Long-term Survival After Endoscopic Resection For Gastric Cancer: Real-world Evidence From a Multicenter Prospective Cohort

Usefulness of virtual scale endoscope for early gastrointestinal lesions

Objectives

For early gastrointestinal lesions, size is an important factor in the selection of treatment. Virtual scale endoscope (VSE) is a newly developed endoscope that can measure size more accurately than visual measurement. This study aimed to investigate whether VSE measurement is accurate for early gastrointestinal lesions of various sizes and morphologies.

Methods

This study prospectively enrolled patients with early gastrointestinal lesions ≤20 mm in size visually. Lesion sizes were measured in the gastrointestinal tract visually, on endoscopic resection specimens with VSE, and finally on endoscopic resection specimens using a ruler. The primary endpoint was the normalized difference (ND) of VSE measurement. The secondary endpoints were the ND of visual measurement and the variation between NDs of VSE and visual measurements. ND was calculated as (100 × [measured size - true size] / true size) (%). True size was defined as size measured using a ruler.

Results

This study included 60 lesions from April 2022 to December 2022, with 20 each in the esophagus, stomach, and colon. The lesion size was 14.0 ± 6.3 mm (mean ± standard deviation). Morphologies were protruded, slightly elevated, and flat or slightly depressed type in 8, 24, and 28 lesions, respectively. The primary endpoint was 0.3 ± 8.8%. In the secondary endpoints, the ND of visual measurement was -1.7 ± 29.3%, and the variability was significantly smaller in the ND of VSE measurement than in that of visual measurement (p < 0.001, F-test).

Conclusions

VSE measurement is accurate for early gastrointestinal lesions of various sizes and morphologies.

Optimal Surveillance of Metachronous Gastric Lesion after Endoscopic Resection of Early Gastric Cancer

Endoscopic resection (ER)-a minimal invasive procedure, compared to surgical gastrectomy, with the advantage of preserving the entire stomach and maintaining the patient's quality of life-is a widely used curative treatment for early gastric cancers (EGCs). Despite its advantages, such as the preservation of the whole stomach, a large area of the gastric mucosa with histologic changes such as atrophy and intestinal metaplasia remains after ER, and so does the risk of metachronous gastric cancers (MGCs). Therefore, regular surveillance endoscopy after curative ER of EGCs is important so that MGCs are detected early and so minimally invasive ER remains a treatment option. To date, the optimal interval for surveillance endoscopy after curative ER of EGCs has not been established. Therefore, this review summarizes the results of the published studies on this topic with the aim of establishing the optimal surveillance interval for early identification of MGCs. Based on my review, the median timing of MGC occurrence is within 3 years, and reports suggest biannual endoscopy during the first 3 years; however, the evidence suggests that individual patient characteristics may influence the risk of MGCs. Therefore, stratified endoscopic strategies for surveillance based on patient characteristics, such as age, family history of gastric cancer, synchronous gastric lesions, and corpus intestinal metaplasia, should be applied.

Helicobacter pylori eradication following endoscopic resection might prevent metachronous gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from Japan and Korea

Objectives

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the preventive effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication against metachronous gastric cancer (MGC) or dysplasia following endoscopic resection (ER) for early gastric cancer (EGC) or dysplasia.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched until 31 October 2023, and randomized controlled trials or cohort studies were peer-reviewed. The incidence of metachronous gastric lesions (MGLs) including MGC or dysplasia was compared between Helicobacter pylori persistent and negative groups, eradicated and negative groups, and eradicated and persistent groups.

Results

Totally, 21 eligible studies including 82,256 observations were analyzed. Compared to those never infected, Helicobacter pylori persistent group (RR = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.98-2.53) trended to have a higher risk of MGLs and significantly in partial subgroups, while the post-ER eradicated group (RR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.43-1.45) did not increase the risk of MGLs. Moreover, successful post-ER eradication could significantly decrease the risk of MGLs (RR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.44-0.65) compared to those persistently infected. Sensitivity analysis obtained generally consistent results, and no significant publication bias was found.

