Molecular characteristics of synchronous multiple gastric cancer

Rationale: Multiple gastric cancer (MGC) is characterized by the presence of more than two different tumors in the stomach. However, the clonal relationship and carcinogenesis of MGC remain unclear. We investigated the clonal relationship and role of germline mutations in the carcinogenesis of MGC.

Methods: We gathered 16 multiple gastric cancer patients. Thirty-three tumor samples and sixteen normal gastric tissue or blood samples were obtained from January 2016 to December 2017. We also conducted analyses for 208 gastric cancer and 49 esophagogastric junction cancer (GC-EGJ) tumors from TCGA. DNA extraction from our samples was conducted for whole-exome sequencing (WES).

Results: Tumor mutation burden (TMB) was not statistically significant within database and our data in the GC-EGJ (P=0.0591) and GC groups (P=0.3113). The mutation spectrum and signatures also showed uniform distributions in GC and GC-EGJ groups within our data and TCGA database. Among sixteen patients, four were identified as monoclonal, in which 11, 10, 26 and 6 somatic mutations were shared within different tumors of P7, P8, P9 and P16, respectively. However, no common mutation between different tumors of the same patient was found among the other 12 patients. After identifying predisposing genes, we found that germline MSH2 and NCOR2 mutations were significantly dominant in 8/12 and 10/12 of genetic MGC patients. Additionally, all patients were identified with MSH2 mutations in cancer samples of those genetic MGC patients. Taking genetic MGCs as a whole, we identified that TP53 were significantly mutated in 14 of 25 tumor samples.

Main conclusions: WES analyses are suggestive of monoclonal and polyclonal origin of MGC, which may promote the classification of MGC into genetic and metastatic MGC. For patients with genetic MGC, germline MSH2 X314_splice variants may contribute to carcinogenesis, thus prompting the consideration of more radical surgery and/or anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.

Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Patients with Gastric Superficial Neoplasia and Risk Factors for Multiple Lesions after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in a Western Country

Background

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a treatment for early gastric neoplasms that preserves the stomach. However, the risk of multiple lesions persists.

Objectives

To assess clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with early gastric neoplasms in a Western country and evaluate risk factors for multiple gastric lesions, synchronous, or metachronous.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 230 consecutive patients who underwent ESD for primary neoplasms from 2012 to 2017 (median follow-up: 33 months) was assessed to determine the clinicopathologic characteristics and risk factors for multiple lesions.

Results

The mean age was 68 years, and 53.9% were male. Current/former smoking status was present in 40.4%, and 29.5% had family history of gastric cancer. A third of the patients had only focal gastric atrophy/metaplasia (operative link on gastritis assessment/operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment [OLGA/OLGIM] I/II; endoscopic grading of gastric intestinal metaplasia [EGGIM] 1-4). Synchronous and me-tachronous lesions occurred in 14.3 and 8.6% of patients, respectively. There was a trend for higher risk of multiple lesions in smokers and patients with extensive metaplasia (EGGIM >4), but only older age was an independent risk factor (OR 3.30; 95% CI 1.05-10.34). Age >60 years (OR 10.10, 95% CI 1.40-88.04), current/former smoking status (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.07-12.40), and OLGIM III/IV (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.01-9.36) were independent risk factors for synchronous lesions. No risk factors for metachronous lesions were found.

Conclusions

Surveillance limited to patients with advanced stages of gastritis may miss some primary superficial neoplasms. Although older age increases the risk of multiple lesions, no risk factors were found for metachronous lesions. Therefore, endoscopic surveillance after ESD should be done equally in all patients.

Clinicopathological features and impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the long-term survival of patients with multiple gastric cancers: a propensity score matching analysis

Background

Little is known about the correlation between the clinicopathological features, postoperative treatment, and prognosis of multiple gastric cancers (MGCs). In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between these features and the impact of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy on the long-term survival of patients with MGC.

Methods

The clinical and pathological data of patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma who had radical gastrectomy from January 2007 to December 2016 were analyzed. Using propensity score matching, the prognostic differences, and the impact of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy between those with MGC and solitary gastric cancers (SGC) were compared.

