Changing pattern of histological type, location, stage and outcome of surgical treatment of gastric carcinoma

Palliative Radiotherapy for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer: Population-Based Patterns of Utilization and Outcomes in Ontario, Canada

OBJECTIVE

Patients with incurable esophageal and gastric cancer may develop local symptoms for which palliative radiotherapy (PRT) may be considered. We sought to evaluate patterns in utilization and outcomes of patients receiving PRT for incurable esophageal and gastric cancer in Ontario, Canada using health administrative data.

METHODS

Linked health administrative databases were used to identify patients receiving PRT for incurable esophageal and gastric cancer. Primary outcomes were utilization and delivery of PRT, utilization of endoscopic dilation with or without stent insertion after completion of PRT and survival from 1) date of diagnosis and 2) start of PRT.

RESULTS

We identified 2500 patients who received PRT. Mean age was 70 ± 13 years and the majority (75%, n = 1873/2500) were male. Over half of the patients had a diagnosis of gastric cancer (58%, n = 1453/2500) and began PRT within 6 months of cancer diagnosis (85%, n = 2125/2500). Of the 2500 patients in the cohort, 2174 patients received EBRT with few receiving brachytherapy (n = 326) or EBRT and brachytherapy combined (n = 88). Over the study period, there was an increase in the number of patients receiving PRT (136 in 2007 to 290 in 2016), as well as in the use of advanced conformal radiotherapy techniques. Only 5% (115/2500) required dilation with or without stent insertion after completion of PRT. Median overall and cancer-specific survival of the cohort was 205 days and 209 days from date of diagnosis and 108 days and 110 days from start of PRT.

CONCLUSIONS

PRT is an important treatment for patients with incurable esophageal and gastric cancer who present with local symptoms. Utilization of PRT and advanced EBRT techniques increased over the study period. Few patients require endoscopic dilation with or without stent insertion after completion of PRT suggesting that PRT provides favorable symptom control.

Protocol for Comparing the Efficacy of Three Reconstruction Methods of the Digestive Tract (Kamikawa Versus Double-Tract Reconstruction Versus Tube-Like Stomach) After Proximal Gastrectomy

Background

Appropriate gastrointestinal reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative complications in patients with proximal early gastric cancer. However, there is still great controversy about the choice of digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy, and there is no clinical consensus on the choice of digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy. Currently, there is a lack of large-sample, prospective, randomized controlled studies to compare the efficacy of Kamikawa, double-tract reconstruction, and tube-like stomach reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy.

Methods/design

This study will investigate the efficacy of three reconstruction methods after proximal gastrectomy in a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial, which will enroll 180 patients with proximal early gastric cancer. Patients will be randomly divided into three groups: Group A (Kamikawa, n = 60), Group B (double-tract reconstruction, n = 60), and Group C (tube-like stomach, n = 60). The general information, past medical history, laboratory findings, imaging findings, and surgical procedures of the patients will be recorded and analyzed. The incidence of reflux esophagitis will be recorded as the primary endpoint. The incidence of anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stenosis, operative time and intraoperative blood loss will be recorded as secondary endpoints.

Discussion

This study will establish a large-sample, prospective, randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy of Kamikawa, double-tract reconstruction, and tube-like stomach reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and registered on April 30, 2021. The registration number is ChiCTR2100045975.

Comparison of the prognosis of four different surgical strategies for proximal gastric cancer: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is controversy regarding the long-term prognosis and short-term postoperative complications of different surgical strategies for proximal gastric cancer (PGC).

METHODS

We searched for articles published in Embase (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science between January 1, 1990, and February 1, 2021. We screened out the literature comparing different surgical strategies. We then evaluated the long-term and short-term outcome of different surgical strategies using a network meta-analysis, which summarizes the hazard ratio, odds ratio, mean difference, and 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between different surgical strategies for 5-year overall survival (OS), anastomotic leakage, or weight loss after 1 year. Compared with total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (TG-RY) and proximal gastrectomy with double tract reconstruction (PG-DTR), the proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy (PG-EG) strategy significantly increased the incidence of reflux esophagitis; and the operation time and blood loss of the PG-EG strategy were significantly less than those of the other surgical strategies. The anastomotic stenosis rates of the PG-EG and proximal gastrectomy with jejunum interstitial (PG-JI) strategies were significantly higher than those of TG-RY and PG-DTR; the hemoglobin level after 1 year for the PG-DTR strategy was significantly higher than that of the TG-RY strategy.

CONCLUSION

Our comprehensive literature research found that different surgical strategies had no significant difference in the long-term survival of PGC, but the incidence of reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stenosis after PG-DTR and TG-RY was significantly reduced.

Functional benefits of the double flap technique after proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Proximal gastrectomy is a widely performed procedure that has become more common with an increasing number of proximal gastric cancer cases. Several types of reconstructive procedures after proximal gastrectomy have been developed, and it remains controversial which procedure is the most advantageous with regard to the preservation of postoperative gastric stump function and nutritional status. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed reconstructive procedures in a consecutive case series for proximal gastrectomy, primarily focusing on postoperative body weight maintenance, nutritional status, and gastric remnant functional preservation.

METHODS

We enrolled 69 patients who had undergone proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in our institute between 2005 and 2020. Short-term complications, preservation of gastric remnant functions, nutritional status, and post-operative weight changes were compared.

RESULTS

After proximal gastrectomy, the numbers of patients who underwent direct esophago-gastrostomy, jejunal interposition, double tract reconstruction, and the double flap technique were 9, 10, 14, and 36, respectively. The patients in whom the double flap technique was performed suffered no reflux esophagitis after surgery. Prevalence of gastric residual at 12 months after surgery was lowest in the double flap technique group. Moreover, the double flap technique group had a better tendency regarding post-operative changes of serum albumin ratios. Furthermore, the post-operative body weight change ratio of the double flap technique group was smallest among all groups and was significantly better than that of the double tract group.

CONCLUSIONS

The double flap technique after proximal gastrectomy was considered the most effective technique for reconstruction which leads to better bodyweight maintenance, and results in less reflux esophagitis.

Regional and racial disparity in proximal gastric cancer survival outcomes 1996-2016: Results from SEER and China National Cancer Center database

BACKGROUND

Given the growing incidence and aggressive biological behavior of proximal gastric cancer (PGC) as reported, it is important to understand which regional or racial populations are at poor prognosis so that interventions can be treated appropriately. We sought to explore regional treatment differences as well as racial genes influence survival outcomes in China and the US patients with PGC.

METHODS

PGC patients defined as tumors with the epicenter located in cardia (C16.0) or fundus (C16.1) from 1996 to 2016 were identified from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) in the United States as well as data from a high-volume National Cancer Center Database in China. Overall survival (OS) curves were plotted for different regional or racial groups, respectively, using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared statistically using the log-rank test. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis was performed using TCGA database.