Conclusion

The persistent Helicobacter pylori infection trends to increase the post-ER incidence of MGC or dysplasia, but post-ER eradication can decrease the risk correspondingly. Post-ER screening and eradication of Helicobacter pylori have preventive effectiveness on MGC, and the protocol should be recommended to all the post-ER patients.Systematic review registration: The PROSPERO registration identification was CRD42024512101.

Potential for expanding indications and curability criteria of endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer in elderly patients: results from a Japanese multicenter prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Evidence for endoscopic resection (ER) in elderly patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) is limited. We assessed its clinical outcomes and explored new indications and curability criteria.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a Japanese multicenter, prospective cohort study. Patients aged ≥75 years with EGC treated with ER were included. We classified eCuraC-2 (corresponding to noncurative ER, defined in the Japanese gastric cancer treatment guidelines) into elderly-high (>10% estimated metastatic risk) and elderly-low (EL-L) (≤10% estimated metastatic risk).

RESULTS

In total, 3371 patients with 3821 EGCs were included; endoscopic submucosal dissection was the prominent treatment choice. Among them, 3586 lesions met the guidelines' ER indications, and 235 did not. The proportions of en bloc and R0 resections and perforations were 98.9%, 94.4%, and 0.8%, respectively, in EGCs within the indications. In EGCs beyond the indications, they were 99.5%, 85.4%, and 5.9%, respectively, for lesions diagnosed as ≤3 cm and 96.0%, 64.0%, and 18.0%, respectively, for those >3 cm. Curative ER and EL-L were observed in 83.6% and 6.2% of lesions within the indications, respectively, and in 44.2% and 16.8% of lesions <3 cm beyond the indications, respectively. The 5-year cumulative gastric cancer death rates after curative ER and elderly-high were 0.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-0.6) and 3.5% (95% CI, 2.0-5.7), respectively. After EL-L, the rate was 0.9% (95% CI, 0.2-3.5) even without subsequent treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The usefulness of endoscopic submucosal dissection for elderly EGC patients was confirmed by their clinical outcomes. Lesions of ≤3 cm and EL-L emerged as new ER indication and curability criteria, respectively. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000005871.).

Gastric cystica profunda: Another indication for minimally invasive endoscopic resection techniques?

Gastric cancer presents a significant global health burden, as it is the fifth most common malignancy and fourth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Variations in incidence rates across regions underscores the multifactorial etiology of this disease. The overall 5-year survival rate remains low despite advances in its diagnosis and treatment. Although surgical gastrectomy was previously standard-of-care, endoscopic resection techniques, including endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have emerged as effective alternatives for early lesions. Compared to surgical resection, endoscopic resection techniques have comparable 5-year survival rates, reduced treatment-related adverse events, shorter hospital stays and lower costs. ESD also enables en bloc resection, thus affording organ-sparing curative endoscopic resection for early cancers. In this editorial, we comment on the recent publication by Geng et al regarding gastric cystica profunda (GCP). GCP is a rare gastric pseudotumour with the potential for malignant progression. GCP presents a diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific clinical manifestations and varied endoscopic appearance. There are several gaps in the literature regarding the diagnosis and management of GCP which warrants further research to standardize patient management. Advances in endoscopic resection techniques offer promising avenues for GCP and early gastric cancers.

Risk factors for intraoperative and delayed perforation related with gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Perforation is one of the most important complications of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC). Several studies have examined risk factors for intraoperative and delayed perforations, but most were retrospective analyses with small numbers of patients.

METHODS

This study represents a secondary analysis of a Japanese multicenter prospective cohort study. We investigated the factors associated with each type of perforation using 9015 patients with 9975 EGCs undergoing ESD between July 2010 and June 2012.