Results

Among the 4107 patients investigated, the incidence of MGC was 3.2% (133/4107). Before matching, patients with MGC and SGC had disparities in the type of gastrectomy, pathological tumor stage (pT), pathological node stage (pN), and pathological tumor-node-metastasis stage (pTNM). After a 1:4 ratio matching, the clinical data of 133 cases of MGC and 532 cases of SGC were found to be comparable. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 56.6% in the entire matched cohort, 48.1% in the MGC group, and 58.7% in the SGC group (P = 0.013). Multivariate analysis revealed that MGC, age, pT stage, pN stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent predictors of OS (all P < 0.05). Stratified analyses demonstrated that for the cohort of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients who did not had adjuvant chemotherapy, the 5-year OS rate of advanced cases of MGC was inferior than that of SGC patients (34.0% vs. 46.1%, respectively; P = 0.025) but there were no significant difference in the 5-year OS rate between advanced MGC and SGC patients who had adjuvant chemotherapy (48.0% vs. 53.3%, respectively; P = 0.292). Further, we found that the 5-year OS rate of advanced MGC who had adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly higher than those who did not had adjuvant chemotherapy (48.0% vs. 34.0%, P = 0.026).

Conclusions

Patients with advanced MGC was identified as having a poorer survival as to SGC patients, but the implementation of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy showed that it had the potential to significantly improve the long-term prognoses of MGC patients.

Occurrence of metachronous multiple primary cancers occurred in different parts of the stomach with 2 pathologic features: A case report

RATIONALE

With the increasing survival rate of gastric cancer, more multiple primary cancers (MPC) have been reported. However, few cases involve metachronous multiple primary cancers which both occurred in the stomach.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 83-year-old Chinese male had been diagnosed with gastric cardia cancer and underwent proximal gastrectomy. The pathological result was gastric adenocarcinoma. 13 years later the patient's gastroscope result deteriorated. The biopsy of the antrum revealed dysplasia with doubtful focal cancerization.

DIAGNOSES

Metachronous multiple primary cancers in the stomach.

INTERVENTIONS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed. The pathological result showed an intra-mucosal signet-ring carcinoma.

OUTCOMES

After treatment, the patient is alive with good condition until now.

LESSONS

This is an unusual case of MPC with different pathological features in different parts of the same organ in an interval of more than ten years and undergoing different operations.

Simultaneous endoscopic submucosal dissection for multiple early gastric cancers in a low volume center

The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of simultaneous endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for multiple early gastric cancers.A total of 70 solitary early gastric cancers from 70 patients and 20 multiple early gastric cancers from 10 patients were included in this retrospective study. The curative resection rate, en bloc resection rate, procedure-related complications, and local recurrence were compared between the 2 groups.There was no statistical difference in the rate of complete resection, en bloc resection, and curative resection between the 2 groups (P > .05). No significant difference was found with respect to the occurrence of postoperative bleeding (P > .05). Procedure time was significantly longer in the simultaneous group than that in the single group (87.6 ± 25.1 min vs 54.6 ± 22.0 min, P = .004). The overall incidence of synchronous early gastric cancer was 7.5%.Simultaneous ESD for multiple early gastric cancers is a safe and feasible choice in low-volume hospital. The entire stomach should be examined meticulously during and after ESD. Larger randomized studies are needed to validate our results.

Clinicopathologic Similarities of the Main and Minor Lesions of Synchronous Multiple Early Gastric Cancer

The detection rate of early gastric cancer (EGC) is increasing due to improvements in diagnostic methods, but synchronous multiple EGC (SMEGC) remains a major problem. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of and the correlation between the main and minor lesions of SMEGC. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with EGC between April 2008 and May 2013. The main lesion was defined as the one with the greatest invasion depth. If lesions had the same invasion depth, the tumor diameter was used to define the main lesion. Of 963 patients who had treatment for EGC, 37 patients with SMEGC were analyzed. The main and minor lesions showed a significant positive correlation of size (r = 0.533, P = 0.001). The main and minor lesions of SMEGC showed the same vertical and horizontal locations at 70.3% and 64.9%, respectively (P = 0.002 and P = 0.002). Macroscopic types were identical in 67.6% (P < 0.001), and 32.4% had identical macroscopic type and location. The main and minor lesions had identical characteristics of invasion depth, presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and differentiation in 78.4%, 83.8%, and 83.8%, respectively. Differentiation, LVI, and invasion depth (microscopic characteristics) were simultaneously the same in 62.2%. The location, macroscopic type, and 3 microscopic characteristics were matched in 27%. The main and minor lesions of SMEGC have similar clinicopathologic characteristics. Therefore, the possibility of SMEGC should not be neglected in cases of EGC, considering an understanding of the characteristics and association of lesions.