RESULTS

Finally, the cohort consistent of 40973 PGC patients who enrolled in SEER database (n = 36305) or China National Cancer Center (n = 4668), and divided into 4 racial groups: Chinese (n = 5179), Black (n = 2429), White (n = 31185), and Others (n = 2096). After controlling for confounding variables, racial factors were independently associated with poor survival included Black ethnicity (HR = 1.376, 95% CI: 1.066-1.7760, p = 0.014) and White ethnicity (HR = 1.262, 95% CI: 1.005-1.583, p = 0.045) when compared to Chinese ethnicity in total PGC patients. Even in the same region for only US group, Chinese PGC patients also showed better prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, we demonstrated the different survival outcomes of PGC patients in different regions or races from two high-volume database SEER and China National Cancer Center database. These survival differences are likely influenced by a number of factors (e.g., access to screening, quality of gastrectomy, neo/adjuvant therapy, and biological genes itself). More importantly, a better understanding of these disparities could lead to interventions that may help to abolish these disparities.

Comparison of nutrition and quality of life of esophagogastrostomy and the double-tract reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy

This study aims to compare the nutritional outcomes and quality of life between patients who underwent esophagogastrostomy (EG) and those who underwent the double-tract reconstruction (DTR) after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer.We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively established database of 45 patients who underwent EG with anti-reflux procedure and 58 patients who underwent the DTR after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy between December 2013 and June 2017. Then, we compared the baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, postoperative nutritional parameters, and quality of life (QOL) using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ STO-22 between the EG and DTR groups.In the postoperative 1-year endoscopic findings, the incidence of esophageal reflux was higher in the EG group (17.8% vs 3.4%, P = .041) and there was no significant difference in anastomotic stricture. Nutritional status was evaluated via body mass index, serum albumin, protein, hemoglobin, and ferritin; we found no significant differences. The incidences of iron deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency also showed no significant difference between the 2 groups. With regards to the quality of life, the difference values between preoperative and postoperative 1-year were evaluated; there was no significant difference between the EG with anti-reflux procedure and DTR groups.EG had higher incidence of esophageal reflux and similar nutritional outcomes and QOL compared with the double-tract reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy. Additional large-scale research is needed to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes of EG and the double-tract reconstruction.

First-Line Palliative Chemotherapy for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer: Practice Patterns and Outcomes in the General Population

PURPOSE

Clinical trials have shown that palliative chemotherapy (PC) improves survival in patients with incurable esophageal and gastric cancer; however, outcomes achieved in routine practice are unknown. We describe treatment patterns and outcomes among patients treated in the general population of Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

The Ontario Cancer Registry was used to identify patients with esophageal or gastric cancer from 2007 to 2016, and data were linked to other health administrative databases. Patients who received curative-intent surgery or radiotherapy were excluded. Factors associated with the receipt of PC were determined using logistic regression. First-line PC regimens were categorized, and trends over time were reported. Survival was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The cohort included 9,848 patients; 22% (2,207 of 9,848) received PC. Patients receiving PC were younger (mean age, 63 v 74 years; P < .0001) and more likely male (71% v 65%; P < .0001). Thirty-seven percent of non-PC patients saw a medical oncologist in consultation. Over the study period, utilization of PC increased (from 11% in 2007 to 19% in 2016; P < .0001), whereas the proportion of patients receiving triplet regimens decreased (65% in 2007 to 56% in 2016; P = .04). In the PC group, the median overall and cancer-specific survival from treatment initiation was 7.2 months.

CONCLUSION

One fifth of patients with incurable esophageal and gastric cancer in the general population receive PC. Median survival of patients treated in routine practice is inferior to that in clinical trials. Only one third of patients not treated with PC had consultation with a medical oncologist. Further work is necessary to understand low utilization of PC and medical oncology consultation in this patient population.

Treatment Selection and Survival Outcomes in Locally Advanced Proximal Gastric Cancer: A National Cancer Data Base Analysis

Background: We aimed to assess long-term survival between locally advanced proximal gastric cancer (LAPGC) patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy (PG) and those who underwent total gastrectomy (TG) to evaluate the optimal extent of resection and adjuvant therapy.

Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with locally advanced proximal gastric adenocarcinoma were selected from the National Cancer Data Base (2004–2015) in America. Survival analysis was performed via Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: A total of 4,381 eligible patients were identified, 1,243 underwent PG and 3,138 underwent TG. Patients in TG group had a poor prognosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.25) compared with those in PG group. Moreover, postoperative chemoradiation therapy was associated with improved overall survival compared to surgery alone (HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53–0.97) in LAPGC patients who had PG, while preoperative chemotherapy (HR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.59–0.92) was associated with improved survival among patients who had TG.

Conclusions: Our study suggested that LAPGC patients underwent PG experienced better long-term outcomes than those underwent TG. It also suggested that multimodality treatment of LAPGC, including preoperative chemotherapy followed by TG or postoperative chemotherapy followed by PG, should be considered to achieve better long-term outcomes.

Validation of a novel reconstruction method of laparoscopic gastrectomy for proximal early gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Recently, a novel surgical procedure, named as laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) with double-tract reconstruction (DTR), has been reported to provide surgical benefits in the treatment of proximal early gastric cancer (EGC) over traditional laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). These benefits include a lower incidence of some surgical complications and better postoperative nutritional status. However, the number of relevant studies is still too low to validate such benefits. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the surgical features, complications, and postoperative nutritional status of LPG with DTR in comparison to those of LTG.

Methods

Online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE) were scoured for relevant studies published by April 2020. The quality assessment of the included articles was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Egger’s test was utilized to assess publication bias.

Results

Nine studies (687 patients) were enrolled for this meta-analysis, and we found that LPG with DTR and LTG had similar surgical features. However, LPG with DTR was superior to LTG in the incidence of reflux syndrome [OR = 0.185; 95%CI 0.083, 0.414; P = 0.000], postoperative nutritional status (hemoglobin [WMD = − 2.326; 95%CI − 4.491, − 0.160; P = 0.035], vitamin B12 [WMD = − 13.072; 95%CI − 22.850, − 3.294; P = 0.009], and body weight [WMD = − 3.514; 95%CI − 5.579, − 1.449; P = 0.001]).

Conclusions

LPG with DTR has better performance in the incidence of reflux syndrome and postoperative nutritional status compared with LTG. This surgical procedure may therefore have more benefits for patients with proximal EGC.

Comparison on the Efficacy of Double Tract Gastric Interposition Reconstruction Versus Jejunal Interposition Reconstruction After Proximal Gastrectomy

Background

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of antrum-preserving double tract gastric interposition reconstruction (ADGR) versus antrum-preserving double tract jejunal interposition reconstruction (ADJR) after proximal gastrectomy (PG).

Material/Methods

In a retrospective study, 62 cases of proximal gastric cancer undergoing proximal gastrectomy were divided into an ADJR group (n=32) and an ADGR group (n=30) according to reconstruction methods. Perioperative outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups, and the changes in hemoglobin (Hb), total protein (TP), body weight, and quality of life (QOL) were observed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Endoscopy was given at 12 months postoperatively for assessing reflux esophagitis and residual food.