RESULTS

Intraoperative perforation occurred in 198 patients (2.2%) with 203 lesions (2.0%), necessitating emergency surgery for four lesions (0.04% [2.0%, 4/203]). Delayed perforation occurred in another 37 patients (0.4%) with 42 lesions (0.4%), requiring emergency surgery for 12 lesions (0.12% [28.6%, 12/42]). Factors showing significant independent correlations with intraoperative perforation were upper or middle third of the stomach; remnant stomach or gastric tube; procedure time ≥100 min; tumor size >35 mm; body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2; and ≥72 years. Factors showing significant independent correlations with delayed perforation were procedure time ≥60 min; BMI < 18.5 kg/m2; ≥75 years; ulceration; and tumor size >20 mm. Intraoperative perforation occurred most frequently at the greater curvature in the upper third of the stomach (7.9%), whereas delayed perforation occurred most frequently at the greater curvature in the middle third (1.2%).

CONCLUSION

This multicenter prospective cohort study clarified the risk and risk factors of intraoperative and delayed perforation related to ESD for EGCs, providing information to help endoscopists reduce perforation.

Risk stratification for synchronous/metachronous recurrence after endoscopic submucosal dissection for Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma using the length of Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND

In Japan, the standard management of Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma after endoscopic submucosal dissection involves follow-up; however, multifocal synchronous/metachronous lesions are sometimes observed after endoscopic submucosal dissection. Risk stratification of multifocal cancer facilitates appropriate treatment, including eradication of Barrett's esophagus in high-risk cases; however, no effective risk stratification methods have been established. Thus, we identified the risk factors for multifocal cancer and explored risk-stratified treatment strategies for residual Barrett's esophagus.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 97 consecutive patients with superficial Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinomas who underwent curative resection with endoscopic submucosal dissection. Multifocal cancer was defined by the presence of synchronous/metachronous lesions during follow-up. We used Cox regression analysis to identify the risk factors for multifocal cancer and subsequently analyzed differences in cumulative incidences.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidences of multifocal cancer at 1, 3, and 5 years were 4.4%, 8.6%, and 10.7%, respectively. Significant risk factors for multifocal cancer were increased circumferential and maximal lengths of Barrett's esophagus. The cumulative incidences of multifocal cancer at 3 years were lower for patients with circumferential length < 4 cm and maximal length < 5 cm (2.9% and 1.2%, respectively) than for patients with circumferential length ≥ 4 cm and maximal length ≥ 5 cm (51.5% and 49.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Risk stratification of multifocal cancer using length of Barrett's esophagus was effective. Further multicenter prospective studies are needed to substantiate our findings.

Evaluation of the endoscopic cure criteria in patients undergoing surgery for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Gastric cancer (GC) prognosis is influenced by the extent of the tumor, lymph node involvement (LNM), and metastasis. Endoscopic resection (ER) or gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy are standard treatments for early GC (EGC). This study evaluated LNM frequency according to eCura categories, clinicopathological characteristics, disease-free (DFS), and overall (OS) survival rates.

METHODS

We included EGC patients who underwent curative gastrectomy between 2009 and 2020 from our single-center database. Anatomopathological and clinical reports were reviewed to analyze eCura categories.

RESULTS

We included 160 EGC patients who underwent gastrectomy with eCura categories A, B, and C, comprising 26.3%, 13.8%, and 60%, respectively. Baseline clinical characteristics showed no intergroup disparities. LNM incidence for A, B, and C was 4.8%, 18.2%, and 19.8%. When evaluating the criteria for ER and its association with eCura categories, we found that 95.2% of eCura A and 100% of eCura B patients had classic or expanded criteria for ER. On the other hand, 97.9% of eCura C patients were referred to surgical resection. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lymphatic (OR = 5.57, CI95% = 1.45-21.29, p = 0.012) and perineural (OR = 15.8, CI95% = 1.39-179.88, p = 0.026) invasions were associated with a higher risk of LNM. No significant differences in DFS or OS were found among eCura categories.

CONCLUSION

The eCura categories were associated with the occurrence of LNM. In most patients, those with classic and expanded indication criteria for ER were classified as eCura A and B.

Endoscopic Features of Synchronous Multiple Early Gastric Cancers: Findings from a Nationwide Cohort

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the factors associated with synchronous multiple early gastric cancers and determined their localization.