Safety and feasibility of simultaneous endoscopic submucosal dissection for multiple gastric neoplasias

BACKGROUND

Synchronous gastric neoplasms are not infrequently detected, thus endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for multiple early gastric neoplasia is occasionally considered. However, there have been few investigations of the safety and feasibility of simultaneous ESD for multiple gastric lesions. This study aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of simultaneous ESD for multiple gastric neoplasia.

METHODS

A total of 1823 patients who underwent ESD for 1929 gastric adenomas or early gastric cancers were retrospectively reviewed in this study. Two hundred gastric adenomas or early gastric cancers among 94 patients were treated by ESD simultaneously (multiple group), and 1729 patients were treated with ESD for a single lesion (single group).

RESULTS

En bloc resection (P = 0.060), complete resection (P = 0.362) and curative resection (P = 0.108) rates did not differ between the two groups. Rates of adverse events including bleeding (P = 0.317), perforation (P = 0.316) and aspiration pneumonia (P = 0.563) were not higher in the multiple group. Long-term follow-up showed more frequent local recurrence (P < 0.001), synchronous neoplasia (P = 0.041) and metachronous neoplasia (P < 0.001) per patient in the multiple group; however, local recurrence per lesion did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.103).

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous ESD for multiple synchronous gastric neoplasms is safe and feasible compared to single ESD. However, thorough examination for local recurrence and synchronous and metachronous neoplasia is required.

The 7th AJCC/UICC TNM staging system may be not suitable in predicting prognosis of synchronous multiple gastric carcinoma patients with D2 gastrectomy

To assess the suitability of the 7th AJCC/UICC TNM staging system in predicting the prognosis of synchronous multiple gastric carcinomas (SMGCs). A total of 129 SMGC patients who underwent gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy from January 1999 to January 2009 were enrolled in this study. The location, diameter, and depth of invasion of the main tumor were all related to prognosis (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed depth of invasion as an independent predictive factor for survival (P < 0.05). Interestingly, logistic regression analysis showed that the 7th AJCC/UICC N staging system was unable to significantly predict survival in SMGCS patients (P > 0.05). Cut-point survival analysis identified the most appropriate cut-offs for metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) as 0, 1, 6, 10, and 19: patients with 0, 1-6, 7-10, and 11-19, and ≥ 20 MLNs had median survival times of 70, 56, 35, 52, and 32 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis suggested this new categorization of MLNs to be a significant predictor of survival (P < 0.05). Preoperative assessment of depth of invasion can help in the prognosis of SMGCs patients. The 7th UICC TNM staging system may be not suitable for SMGC patients and needs improvement for rational grading of SMGCs.

Characteristics and prognosis of synchronous multiple early gastric cancer

AIM: To assess the clinicopathologic characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis for synchronous multiple early gastric cancer (SMGC).

METHODS: A total of 146 patients with SMGC and 1194 patients with single gastric cancer who had undergone gastrectomy between 1989 and 2008 were retrospectively analyzed to determine their clinicopathologic characteristics and postoperative survival. Tumors were classified into groups on the basis of location and histology. Smoking habits were evaluated using the Brinkman index. Clinical and pathological factors were compared using either Fisher’s exact test or Pearson’s χ² test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors. Survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS: SMGCs accounted for 10.9% of gastric cancer cases and occurred predominantly in elderly male patients with a family history of gastric cancer who were both smokers and drinkers. These tumors were typically macroscopically elevated and histologically differentiated. There were no significant differences between SMGC and single gastric cancer patients with respect to tumor location, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, the number of metastatic lymph nodes, venous invasion, or tumor stage (P = 0.052, P = 0.347, P = 0.595, P = 0.805, P = 0.559, and P = 0.408, respectively). Further, there was no significant difference in postoperative survival between the patient groups (P = 0.200). Of the 146 SMGC patients, a single patient had remnant cancer.