Results

Differences were indistinct in the 2 groups regarding the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative length of stay (LOS), first flatus time, and postoperative complications (P>0.05). At 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, no evident differences were shown between the 2 groups regarding weight loss and Visick scores (P>0.05). Compared with the ADJR group, the Hb level at 6 and 12 months after operation and TP level at 12 months after operation were increased markedly in the ADGR group (P<0.05). No apparent difference was detected between the 2 groups in reflux esophagitis (P=0.467). The incidence of residual food in the ADGR group was significantly lower than that in the ADJR group (6.67% versus 31.25%, P=0.014).

Conclusions

ADGR was superior to ADJR in improving nutritional status and preventing residual food of patients with proximal gastric cancer after proximal gastrectomy.

Clinicopathological Evaluation of Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: Our Experience

Aim

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. In Turkey, stomach cancer is ranked 5th among men and 8th among women in all cancers and is located in the forefront in cancer-related deaths. Signet ring cell adenocarcinoma, which is the histopathological subtype of gastric cancer, has a poor prognosis. The incidence of signet ring cell adenocarcinoma is rising. In the present study, we aimed to describe the clinicopathologic features of signet ring cell adenocarcinoma.

Materials and Methods

A total of 79 patients with 30 being female (38%) and 49 male (62%) who were diagnosed with gastric signet ring cell adenocarcinoma in the Medical Oncology Department of Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital between January 2004 and October 2015 were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

The baseline demographic characteristics of the patients, such as tumor localization, tumor stage, preoperative serum tumor markers, and treatment type (surgery and chemotherapy regimen), and the effects of these variables on survival and mortality were evaluated. Total surgery, stage III disease, moderate to poor grade, preoperative serum CA 19-9 and CEA levels were found as independent predictors of progression risk (p < 0.05). Each 1 ng/mL increase in preoperative serum CEA level was found to increase the risk of progression by 1.20 folds. Again, each 1 U/mL in preoperative serum CA 19-9 level was found to increase the risk of progression and mortality by 1.06 folds.

Conclusion

The clinicopathologic features of signet ring cell stomach cancer were described. Tumor localization and disease, CA 19-9 and CEA levels, and treatment type (surgery and chemotherapy regimen) were effective on survival and mortality. However, further studies with larger patient groups are needed on this issue.

How to cite this article

Altay SB, Akkurt G, Yılmaz N, et al. Clinicopathological Evaluation of Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: Our Experience. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2020;10(2):76–84.

Thirty-year trends in clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis after gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A single institution in Northern China

Background: We integrated changes in the trends in clinicopathologic characteristics and postoperative prognosis in patients with gastric cancer Northern China over a 30-year period. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing gastric cancer resection and complete follow-up information from January 1981 to December 2010 in the first affiliated Hospital of China Medical University was carried out. We divided the patients into three consecutive periods. Results: A total of 3,520 patients were included in this study. The proportion of lower tumors increased (from 58.8 to 66.9%), while that of upper tumors decreased (from 21.3 to 13.4%). The proportion of tumors > 5cm decreased (from 58.6 to 41.1 %), but the increasing trend of poorly differentiated gastric cancer was obvious (from 60.1 to 75.7%). The percentage of early gastric cancer increased from 10.0 to 15.5 during the study periods, and that of TNM stage Ⅳ cancer decreased from 38.6 to 28.1. In surgery treatment, the rate of radical resection increased to 92.1% in recent period, and the average number of retrieved lymph nodes increased. The 5-year survival rate gradually increased from 36.5% to 48.5% (p<0.001). The Multivariate analysis showed that age, tumor size, T stage, N stage, number of retrieved lymph nodes and resection type were independent prognostic factors for gastric cancer. Conclusion: The patterns of clinicopathologic features for gastric cancer changed during the 30-year period in North China. Overall survival (OS) could be increased by early detection of tumors and standard surgical treatment.

Risk evaluation of splenic hilar or splenic artery lymph node metastasis and survival analysis for patients with proximal gastric cancer after curative gastrectomy: a retrospective study

Background

As splenectomy and spleen-preserving lymphadenectomy are performed only in some proximal gastric cancer patients, it is difficult to identify patients who have undergone radical gastrectomy with or without splenic hilar (No.10) or splenic artery (No.11) lymph node metastases. We aimed to determine the risk factors for No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases and evaluate the survival significance of No.10 and No.11 lymph node dissection in advanced proximal gastric cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 873 advanced proximal gastric cancer patients who underwent curative gastrectomy with or without splenectomy or pancreaticosplenectomy were analyzed retrospectively. The clinicopathological characteristics of 152 patients who underwent splenectomy or pancreaticosplenectomy were analyzed to determine the risk factors for No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases. The survival difference between patients with No.10 and No.11 lymph node dissections and those who did not undergo these dissections were compared.

Results

Patients with No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases had very poor prognoses. Tumor invasion of the greater curvature and No.2 and No.4 lymph node metastases were independent risk factors for No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases. No survival differences were evident between patients with No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases who underwent No.10 and No.11 lymph node dissections and those who did not undergo these dissections but were at high risks of No.10 and No.11 lymph node metastases.

Conclusions

Splenic hilar or splenic artery lymph node dissection was not associated with increased survival, in proximal gastric cancer patients without direct cancer invasion of the spleen and pancreas, regardless of whether splenectomy, pancreaticosplenectomy, or spleen-preserving lymphadenectomy was performed.

Retrospective evaluation of lymphatic and blood vessel invasion and Borrmann types in advanced proximal gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The Borrmann classification system is used to describe the macroscopic appearance of advanced gastric cancer, and Borrmann type IV disease is independently associated with a poor prognosis.

AIM

To evaluate the prognostic significance of lymphatic and/or blood vessel invasion (LBVI) combined with the Borrmann type in advanced proximal gastric cancer (APGC).

METHODS

The clinicopathological and survival data of 440 patients with APGC who underwent curative surgery between 2005 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

In these 440 patients, LBVI+ status was associated with Borrmann type IV, low histological grade, large tumor size, and advanced pT and pN status. The 5-year survival rate of LBVI+ patients was significantly lower than that of LBVI– patients, although LBVI was not an independent prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis. No significant difference in the prognosis of patients with Borrmann type III/LBVI+ disease and patients with Borrmann type IV disease was observed. Therefore, we proposed a revised Borrmann type IV (r-Bor IV) as Borrmann type III plus LBVI+, and found that r-Bor IV was associated with poor prognosis in patients with APGC, which outweighed the prognostic significance of pT status.

CONCLUSION

LBVI is related to the prognosis of APGC, but is not an independent prognostic factor. LBVI status can be used to differentiate Borrmann types III and IV, and the same approach can be used to treat r-Bor IV and Borrmann type IV.