METHODS

We analyzed 8,191 patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancers at 33 hospitals in Japan from November 2013 to October 2016. Background factors were compared between single-lesion (n = 7,221) and synchronous multi-lesion cases (n = 970) using univariate and multivariate analyses. We extracted cases with two synchronous lesions (n = 832) and evaluated their localization.

RESULTS

Significant independent risk factors for synchronous multiple early gastric cancer were older age (≥75 years old) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.257), male sex (OR = 1.385), severe mucosal atrophy (OR = 1.400), tumor localization in the middle (OR = 1.362) or lower region (OR = 1.404), and submucosal invasion (OR = 1.528 [SM1], 1.488 [SM2]). Depressed macroscopic type (OR = 0.679) and pure undifferentiated histology OR = 0.334) were more common in single early gastric cancers. When one lesion was in the upper region, the other was more frequently located in the lesser curvature of the middle region. When one lesion was in the middle region, the other was more frequently located in the middle region or the lesser curvature of the lower region. When one lesion was in the lower region, the other was more frequently located in the lesser curvature of the middle region or the lower region.

CONCLUSION

Factors associated with synchronous multiple early gastric cancer included older age, male sex, severe mucosal atrophy, tumor localization in the middle or lower region, and tumor submucosal invasion. Our findings provide useful information regarding specific areas that should be examined carefully when one lesion is detected.

Long-term outcomes after endoscopic submucosal dissection for relative indication early gastric cancer in nonsurgical candidates

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is effective in treating early gastric cancer (EGC). Its role in patients with comorbidities along with more advanced disease is unknown. We sought to evaluate this in a large Western cohort.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent ESD for EGC in a single tertiary Western endoscopy center over 10 years were prospectively analyzed. The primary outcomes were long-term overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) up to 5 years. Secondary outcomes were efficacy and serious adverse events (SAEs).

RESULTS

ESD for 157 cases of EGC in 149 patients was performed in an elderly and comorbid cohort with a mean age of 73.7 years and age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4.2. Over a median follow-up of 51.6 months, no significant differences were found in 5-year OS (88.9% vs 77.9%, P = .290) and DFS (83.2% vs 75.1%, P = .593) between absolute indication (AI) EGC and relative indication (RI) EGC. The AI EGC cohort achieved higher en-bloc (96.3% vs 87.5%, P = .069) and R0 resection rates (93.6% vs 62.5%, P < .001) when compared with RI EGC. No significant differences were found in SAEs (7.3% vs 12.5%, P = .363). No mortality or surgical resection ensued from adverse events from ESD.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD safely confers DFS in poor surgical candidates with RI EGC in a large Western cohort. Patients who are elderly and/or with comorbidities or decline surgical resection may benefit from ESD and avoid the risks of surgery and its long-term sequelae. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02306707.).

A case of early gastric cancer with metastatic recurrence following curative endoscopic submucosal dissection

A 70-year-old man was diagnosed with early gastric cancer with ulcerative findings. Endoscopic submucosal dissection as an absolute indication was performed, and en bloc resection was achieved. Pathological examination revealed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, 3 × 2 mm in size, intramucosal, with an ulcerative scar, no lymphovascular invasion, and a tumor-free margin. We diagnosed it as a curative resection and followed up with annual endoscopy. Sixteen months after endoscopic submucosal dissection, esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a singular ulcer scar; however, serum carcinoembryonic antigen level was elevated. Computed tomography scan showed wall thickening of the gastric antrum and an irregular mass on the dorsal side. Additionally, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/coomputed tomography showed 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the gastric antrum, irregular mass, and liver. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed an internally heterogeneous mass in the gastric antrum region extending from the submucosal layer to the muscularis propria layer. Using an endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle biopsy with a 22-gauge needle for the mass, we diagnosed local recurrence with the submucosal tumor-like appearance, lymph node metastasis, and liver metastases. Unfortunately, the patient died of gastric cancer 3 months after the diagnosis. Here, we report a rare case of local recurrence in the submucosal layer, lymph node metastasis, and liver metastases 16 months after curative endoscopic submucosal dissection.