CONCLUSION: A careful preoperative endoscopy is necessary for patients who are at high risk of SMGC, and minimally invasive treatment may be indicated in some cases.

How can we predict the presence of missed synchronous lesions after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancers or gastric adenomas?

GOALS

To identify predictive factors associated with the presence of missed synchronous lesions after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric adenoma or early gastric cancer (EGC).

BACKGROUND

Secondary gastric neoplasms that develop during follow-up period after ESD for gastric adenoma or EGC are divided into metachronous lesions and missed synchronous lesions.

METHODS

ESD was performed in 250 patients with EGC or gastric adenoma. The patients with endoscopic follow-ups of <1 year, patients without curative resection, and patients with additional surgery were excluded from the study. Missed synchronous lesions were defined as secondary gastric neoplasms detected within one year of ESD but initially missed. We compared clinicopathologic factors between patients with missed synchronous lesions and patients without missed synchronous lesions.

RESULTS

Missed synchronous lesions were found in 11.6% of the patients (29/250). The occurrence of missed synchronous lesions had significant correlation with tumor number at the time of ESD and age in the univariate analysis. Tumor number at the time of ESD and age were significant independent predictive factors for presence of missed synchronous lesions by multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 5.302, P = 0.006; odds ratio 2.315, P = 0.040, respectively). Missed synchronous lesions tended to be smaller, often located in the same third of the stomach as the main lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor number at the time of ESD and age could be predictive factors for the presence of missed synchronous lesions after ESD. Careful endoscopic surveillance should be performed after ESD for multiple lesions or for elderly patients.

Proper preparation to reduce endoscopic reexamination due to food residue after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Reducing food residue by proper preparation methods before endoscopy after distal gastrectomy can increase the quality of examination and decrease patient discomfort. We evaluated the risk factors for food residue and proper methods of preparation for endoscopy after distal gastrectomy.

METHODS

Follow-up endoscopy with questionnaires was performed on 1,001 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy at Asan Medical Center between December 2010 and July 2011.

RESULTS

Endoscopic examination failed in 94 patients (9.4 %) as a result of large amounts of food residue. Rates of failure were significantly higher in patients who ate a regular diet rather than a soft diet at last dinner before examination (13.9 vs. 6.1 %, p = 0.050), and in those who ate lunch rather than not eating lunch on the day before examination (14.6 vs. 7.7 %, p = 0.020). Multivariate analysis showed that the rate of failed examination was lower in patients who had a history of abdominal surgery (p = 0.011), those who ate a soft (p < 0.001) or liquid (p = 0.003) diet as a last meal rather than a regular diet, those who underwent Billroth I rather than Billroth II reconstruction (p = 0.035), patients with longer fasting time (p = 0.009), and those with a longer gastrectomy-to-endoscopy time interval (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who undergo follow-up endoscopy after surgery should fast more than 18 h and ingest a soft or liquid diet on the day before examination.

Multiple synchronous early gastric cancers: high-risk group and proper management

BACKGROUND

Multiple early gastric cancers (MEGCs) may be easily missed on preoperative gastroscopy because the lesions are predominantly small and flat. This may increase the risks of gastric remnant lesions and recurrence. We aimed to define high-risk group of MEGC and suggest proper management of missed lesion after partial gastrectomy.

METHODS

A total of 117 patients with MEGCs and 2182 with solitary EGC who underwent gastrectomy between 2008 and 2010 were retrospectively analyzed to determine their clinicopathologic characteristics. We also assessed their family history, the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection, and of precancerous lesions; and the results of microsatellite instability and immunohistochemical staining of the primary (largest) lesion for p53, human epidermal growth factor receptor [HER1], and HER2 were also reviewed.

RESULTS

MEGCs occurred more frequently in elderly males and in patients with adenoma, atrophic gastritis, or a family history of gastric cancer. These patients had more favorable pathologic findings, including less deep invasion, better differentiation, more intestinal type, and less frequent lymphovascular/perineural invasion than patients with solitary EGCs. The mean size of MEGCs was smaller (2.44 cm vs 3.36 cm) but there was no difference in the number of metastatic lymph nodes. Most accessory lesions were confined to the mucosal layer, with their average diameter was 1.82 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

A careful preoperative gastroscopy should be performed in patients at high risk of MEGCs and more cautious postoperative endoscopic surveillance of the remnant stomach is required. For missed foci on remnant stomach, endoscopic resection can be a good option if it meets the criteria.