Evaluation of Gastric Carcinomas Histological Patterns in Relation to Tumors Aggressiveness Parameters

Gastric carcinomas are frequent tumors with variable growth patterns that may interfere with the evaluation of histopathological prognostic parameters of the lesions. In this study we analyzed the incidence and statistical relation of histological growth patterns depending on the prognostic parameters of gastric carcinomas for 95 cases. Pure forms were present in 82.2% of cases, from which more frequent subtypes were low grade tubular carcinomas and poorly cohesive with signet-ring cells carcinomas. Mixed forms were present in 17.8% of cases, with the highest incidence of tumors containing well differentiated tubular carcinoma and poorly differentiated papillary carcinoma areas. Analysis of the identified types and subtypes in relation to the histological prognostic parameters indicated significant differences regarding the tumor stage, the mixed subtypes being more frequent in advanced stages. Although mixed subtypes were more commonly associated with vascular and perineural invasion, the aspects were statistically insignificant. Together with tumor stage, the lymphovascular and/or perineural invasion should be taken into consideration as prognostic indicators in the postoperative management of gastric cancer.

Laparoscopic Proximal Gastrectomy Maintains Body Weight and Skeletal Muscle Better Than Total Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) is performed as a function-preserving surgery for patients with early proximal gastric malignant tumors; however, whether LPG has advantages postoperatively compared with laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is debatable, especially with regard to nutritional outcomes.

METHODS

We evaluated 20 patients who underwent LTG and 10 patients who underwent LPG with double tract reconstruction (LPG-DT) who were diagnosed preoperatively with T1a or T1b N0 Stage IA gastric cancer in our department in the same time period. The statistical relevance of complications, surgical maneuvers, clinical factors and changes in weight, skeletal muscle index (SMI) and serum albumin levels after surgery was compared between the LPG-DT group and the LTG group.

RESULTS

No differences between groups were observed in patient demographics, operation time, blood loss, complications, number of dissected lymph nodes and pathological stage. The body weight reduction rate was significantly lower in the LPG-DT group compared with the LTG group at 6 months (5.7 vs. 14.9%, respectively; p = 0.0045) and 1 year after surgery (9.6 vs. 17.9%, respectively; p = 0.0042). The SMI reduction rate of the LPG-DT group in the first postoperative year was significantly lower than that of the LTG group (9.3 vs. 18.3%, respectively; p = 0.0057).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with early gastric cancer who underwent LPG-DT had acceptable morbidity and mortality, similar to those who underwent LTG. Body weight and SMI reduction rates were lower in the LPG-DT group than in the LTG group. Thus, LPG-DT is an appropriate procedure for patients with clinical Stage IA proximal gastric cancer.

A Modified Prognostic Score for Patients with Curatively Resected Gastric Cancer

Aims and background

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide; the risk of dying depends on several patient and disease characteristics. An existing prognostic score predicts survival in gastric cancer patients undergoing curative resection based on patient age, tumor site, extent of wall invasion and nodal status, categorized as simply as negative or positive.

Methods

Our aim was to modify the original prognostic score by incorporating information on nodal stage according to the latest TNM classification (number of involved nodes), based on a retrospective series of 610 chemotherapy-naïve gastric cancer patients recruited to a surgical clinical trial. We then tested the modified score on an independent series of 136 gastric cancer patients.

Results

Nodal stage added significant prognostic information to the nodal status classification (P <0.001), and was therefore included in the modified score. With the latter, we were able to identify three risk groups with overall five-year survival varying from more than 70% to less than 30%. The prognostic performance of the modified score was better than that achieved with the AJCC-UICC TNM staging.

Conclusions

The modified score, based on established prognostic factors, is proposed as a simple tool for prognostic grouping of gastric cancer patients undergoing curative surgery.

Outcomes of screening gastroscopy in first-degree relatives of patients fulfilling hereditary diffuse gastric cancer criteria

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the yield of endoscopic screening in first-degree relatives (FDRs) of CDH1-negative hereditary diffuse-type gastric cancer (HDGC) patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational cohort study, in 2 expert centers in the Netherlands data were collected on FDRs from families fulfilling the international HDGC criteria that underwent endoscopic screening. Extensive inspection of the stomach was performed by gastroscopy, taking random and/or targeted stomach biopsy specimens to identify diffuse-type gastric cancer.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2016, 90 persons (40% men; mean age, 48 years) from 40 families were offered endoscopic screening. The mean number of endoscopies per person was 3. The mean follow-up time was 46 months and mean endoscopic interval 20 months. Signet ring cell carcinoma foci restricted to the mucosa (pT1a) were identified in 4 persons (4%) from 1 family, which afterward was diagnosed with a germline CTNNA1 mutation. Advanced poorly cohesive gastric carcinoma was diagnosed in 1 person from another family. Intestinal metaplasia was diagnosed in 38 persons (42%) and low-grade dysplasia in 4 persons (4%). Additionally, in 40 persons (44%) scar tissue was observed in the gastric mucosa, which can hinder the endoscopic detection of small white lesions typical for HDGC.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic screening in HDGC families without a pathogenic CDH1 mutation may be reasonable, as we detected signet ring cell carcinomas in 6% of persons screened. However, the criteria and frequency of screening may have to be reconsidered.

Mild hyperthermia enhances sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy through reactive oxygen species-induced autophagic death

Mild hyperthermia enhances anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy, but the precise biochemical mechanisms involved are not clear. This study was carried out to investigate whether mild hyperthermia sensitizes gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy through reactive oxygen species-induced autophagic death. In total, 20 BABL/c mice of MKN-45 human gastric cancer tumor model were divided into hyperthermia + chemotherapy group, hyperthermia group, chemotherapy group, N-acetyl-L-cysteine group, and mock group. Reactive oxygen species production and expression of autophagy-related genes Beclin1, LC3B, and mammalian target of rapamycin were determined. The relationships between tumor growth regression, expression of autophagy-related genes, and reactive oxygen species production were evaluated. Tumor size and wet weight of hyperthermia + chemotherapy group was significantly decreased relative to values from hyperthermia group, chemotherapy group, N-acetyl-L-cysteine group, and mock group ( F = 6.92, p < 0.01 and F = 5.36, p < 0.01, respectively). Reactive oxygen species production was significantly higher in hyperthermia + chemotherapy group than in hyperthermia, chemotherapy, and mock groups. The expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3B were significantly higher, while those of mammalian target of rapamycin were significantly lower in hyperthermia + chemotherapy group than in hyperthermia, chemotherapy, and mock groups. Tumor growth regression was consistent with changes in reactive oxygen species production and expression of autophagy-related genes. N-acetyl-L-cysteine inhibited changes in the expression of the autophagy-related genes and also suppressed reactive oxygen species production and tumor growth. Hyperthermia + chemotherapy increase expression of autophagy-related genes Beclin1 and LC3B, decrease expression of mammalian target of rapamycin, and concomitantly increase reactive oxygen species generation. These results strongly indicate that mild hyperthermia enhances sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy through reactive oxygen species-induced autophagic death.