L-Menthol for Color Difference Change Between Early Gastric Cancer and Surrounding Mucosa: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

L-Menthol sprayed on early gastric cancer (EGC) has been reported to improve the visibility of the lesion. However, its impact when used in combination with novel image-enhanced endoscopy has not been investigated.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the visual effect of spraying L-menthol on EGC under linked color imaging (LCI).

METHODS

This open-label, single-arm, prospective study investigated the color difference between EGC and the surrounding mucosa (ΔEG) before and after spraying L-menthol. The primary endpoint was the percentage of lesions with ΔEG ≥ 5 on LCI. The percentage of lesions with ΔEG  ≥ 5 on white light imaging (WLI) and blue laser imaging (BLI), ΔEG before and after spraying L-menthol, and percentage of lesions with increased ΔEG after spraying L-menthol constituted the secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included in the final analysis. 100% lesions had ΔEG ≥ 5, both before and after spraying L-menthol on LCI, with similar results observed in WLI as well as BLI. The median ΔEG on LCI, WLI, and BLI increased after spraying L-menthol (LCI: 16.9 vs. 21.5, p < 0.01; WLI: 10.4 vs. 13.4, p < 0.01; BLI; 12.1 vs. 15.7, before and after, respectively, p < 0.01); and LCI demonstrated the highest percentage of lesions with increased ΔEG (LCI, WLI, and BLI: 98.3%, 81.7%, and 76.7%, respectively, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Although spraying L-menthol did not improve the visibility of EGC under LCI observation, a significant increase in ΔEG was observed in LCI (jRCTs 021200027).

Editorial article to: Animal experimental study on magnetic anchor technique-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric cancer

In this editorial we comment on the article published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2023; 15 (11): 634-680. Gastric cancer (GC) remains the fifth most common malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The overall prevalence of GC has declined, although that of proximal GC has increased over time. Thus, a significant proportion of GC cases and deaths can be avoided if preventive interventions are taken. Early GC (EGC) is defined as GC confined to the mucosa or submucosa. Endoscopic resection is considered the most appropriate treatment for precancerous gastrointestinal lesions improving patient quality of life, with reduced rates of complications, shorter hospitalization period, and lower costs when compared to surgical resection. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic sub-mucosal dissection (ESD) are representative endoscopic treatments for EGC and precancerous gastric lesions. Standard EMR implies injection of a saline solution into the sub-mucosal space, followed by excision of the lesion using a snare. Complete resection rates vary depending on the size and severity of the lesion. When using conventional EMR methods for lesions less than 1 cm in size, the complete resection rate is approximately 60%, whereas for lesions larger than 2 cm, the complete resection rate is low (20%-30%). ESD can be used to remove tumors exceeding 2 cm in diameter and lesions associated with ulcers or submucosal fibrosis. Compared with EMR, ESD has higher en bloc resection rates (90.2% vs 51.7%), higher complete resection rates (82.1 vs 42.2%), and lower recurrence rates (0.65% vs 6.05%). Thus, innovative techniques have been introduced.

Curative criteria for endoscopic treatment of gastric cancer

Endoscopic treatment, particularly endoscopic submucosal dissection, has become the primary treatment for early gastric cancer. A comprehensive optical assessment, including white light endoscopy, image-enhanced endoscopy, and magnification, are the cornerstones for clinical staging and determining the resectability of lesions. This paper discusses factors that influence the indication for endoscopic resection and the likelihood of achieving a curative resection. Our review stresses the critical need for interpreting the histopathological report in accordance with clinical guidelines and the imperative of tailoring decisions based on the patients' and lesions' characteristics and preferences. Moreover, we offer guidance on managing complex scenarios, such as those involving non-curative resection. Finally, we identify future research avenues, including the role of artificial intelligence in estimating the depth of invasion and the urgent need to refine predictive scores for lymph node metastasis and metachronous lesions.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract and the Need for Rescue Surgery-A Multicenter Analysis