Early gastric cancer with signet ring cell histology remained unresected for 53 months

The natural course of untreated patients with signet ring cell carcinoma of the stomach remains poorly understood while assumptions have been made to distinguish it from other types of gastric cancer. A 74-year-old Korean woman was diagnosed with early gastric cancer with signet ring cell histology and refused surgery. A satellite lesion was identified 46 months after the initial diagnosis. The patient finally agreed to undergo distal subtotal gastrectomy 53 months following the initial diagnosis. Postoperative histological examination of both lesions confirmed signet ring cell carcinoma associated with submucosal invasion. There was no evidence of lymph node metastasis.

Lymph node metastasis in multiple synchronous early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Although endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer (EGC) is increasingly available, it has not been determined whether indications for endoscopic resection are equally acceptable for multiple EGCs.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the various clinicopathologic factors and risk of lymph node (LN) metastasis between multiple and solitary EGCs.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

This study involved 1717 patients with 156 multiple and 1561 solitary EGCs.

INTERVENTION

Gastrectomy with LN dissection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Incidence of LN metastasis.

RESULTS

In multiple EGCs, main lesions had larger tumor size and deeper invasion depth than the accessory lesions (P < .001). The clinicopathologic features of multiple EGCs were similar to those of solitary EGCs with respect to tumor size, depth of invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and incidence of LN metastasis. Importantly, the risk of LN metastasis in multiple EGCs that met the indication criteria for endoscopic resection was not significantly different from that in solitary EGCs. Tumors meeting conventional indications for endoscopic resection had no risk of LN metastasis, whereas tumors meeting expanded indications showed a similar risk of LN metastasis in the two groups. In multiple EGCs, tumor size ≥3 cm and lymphovascular invasion were independent risk factors of LN metastasis.

LIMITATIONS

Small number of patients with multiple EGCs studied.

CONCLUSION

Multiple EGCs had clinicopathologic characteristics and risk of LN metastasis similar to those of solitary EGCs. Endoscopic resection may be adopted as curative treatment for multiple EGCs that meet indications for endoscopic resection. Further studies are needed to verify the present study results.

Multifocal gastric cancer with a variety of histological findings coexisting with hyperplastic polyps: report of a case

We report a case of multifocal gastric cancer with a variety of macroscopic and histological findings. A 65-year-old woman was admitted with upper abdominal pain. Her familial history was remarkable in that her mother had died of gastric cancer. The hematological and blood biochemical values were normal, but the serum was positive for Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G, and the serum pepsinogen test was also positive. Gastrointestinal fiberscopy showed many granulomatous lesions coexisting with pedunculated polypoid lesions and marked atrophic gastritis throughout the stomach. We performed total gastrectomy with regional lymph node dissection. There were four separate cancers and three hyperplastic polyps with entire intestinal metaplasia. The pathological findings of these multifocal gastric cancers varied, with coexisting differentiated and undifferentiated types, and early and advanced types. One of the pedunculated polypoid lesions was accompanied by papillary adenocarcinoma. Although multifocal gastric cancer is not uncommon, the present case is considered an extremely unusual example of gastric cancer.

X-ray diagnosis of synchronous multiple primary carcinoma in the upper gastrointestinal tract

AIM: To analyze the radiological features of multiple primary carcinoma (MPC) in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, study its biological characteristics and evaluate X-ray examination in its diagnosis.

METHODS: Hypotonic double-contrast GI radiography was performed in 59 multiple primary carcinoma cases, pathologically proved by surgery or endoscopy biopsy. Radiological findings were analyzed.