Genetic predisposition to gastric cancer

Gastric cancer ranks as the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and confers a 5-year survival of 20%. While most gastric cancers are sporadic, ~1%-3% can be attributed to inherited cancer predisposition syndromes. Germline E-cadherin/CDH1 mutations have been identified in families with an autosomal dominant inherited predisposition to diffuse gastric cancer. The cumulative risk of gastric cancer for CDH1 mutation carriers by age 80 years is reportedly 70% for men and 56% for women. Female mutation carriers also have an estimated 42% risk for developing lobular breast cancer by age 80 years. However, most individuals meeting clinical criteria for hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome (HDGC) do not have a germline CDH1 mutation, and germline CDH1 mutation carriers do not all exhibit similar clinical outcomes in terms of age of diagnosis or cancer types. E-cadherin (CDH1) as the one known causative gene for HDGC accounts for only 40% of cases, leaving 60% with an unknown genetic diagnosis. In addition to HDGC, we will review other genetic syndromes with elevated gastric cancer risk, as well as newly implicated alterations in other genes (CTNNA1, DOT1L, FBXO24, PRSS1, MAP3K6, MSR1, and INSR) that may affect gastric cancer susceptibility and age-specific penetrance.

Restoration of gastrointestinal motility ameliorates nutritional deficiencies and body weight loss of patients who undergo laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Esophagogastrostomy after proximal gastrectomy (PG) is a simple and safe reconstruction, but it leads to a high incidence of reflux esophagitis and impairs postoperative quality of life. We have already reported gastric tube (GT) reconstruction after PG and performed it on more than 100 patients. No studies have reported long-term outcomes after PG-GT. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term outcomes, including nutrition indices, such as body weight, serum albumin, total protein, hemoglobin, and ferritin after PG, and observe recovery of upper gastrointestinal tract motility.

METHODS

We analyzed body weight loss and laboratory findings at our outpatient clinic at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months postoperatively. Manometric recording was carried out at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years after surgery.

RESULTS

The percentage change in body weight in the PG-GT group was significantly larger than that in the PG-JI and TG-RY groups at 2.5, 3, 4, and 5 years after surgery. The levels of hemoglobin and ferritin in the PG-GT and PG-JI groups were significantly higher than those in the TG-RY group at all time points except 6 months after surgery. In the fasted state, the phase III originated at the gastric tube was propagated to the duodenum 3 years after surgery. In the fed state, phasic contractions of the duodenum were in harmony with gastric tube contractions 3 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

PG-GT is the least invasive procedure, and restoration of gastrointestinal motilities in the gastric tube and duodenum may ameliorate body weight loss and nutritional status, including anemia, in patients after PG.

Proximal gastrectomy versus total gastrectomy for proximal third gastric cancer: total gastrectomy is not always necessary

BACKGROUND

The appropriate extent of gastric resection for patients with proximal third gastric cancer is controversial. This study addresses whether the choice of surgical strategy (proximal gastrectomy [PG] versus total gastrectomy [TG]) influences the outcomes for proximal third gastric adenocarcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Review of prospective database at Tata Memorial Hospital from January 2010 to December 2012 identified 343 patients diagnosed and treated for gastric cancer. Of these, 75 underwent curative resections with D2 lymphadenectomy for proximal third gastric adenocarcinoma, which entailed proximal gastrectomy in 43 and total gastrectomy in 32 patients, depending on the epicenter of the primary and its relation with the mid-body of the stomach. Morbidity, lymph node yield, resection margins, patterns of recurrence, and survival were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

41/75 tumors were pT3 (23 cases [53.4 %] in the PG and 18 cases [56.3 %] in the TG group). Thirty-six patients [83.7 %] in PG and 29 patients [90.6 %] in TG group received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). There were no significant differences with regard to median blood loss, general complication rates and length of hospitalization between the two groups. The lymph node yield was comparable between the two procedures [PG = 14; TG = 15]. Positive proximal resection margin rates were comparable between the two groups [PG = 4.7 %; TG = 9.4 %], and there was no statistical difference observed in the distal resection margin positivity rates [PG = 4.7 %; TG = 3.1 %]. Regarding the patterns of recurrence, local recurrence in PG was 4.7 % and there was no local recurrence in the TG group (p = 0.08). Distant recurrence rates was dominant in TG [PG = 30.2 % versus TG = 53.1 %]. The overall 2-year survival following PG and TG was 73.8 and 49.9 %, respectively, and not statistically different (p = 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of resection for proximal third gastric cancer does not influence the clinical outcome. PG and TG have similar survival rates. Both procedures can be accomplished safely. Therefore, PG should be an alternative to TG, even in locally advanced proximal gastric cancers treated by NACT, provided that the tumor size and location permit preservation of adequate remnant of stomach without compromising oncological resection margins. Future QOL studies would further lend credence to the concept of PG for proximal third gastric cancer.

Signet-ring cell carcinoma of the stomach: Impact on prognosis and specific therapeutic challenge

While the incidence of gastric cancer has decreased worldwide in recent decades, the incidence of signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is rising. SRCC has a specific epidemiology and oncogenesis and has two forms: early gastric cancer, which can be resected endoscopically in some cases and which has a better outcome than non-SRCC, and advanced gastric cancer, which is generally thought to have a worse prognosis and lower chemosensitivity than non-SRCC. However, the prognosis of SRCC and its chemosensitivity with specific regimens are still controversial as SRCC is not specifically identified in most studies and its poor prognosis may be due to its more advanced stage. It therefore remains unclear if a specific therapeutic strategy is justified, as the benefit of perioperative chemotherapy and the value of taxane-based chemotherapy are unclear. In this review we analyze recent data on the epidemiology, oncogenesis, prognosis and specific therapeutic strategies in both early and advanced SRCC of the stomach and in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.

Time trends of clinicopathologic features and surgical treatment for gastric cancer: Results from 2 high-volume institutions in southern China

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the time-related trends of tumor characteristics and postoperative survival of patients with gastric cancer (GC) in 2 high-volume centers in high incidence areas of southern China.

METHODS

Based on the meticulously collected data from 5,327 patients with GC treated with operative intervention at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, we analyzed the differences in clinicopathologic features and postoperative survival over the following 4 consecutive periods: 1991-1995 (period 1), 1996-2000 (period 2), 2001-2005 (period 3), and 2006-2010 (period 4).

RESULTS

Tumor size decreased (P = .001), but the proportion of poorly differentiated tumors increased (P < .001) over the study periods. Early GC was diagnosed more often in later periods, gradually increasing from 7 to 15% (P < .001). A surprising improvement was observed in the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes, ranging from 10.36 to 26.22 (P < .001). The radical resection rate increased from 88 to 93%. The overall 5-year survival rate improved steadily over the 4 periods, from 39 to 53% (P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, tumor location, histologic type, tumor size, depth of invasion, lymphatic invasion, number of retrieved lymph nodes, radical resection, and time periods were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

The clinicopathologic features of tumors changed during the observation period in our region. The increasingly early detection of patients with GC and more standardized regimens for operative management, including routinely performed D2 lymphadenectomy, most likely resulted in the increase in overall survival.

Reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach: a review of the literature published from 2000 to 2014

Proximal gastrectomy (PG) is occasionally performed to preserve the physiological function of the remnant stomach with the aim of maintaining a gastric reservoir for patients with early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach. Many reconstructive procedures after PG have been reported, including esophagogastrostomy (EG), jejunal interposition, jejunal pouch interposition, and double tract. However, no general agreement exists regarding the optimal reconstructive procedure. This article reviews the current reconstructive procedures available for PG. We examined the surgical outcomes, postoperative complications, endoscopic findings, and quality of life (QOL) according to the reconstructive procedures. We found no significant difference in anastomotic leakage and anastomotic stricture among the procedures. The frequency of reflux esophagitis was higher with simple EG compared with the other reconstructive procedures. Some additional procedures, such as fundoplication, the use of a narrow gastric conduit, and placement of a gastric tube in the lower mediastinum on EG, could decrease the frequency of reflux esophagitis and reflux symptoms. These additional procedures may improve the QOL; however, the previous studies were small and could not adequately compare the reconstructive procedures. Prospective randomized controlled trials that involve a longer trial period and more institutions are needed to clarify the optimal reconstructive procedures after PG.

The distance of proximal resection margin dose not significantly influence on the prognosis of gastric cancer patients after curative resection

Purpose

It is well known that the curative resection with an adequate proximal margin length is the most effective treatment in gastric cancer. However, despite surgeon's effort to achieve a sufficient proximal margin length, it is often difficult to obtain a recommended proximal margin length in some cases. Therefore, this study was planned to investigate the impact of the length of proximal margin on prognosis of overall survival.

Methods

Between June 1992 and December 2010, 1,888 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent were reviewed. According to tumor's location (total vs. subtotal gastrectomy), pathologic T staging, and differentiation, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of the discrepancies of proximal margin length on overall survival. Also, the impact of the discrepancies of proximal margin length on local recurrence was assessed.

Results

The 5-year survival rate of positive proximal margin group was 5.9%. In negative proximal margin groups, multivariate analysis showed that the discrepancies of proximal margin length have no impact on overall survival. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that there is no association between discrepancy of proximal margin length and local recurrence.

Conclusion

It takes effort to secure a negative proximal margin in the surgical treatment of gastric cancer because of the poor prognosis of positive proximal margin. In negative proximal margin patients, there's no need to achieve an additional proximal margin length for long-term survival benefit because there was no impact of proximal margin length on overall survival and local recurrence.

Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to improve the rate of complete (R0) resection and downstaging in patients with localized gastric cancer. There are few reports, however, regarding its impact on postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aims of this study were to analyse complication and mortality rates after neoadjuvant chemotherapy using a modified regimen of folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) for locally advanced gastric cancer (AGC), compared with rates in patients who underwent surgery without neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

Data were collected from patients with AGC enrolled in a phase II trial of four cycles of neoadjuvant mFOLFOX6 followed by surgery, between January 2005 and June 2008 at two of three institutions, and compared with those from a cohort of patients with AGC who underwent surgery alone at one of the institutions in 2006.

RESULTS

Among 51 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, there were no deaths and a morbidity rate of 24 per cent after surgery. Comparison of 48 patients in one institution who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 92 patients who had surgery alone in the same institution showed no increase in postoperative morbidity (23 versus 29 per cent; P = 0·417). Combined resection was the only risk factor for postoperative morbidity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with mFOLFOX is a safe treatment for patients with localized AGC, and does not increase postoperative morbidity or mortality.

The changing pattern of upper gastrointestinal disorders by endoscopy: data of the last 40 years

Objectives. We have investigated the changes in the incidence of various diagnoses that have been made in the endoscopy unit throughout the last 40 years. Methods. In this study, changes in the incidence of endoscopic diagnosis in upper gastrointestinal system between 1970 and 2010 were evaluated. Their diagnosis, age, and gender data were entered into the Excel software. Results. Of the 52816 cases who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the 40-year time period, the mean age was 48.17 ± 16.27 (mean ± SD). Although overall more than half of the patients were male (54.3%), in 1995 and after a marked increase was seen in the proportion of female gender (51–55%). The presence of hiatal hernia, reflux esophagitis, and the number of Barrett's esophaguses significantly increased. Erosive gastritis showed gradual increase, while the number of gastric ulcers decreased significantly. The presence of gastric and esophageal cancer significantly decreased. The number of duodenal ulcers significantly decreased. Conclusion. We detected that the incidences of esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and erosive gastritis significantly increased while the incidences of gastric/duodenal ulcer and gastric/esophageal cancer decreased throughout the last 40 years.

Evaluation of docetaxel- and oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy in postgastrectomy gastric cancer patients reveals obvious survival benefits in docetaxel-treated mixed signet ring cell carcinoma patients

The purpose of this study was to determine the disease-free and overall survival (DFS and OS, respectively) in 991 postgastrectomy gastric cancer patients untreated (n = 372) or treated with either oxaliplatin-based (n = 376) or docetaxel-based (n = 243) chemotherapy and to identify prognostic factors that could help establish subgroups of patients who would benefit from such treatment. The median follow-up duration was 55.3 months (range 31.2-90.8 months). Subgroup analyses revealed that gastric adenocarcinoma (DFS 56.9 vs 53.2 months, P = 0.180, χ(2) = 1.802; OS not reached vs 70.7 months, P = 0.521, χ(2) = 0.412), but not absolute signet ring cell (SRC) carcinoma (DFS 15.1/18.0 vs 10.1 months, P = 0.171/0.259, χ(2) = 1.874/1.275; OS 21.0/26.1 vs 20.5 months, P = 0.551/0.196, χ(2) = 0.355/1.674), patients undergoing either docetaxel- or oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy had a lower risk of recurrence and increased survival in comparison to those without chemotherapy. In the mixed SRC carcinoma patients, DFS and OS of patients treated with docetaxel-based regimen had a longer survival (DFS 50.1 vs 29.9 months, P = 0.046, χ(2) = 3.987; OS not reached vs 48.6 months, P = 0.016, χ(2) = 5.854) and lower risk of recurrence and death (DFS HR 0.540, 95 % CI 0.355-0.874, P = 0.012; OS HR 0.452, 95 % CI 0.259-0.790, P = 0.005) than oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Cumulatively, our results indicate that adjuvant chemotherapy is beneficial and that docetaxel-based regimen should be considered for patients with mixed SRC carcinoma.

Trends in clinical features, postoperative outcomes, and long-term survival for gastric cancer: a Western experience with 1,278 patients over 30 years

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to identify temporal trends in long-term survival and postoperative outcomes and to analyze prognostic factors influencing the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC) treated in a 30-year interval in a tertiary referral Western institution.