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become the standard treatment for early malignant lesions in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Its clinical results have been reported to be as good as surgery. The outcomes of rescue surgery after non-curative ESD have been reported to be as good as first-line surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of ESD in the upper GI tract and the outcomes of rescue surgery after non-curative ESD performed in Linz, Austria, between 2009 and January 2023. A total of 193 ESDs were included and divided into 104 esophageal ESD and 89 gastric ESD procedures. The criteria for curative ESD were in line with established guidelines' recommendations. For esophageal lesions, the mean lesion size was 40.3 mm and the rate of curative ESD was 56.7%. In the non-curative ESD, the rate of technical failure as the reason for non-curative ESD was 13.3% and the oncological failure rate was 86.7%. Only 48.7% of indicated rescue surgeries were performed. The main reason for not performing surgery was interdisciplinary consensus due to comorbidity. Perioperative complications Dindo-Clavien ≥ 3 occurred in 22.2% of cases with an in-hospital mortality rate of 0. In gastric lesions, the mean size was 39 mm and the rate of curative ESD was 69.7%. The rate of technical failure as a reason for non-curative ESD was 25.9% and the oncological failure rate was 74.1% for non-curative ESD. Rescue surgery was performed in 48.2% of indicated cases. The perioperative rate for major complications was 0. The outcome of ESD in the upper GI tract is in line with the published literature, and non-curative ESD does not worsen surgical outcomes. The available follow-up data are in line with the international published literature, showing a low rate of residual malignancy in surgical resection specimens. Therefore, the indication of rescue surgery for oncological failure remains challenging. Furthermore, the learning curve of ESD has shown a trend towards improving outcomes over time.

Endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer

Endoscopic resection (ER) is an effective treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC) without metastases. Existing endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is easy to perform, has few complications, and can be applied when the lesion size is small. However, en bloc and complete resection rates vary depending on the size and severity of the lesion. EMR using the cap-mounted panendoscopic method and EMR after circumferential preamputation of the lesion are useful in the treatment of EGC. However, completely oversized lesions (≥2 cm) and lesions associated with ulcers or submucosal fibrosis are more likely to fail resection. Endoscopic submucosal dissection has been widely used to resect tumors larger than 2 cm in diameter and has a higher acceptable complication rate and en bloc and complete resection rates than EMR. ER for EGC is superior to surgical resection in terms of improving patient quality of life. Additionally, compared to surgery, emergency rooms have a lower rate of treatment-related complications, shorter hospital stays, and lower costs. Accordingly, the indications for ER are expanding in the field of therapeutic endoscopy. Long-term outcomes regarding recurrence are excellent in both absolute and extended criteria for ER in EGC. Close surveillance should be performed after ER to detect early metachronous gastric cancer and precancerous lesions that can be treated with ER. Follow-up gastroscopy and abdominopelvic computed tomography scans every 6 to 12 months are recommended for patients who undergo curative ER for EGC on absolute or extended criteria.

Predictors of long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric neoplasia in the West: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine long-term outcomes of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in Western settings based on the latest Japanese indication criteria, and to examine predictors of outcomes and complications.

METHODS

Data were collected from consecutive patients undergoing gastric ESD at four participating centers from 2009 to 2021. Retrospective analysis using logistic regression and survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS

415 patients were included (mean age 71.7 years; 56.4 % male). Absolute indication criteria (2018 guideline) were met in 75.3 % of patients. Median follow-up was 52 months. Post-resection histology was adenocarcinoma, high grade dysplasia, and low grade dysplasia in 49.9 %, 22.7 %, and 17.1 %, respectively. Perforation, early and delayed bleeding occurred in 2.4 %, 4.3 %, and 3.4 %, respectively. Rates of en bloc and R0 resection, and recurrence on first endoscopic follow-up were 94.7 %, 83.4 %, and 2.7 %, respectively. Relative indication (2018 guideline) for ESD was associated with R1 outcome (P = 0.02). Distal location (P = 0.002) and increased procedure time (P = 0.04) were associated with bleeding, and scarring (P = 0.009) and increased procedure duration (P = 0.003) were associated with perforation. Recurrence-free survival at 2 and 5 years was 94 % and 83 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest Western multicenter cohort and suggests that gastric ESD is safe and effective in the Western setting. A quarter of patients fell outside the new absolute indications for ESD, suggesting that Western practice involves more advanced lesions. We identified the predictors of complications, which should help to inform future Western practice and research.