RESULTS: Of the 59 cases, esophageal MPC (EMPC) was seen in 24, esophageal and gastric MPC (EGMPC) in 27 and gastric MPC (GMPC) in 8. Of the 49 lesions found in 24 EMPC, hyperplastic type was seen in 23, medullary type in 9. The lesions were located at the upper (n = 17), middle (n = 19) or lower (n = 13) segment of the esophagus. In 27 EGMPC, the esophageal lesions were located at the middle (n = 16) or lower (n = 11) segment of the esophagus, while the gastric lesions were located at the gastric cardia (n = 16), fundus (n = 1), body (n = 3) and antrum (n = 7). The esophageal lesions were mainly of the hyperplastic type (n = 12) or medullary type (n = 7), while the gastric lesions were mainly of the hyperplastic type (n = 18). A total of 119 lesions in the 59 patients with synchronous multiple carcinoma were proved by surgery or endoscopy biopsy, and preoperative upper radiographic examination detected 100 of them (84.03% sensitivity). Eighteen (52.94%) of the T₁ lesions were found during preoperative diagnosis by radiographic examination. Moreover, only 3 (3.53%) of the T_2-4 lesions were misdiagnosed.

CONCLUSION: Hypotonic double-contrast upper gastrointestinal examination, providing accurate information about lesion morphology, location and size, can serve as a sensitive technique for the preoperative diagnosis of MPC.

Epidemiology, pathology and clinical management of multiple gastric cancers: a mini-review

The incidence of multiple gastric cancers (MGCs) has been increasing over the recent decades due to the advance in diagnostic techniques combining with the detailed pathological examinations of surgical resection specimens. Reduction of the surgical extent and trauma under the premise of radical resection improves the quality of life of patients with gastric cancer. However, MGC lesions may have been missed, which can result in adverse consequences. We carried out this systematic review of previous literatures, in order to provide deep insights into epidemiological, pathological and clinical features of MGCs and to establish an efficient way to screen the individuals with high risks. MGCs represent a special type of malignant gastric tumor and possess distinctive features compared with the solitary one. More attention should be paid to both diagnosis and treatment of MGCs. Possibility of overlooking accessory lesions must be kept in mind constantly. For the population at high risk, such as the elderly with differentiated type, strict perioperative tissue examinations and follow-up are essential.

Relationship between the histological type of initial lesions and the risk for the development of remnant gastric cancers after gastrectomy for synchronous multiple gastric cancers

BACKGROUND

Clinicopathological features of remnant gastric cancers after gastrectomy for synchronous multiple gastric cancers have not been fully addressed. In this study we evaluated the potential risk factors attributable to the development of remnant gastric cancers after initial gastrectomy for multiple gastric cancers.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 3042 patients diagnosed with gastric cancers who underwent a gastrectomy. Of these, 922 total gastrectomy cases were excluded and the remaining 2120 cases were clinicopathologically investigated.

RESULTS

Among the 2120 patients, 1967 patients were histopathologically diagnosed with a solitary lesion and 153 patients with multiple lesions. The incidence of remnant gastric cancers was higher in patients with multiple lesions at initial surgery than in those with a solitary lesion (7/153 [4.5%] vs. 9/1967 [0.45%], p < 0.05). Among the patients with remnant gastric cancer, the percentages of cases with a combination of undifferentiated-type carcinoma (Type C), differentiated-type carcinoma (Type A), and differentiated- and undifferentiated-type carcinoma (Type B) as initial lesions were 15.0, 3.3, and 2.7%, respectively. Compared with those with no remnant gastric cancer, the incidence of the combination of undifferentiated-type carcinoma (Type C) as an initial lesion was significantly associated with a higher (p < 0.05) incidence of remnant gastric cancer.

CONCLUSION

As initial lesions, a combination of undifferentiated-type carcinoma was a potential risk factor for the development of remnant gastric cancers after initial gastrectomy.

Subtotal gastrectomy as treatment for distal multifocal early gastric cancer

INTRODUCTION

Multifocal early gastric cancer (MEGC) is frequently observed and represents a serious risk when minimally invasive treatments are performed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We present the experience of two Italian centers situated in a relatively high incidence area for gastric cancer. Out of a total of 791 surgical resections for EGC carried out in two Italian centers from 1976 to 2006, we identified 98 patients with multifocal EGC (12.3%). Two hundred and sixteen lesions were observed. Generally sited near the principal tumors, secondary lesions were, however, sometimes detected distally from the upper primary lesion. No secondary lesions were detected in the upper third when the principal lesion was sited at the lower third.