METHODS

Between January 1980 and December 2010, 1,278 patients who were diagnosed with GC at the Digestive Surgery Department, Catholic University of Rome, Italy, were identified. Among them, 936 patients underwent surgical resection and were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Over time there was a significant improvement in postoperative outcomes. Morbidity and mortality rates decreased to 19.4% and 1.6%, respectively, in the last decade. By contrast, the multivisceral resection rate steadily increased from 12.7% to 29.6%. The overall five-year survival rate steadily increased over time, reaching 51% in the last decade, and 64.5% for R0 resections. Multivariate analysis showed a higher probability of overall survival for early stages (I and II), extended lymphadenectomy, and R0 resections.

CONCLUSIONS

Over three decades there was a significant improvement in perioperative and postoperative care and a steady increase in overall survival.

Genetic mutation analysis of human gastric adenocarcinomas using ion torrent sequencing platform

Gastric cancer is the one of the major causes of cancer-related death, especially in Asia. Gastric adenocarcinoma, the most common type of gastric cancer, is heterogeneous and its incidence and cause varies widely with geographical regions, gender, ethnicity, and diet. Since unique mutations have been observed in individual human cancer samples, identification and characterization of the molecular alterations underlying individual gastric adenocarcinomas is a critical step for developing more effective, personalized therapies. Until recently, identifying genetic mutations on an individual basis by DNA sequencing remained a daunting task. Recent advances in new next-generation DNA sequencing technologies, such as the semiconductor-based Ion Torrent sequencing platform, makes DNA sequencing cheaper, faster, and more reliable. In this study, we aim to identify genetic mutations in the genes which are targeted by drugs in clinical use or are under development in individual human gastric adenocarcinoma samples using Ion Torrent sequencing. We sequenced 737 loci from 45 cancer-related genes in 238 human gastric adenocarcinoma samples using the Ion Torrent Ampliseq Cancer Panel. The sequencing analysis revealed a high occurrence of mutations along the TP53 locus (9.7%) in our sample set. Thus, this study indicates the utility of a cost and time efficient tool such as Ion Torrent sequencing to screen cancer mutations for the development of personalized cancer therapy.

The PAS positive material in gastric cancer cells of signet ring type is not mucin

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to assess the exocrine and neuroendocrine properties of tumour cells in diffuse gastric cancer with signet ring cell differentiation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Mucin mRNA and protein expressions (MUC1, 2, 3, 4, 5AC, 6 and MUC13) were assessed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The neuroendocrine properties were evaluated by protein and mRNA expression of the general neuroendocrine markers chromogranin A and synaptophysin.

RESULTS

No MUC expression was observed in signet ring tumour cells including the amorphous substance in any of the nine cases. All cases showed immunoreactivity to synaptophysin, and seven out of nine cases immunoreactivity to chromogranin A in signet ring and non-signet ring tumour cells. Chromogranin A mRNA expression was observed in tumour cells in all samples with retained mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of MUC protein and mRNA in signet ring tumour cells suggests the amorphous substance is not mucin. The lack of MUC mRNA expression in non-signet ring tumour cells questions exocrine differentiation in this tumour group. The abundant protein expression of the general neuroendocrine markers CgA and synaptophysin, and mRNA expression in tumour cells strengthens the hypothesis that this tumour group may be of neuroendocrine origin.

Reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach: an analysis of our 13-year experience

BACKGROUND

Fundoplication during esophagogastrostomy (EG) after proximal gastrectomy (PG) is a useful procedure to prevent reflux esophagitis, but it is unclear how much of the remnant stomach should be wrapped around the esophagus.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 101 patients who underwent PG for upper third early gastric cancer between 1999 and 2011. In all, 64 patients underwent EG, 25 underwent jejunal interposition (JI), and 12 underwent jejunal pouch interposition (JPI). We compared intraoperative details and postoperative outcomes, and investigated the relationships between the degree of the fundoplication during EG and endoscopic findings.

RESULTS

The length of the operation was significantly shorter in the EG group than in the other 2 groups (P < .05), and the intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the EG group (P < .05). The JI and the JPI groups had significantly greater rates of early complications than did the EG group (P = .01). Reflux esophagitis was present in 22% of patients in the EG group, 8% in the JPI group, and none in the JI group. In the EG group, reflux esophagitis was significantly less common in patients with a >180° wrap of the remnant stomach around the esophagus than in patients with a smaller wrap (P = .0008). The rate of body weight loss was significantly less in the EG group compared with the other 2 groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Considering the low invasiveness of the procedure and postoperative outcomes, we consider that EG with a >180° wrap as the optimal reconstructive procedure.

Three decades of clinical-pathological trends in gastric cancer: prospective data from a Portuguese hospital

INTRODUCTION

Gastric cancer is a heterogeneous disease, whose pathological and clinical patterns have changed in the last decades. In most western countries, decreases in incidence and mortality and a proximal migration have been reported. The clinical and pathological trends in an European country with high prevalence of gastric cancer were reviewed, based on the patients treated at a University Hospital.

METHODS

Analysis of a prospective database with 1618 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer in the last 3 decades. The patients were divided in 3 groups according to decades and the cohorts were analyzed according to demographic, surgical and pathological factors.

RESULTS

The mean age increased from 59.8 to 65.6 years. Antral tumors and intestinal cancer were the most frequent. The rate of complete resection increased as well as the percentage of total gastrectomies and D2-type lymphadenectomies. There was an increase both in early stage carcinomas and in surgically treated Stage-IV carcinomas. The median overall crude survival almost doubled from 14 to 22 months (p = 0.003), but once stratified for stage, only in stage II patients could we observe a significant increase in survival time. (29-47 months; p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

The proximal migration described for Western Europe was not observed and the intestinal-type carcinoma is still the most frequent. We are treating older patients, often with more advanced disease. In spite of an increasing surgical aggressiveness, the prognosis has only been significantly improved in Stage-II cancers. The prognosis for advanced cancer is still dismal, hence the need for effective adjuvant treatments.

Genetic testing by cancer site: stomach

Gastric cancer is a global public health concern, ranking as the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality, with a 5-year survival of only 20%. Approximately 10% of gastric cancers appear to have a familial predisposition, and about half of these can be attributed to hereditary germline mutations. We review the genetic syndromes and current standards for genetic counseling, testing, and medical management for screening and treatment of gastric cancer. Recently, germline mutations in the E-cadherin/CDH1 gene have been identified in families with an autosomal dominant inherited predisposition to gastric cancer of the diffuse type. The cumulative lifetime risk of developing gastric cancer in CDH1 mutation carriers is up to 80%, and women from these families also have an increased risk for developing lobular breast cancer. Prophylactic gastrectomies are recommended in unaffected CDH1 mutation carriers, because screening endoscopic examinations and blind biopsies have proven inadequate for surveillance. In addition to this syndrome, gastric cancer risk is elevated in Lynch syndrome associated with germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes and microsatellite instability, in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome due to germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, in familial adenomatous polyposis caused by germline APC mutations, in Li-Fraumeni syndrome due to germline p53 mutations, in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome associated with germline STK11 mutations, and in juvenile polyposis syndrome associated with germline mutations in the SMAD4 and BMPR1A genes. Guidelines for genetic testing, counseling, and management of individuals with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer are suggested. A raised awareness among the physician and genetic counseling communities regarding these syndromes may allow for increased detection and prevention of gastric cancers in these high-risk individuals.