Clinical and endoscopic features of metachronous gastric cancer with possible lymph node metastasis after endoscopic submucosal dissection and Helicobacter pylori eradication

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported the metachronous gastric cancers (MGCs) with possible lymph node metastasis (LNM) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in which a curative ESD had not been achieved. There have been no published reports of evaluations of the features of patients with MGC with possible LNM after ESD and H. pylori eradication.

METHODS

We identified 264 patients with 369 MGCs after H. pylori eradication among the 4354 patients with 5059 early gastric cancers (EGCs) who underwent ESD between 1999 and 2017 and divided them into two groups: patients with MGCs with possible LNM (Group I) and patients with MGCs undergone curative ESD (Group II). We retrospectively compared the features of patients with MGCs and patients with EGCs at index ESD in the two groups.

RESULT

Group I consisted of 20 patients with 21 MGCs, and Group II consisted of 244 patients with 348 MGCs. Group I lesions were significantly more common in the posterior wall than in the lesser curvature (odds ratio [OR] = 3.97; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.20-13.10). Development of Group I was significantly more common in patients with a body mass index (BMI) < 19.0 kg/m2 than in patients with a BMI ≥ 19.0 kg/m2 at index ESD (OR = 4.44; 95% CI 1.30-15.20).

CONCLUSIONS

During surveillance endoscopy after gastric ESD and H. pylori eradication, the posterior wall should be carefully examined to detect MGCs early. Lower BMI may be associated with the development of MGCs with possible LNM.

Endoscopic Resection of Early Gastric Cancer and Pre-Malignant Gastric Lesions

Early gastric cancer comprises gastric malignancies that are confined to the mucosa or submucosa, irrespective of lymph node metastasis. Endoscopic resection is currently pivotal for the management of such early lesions, and it is the recommended treatment for tumors presenting a very low risk of lymph node metastasis. In general, these lesions consist of two groups of differentiated mucosal adenocarcinomas: non-ulcerated lesions (regardless of their size) and small ulcerated lesions. Endoscopic submucosal dissection is the technique of choice in most cases. This procedure has high rates of complete histological resection while maintaining gastric anatomy and its functions, resulting in fewer adverse events than surgery and having a lesser impact on patient-reported quality of life. Nonetheless, approximately 20% of resected lesions do not fulfill curative criteria and demand further treatment, highlighting the importance of patient selection. Additionally, the preservation of the stomach results in a moderate risk of metachronous lesions, which underlines the need for surveillance. We review the current evidence regarding the endoscopic treatment of early gastric cancer, including the short-and long-term results and management after resection.

Endoscopic Resection of Undifferentiated Early Gastric Cancer

Endoscopic resection (ER) is widely performed for early gastric cancer (EGC) with a negligible risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in Eastern Asian countries. In particular, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) leads to a high en bloc resection rate, enabling accurate pathological evaluation. As undifferentiated EGC (UD-EGC) is known to result in a higher incidence of LNM and infiltrative growth than differentiated EGC (D-EGC), the indications for ER are limited compared with those for D-EGC. Previously, clinical staging as intramucosal UD-EGC ≤2 cm, without ulceration, was presented as 'weakly recommended' or 'expanded indications' for ER in the guidelines of the United States, Europe, Korea, and Japan. Based on promising long-term outcomes from a prospective multicenter study by the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) 1009/1010, the status of this indication has expanded and is now considered 'absolute indications' in the latest Japanese guidelines published in 2021. In this study, which comprised 275 patients with UD-EGC (cT1a, ≤2 cm, without ulceration) treated with ESD, the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 99.3% (95% confidence interval, 97.1%-99.8%), which was higher than the threshold 5-year OS (89.9%). Currently, the levels of evidence grades and recommendations for ER of UD-EGC differ among Japan, Korea, and Western countries. Therefore, a further discussion is warranted to generalize the indications for ER of UD-EGC in countries besides Japan.