RESULTS

Survival of MEGC patients was not significantly lower than that of patients with monofocal EGC. No cases of gastric remnant relapse were observed at a mean follow-up of 9 years (range 1-28) after subtotal gastrectomy.

DISCUSSION

When EGCs are detected, the possibility of MEGC must always be investigated by endoscopy and chromoendoscopy. When a MEGC is found in the lower third of the stomach and chromoendoscopy of the upper third has been performed, subtotal gastrectomy can be considered as sufficient treatment.

Clinical and histopathological features of remnant gastric cancers, after gastrectomy for synchronous multiple gastric cancers

BACKGROUND

Remnant gastric cancers have been extensively investigated; however, little has been unveiled the features of remnant gastric cancers with regard to the existence of synchronous multiple lesions. We evaluated the clinicopathological features of remnant gastric cancers, after initial gastrectomy for both single and multiple gastric cancers.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 3,042 patients diagnosed with gastric cancers who underwent gastrectomy. Of these, total gastrectomy cases were excluded, and remaining 2,120 cases were investigated.

RESULTS

Among the 2,120 patients, 1,967 patients were histopathologically diagnosed with solitary lesion and 153 patients with multiple lesions. The incidence of remnant gastric cancers was higher in patients with multiple lesions at initial surgery than those with solitary lesion (P < 0.05). Moreover, remnant cancers developed within shorter duration of follow-up after treatment of synchronous multiple lesions compared to those that developed after treatment of solitary lesions (P = 0.05). Among the patients treated for synchronous multiple lesions, distance from the oral margin was a potential risk factor for the development of secondary cancers in the remnant stomach.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with synchronous multiple gastric cancers are more susceptible to the development of secondary cancers in their remnant stomach. These patients need careful follow-up after initial gastrectomy.

Risk factors for food residue after distal gastrectomy and a new effective preparation for endoscopy: the water-intake method

Background/Aims

Food residue is frequently observed in the gastric remnant after distal gastrectomy, despite adequate preparation. We devised a water-intake method to reduce food residue in the gastric remnant by drinking large quantities of water in a short time. The aims of this study were to identify the risk factors for food residue and to study the effectiveness of this new method for endoscopy preparation.

Methods

A cohort of 708 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer was reviewed prospectively. Sixty patients with large amounts of food residue were randomly divided into two groups: a water-intake group (n=40) and a prolonged fasting group (n=20).

Results

The incidences of a large amount of food residue were 15.7%, 5.8%, 7.5%, and 2.8% at 3, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively, after distal gastrectomy. Independent risk factors for food residue were endoscopy at 3 months, diabetes mellitus, a body mass index of <19.5, and laparoscopic surgery. The proportion of successful preparations at follow-up endoscopy was higher for the water-intake group (70%) than for the prolonged fasting group (40%, p=0.025).

Conclusions

The water-intake method can be recommended as a preparation for endoscopy in patients who have had repetitive food residue or risk factors after distal gastrectomy.

Clinical significance of tumor location in remnant gastric cancers developed after partial gastrectomy for primary gastric cancer

We sought to elucidate the clinical value of tumor location of the remnant gastric cancer developed after partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer to determine the disease characteristics and surgical outcome. Fifty-two patients underwent a second operation with a curative intent because of remnant gastric cancer after undergoing partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 1995 and 2005. The clinicopathological features of their primary and recurrent diseases, surgical results, and survivals according to tumor sites within the remnant stomach were examined. Tumors that developed at the anastomotic site (n = 27) in remnant stomach favored a female gender, younger age, and unfavorable histological characteristics of primary and recurrent diseases and were also associated with lower tumor resectability than those that developed in the non-anastomotic site (n = 25). The overall 5-year survival rates of patients that experienced an anastomotic recurrence and non-anastomotic recurrence were 36.9 and 95.8% (p = 0.001), respectively, and the overall 5-year survival rates of patients with stage I primary gastric cancer were 83.3 and 100% (p = 0.018) for anastomotic and non-anastomotic recurrence. Tumor location of remnant gastric cancer is an important factor for predicting surgical outcome, but it also reflects the characteristics of primary and recurrent diseases. It is hoped that these results will assist surgeons establishing the treatment plan for remnant gastric cancer.