Gastric cancer at a university teaching hospital in northwestern Tanzania: a retrospective review of 232 cases

Background

Despite marked decreases in its incidence, particularly in developed countries, gastric cancer is still the second most common tumor worldwide. There is a paucity of information regarding gastric cancer in northwestern Tanzania. This study was undertaken to describe our experience, in our local setting, on the management of gastric cancer, outlining the clinicopathological and treatment outcome of these patients and suggesting ways to improve the treatment outcome.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of histologically confirmed cases of gastric cancer seen at Bugando Medical Centre between January 2007 and December 2011. Data were retrieved from patients’ files and analyzed using SPSS computer software version 17.0.

Results

A total of 232 gastric cancer patients were enrolled in the study, representing 4.5% of all malignancies. The male to female ratio was 2.9:1. The median age of patients was 52 years. The majority of the patients (92.1%) presented late with advanced gastric cancer (Stages III and IV). Lymph node and distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis was recorded in 31.9% and 29.3% of cases, respectively. The antrum was the most frequent anatomical site (56.5%) involved and gastric adenocarcinoma (95.1%) was the most common histopathological type. Out of 232 patients, 223 (96.1%) patients underwent surgical procedures for gastric cancer of which gastro-jejunostomy was the most frequent performed surgical procedure, accounting for 53.8% of cases. The use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy was documented in 56 (24.1%) and 12 (5.1%) patients, respectively. Postoperative complication and mortality rates were 37.1% and 18.1%, respectively. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, preoperative co-morbidity, histological grade and stage of the tumor, presence of metastases at the time of diagnosis was the main predictors of death (P <0.001). At the end of five years, only 76 (32.8%) patients were available for follow-up and the overall five-year survival rate was 6.9%. Evidence of cancer recurrence was reported in 45 (19.4%) patients. Positive resection margins, stage of the tumor and presence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis were the main predictors of local recurrence (P <0.001).

Conclusions

Gastric cancer in this region shows a trend towards relative young age at diagnosis and the majority of patients present late with an advanced stage. Lack of awareness of the disease, poor accessibility to health care facilities and lack of screening programs in this region may contribute to advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. There is a need for early detection, adequate treatment and proper follow-up to improve treatment outcome.

The pattern and risk factors of recurrence of proximal gastric cancer after curative resection

PURPOSE

To explore the time and pattern of recurrence of proximal gastric cancer and estimate the risk factors and prognostic factors for it. Considering these risk factors, postoperative adjuvant therapies and follow-up program can be individualized.

METHODS

The data of 135 recurrence proximal gastric cancer patients were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

In 135 recurrence patients, the median time to recurrence was 14.0 months, 116 (85.9%) patients had recurrences within 2 years. Loco-regional recurrence was the most prevalent pattern. Hematogenous metastasis was next prevalent pattern in which the liver was the most common organ. Peritoneal recurrence occurred in 32 patients. Five patients recurred in distant lymph nodes. The deeper invasion was associated with higher incidence of hematogenous metastases and peritoneal recurrence. The histological type, depth of invasion, and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for overall recurrence. While, negative lymph nodes counts were another independent risk factors for early recurrence. Patients with systemic recurrence and early recurrence patients had poorer prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Total gastrectomy and adequate lymph nodes dissection were rational choice of proximal gastric cancer with deeper invasion. Pathologic predictors of invasion, histological type, lymph nodes metastasis and negative lymph node counts could guide individualized, risk-oriented adjuvant treatment, and follow-up plan.

A systematic review of surgery for non-curative gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Most gastric cancer patients present with advanced stage disease precluding curative surgical treatment. These patients may be considered for palliative resection or bypass in the presence of major symptoms; however, the utility of surgery for non-curative, asymptomatic advanced disease is debated and the appropriate treatment strategy unclear.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the non-curative surgical literature to better understand the limitations and benefits of non-curative surgery for advanced gastric cancer.

METHODS

A literature search for non-curative surgical interventions in gastric cancer was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from 1 January 1985 to 1 December 2009. All abstracts were independently rated for relevance by a minimum of two reviewers. Outcomes of interest were procedure-related morbidity, mortality, and survival.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine articles were included; the majority were retrospective, single institution case series. Definitions describing the treatment intent for gastrectomy were incomplete in most studies. Only five were truly performed with relief of symptoms as the primary indication for surgery, while the majority were considered non-curative or not otherwise specified. High rates of procedure-related morbidity and mortality were demonstrated for all surgeries across the majority of studies and treatment-intent categories. Median and 1-year survival were poor, and values ranged widely within surgical approaches and across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

A lack of transparent documentation of disease burden and symptoms limits the surgical literature in non-curative gastric cancer. Improved survival is not evident for all patients receiving non-curative gastrectomy. Further prospective research is required to determine the optimal intervention for palliative gastric cancer patients.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of surgery of middle-third gastric cancer

Many issues of middle-third gastric cancer need to be address for obtaining preferably clinical treatment. The objective of this retrospective study was to analyze clinicopathologic characteristics and results of surgery for 113 middle-third gastric cancer patients admitted to our hospital. Retrospective cohort analyses of clinicopathologic data and postoperative prognosis of 113 middle-third gastric cancer patients who underwent curative resection between January 1997 and December 2003 were reviewed. Compared with lower-third gastric cancer patients, middle-third gastric cancer patients had significantly lower 5-year survival rate (P < 0.001) and higher recurrence rate (P < 0.001). With the Cox proportional hazards model analysis, the types of gastrectomy (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.495, P = 0.012) and ratio between metastatic and dissected lymph nodes (RML) (HR = 1.681, P < 0.001) were identified as the independent predictors of overall survival (OS) of middle-third gastric cancer patients. Besides, only RML (HR = 3.026, P < 0.001) was an independent predictor of recurrence for middle-third gastric cancer patients after surgery identified using the logistic regression analysis. The prognosis of middle-third gastric cancer was significantly worse than lower-third gastric cancer. RML was a key indicator for OS and recurrence of middle-third gastric cancer.

[Surgery of gastric cancer in a medium volume center]

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate prognostic factors for the surgical treatment of gastric cancer in a medium volume center. The investigation focused in particular on morbidity and mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2005 to August 2011 a total of 74 patients with gastric cancer were surgically treated in our medium volume center. The study of these patients included morbidity, mortality, UICC (International Union Against Cancer) stage, Laurén classification, surgical therapy procedure, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification and duration of surgery.

RESULTS

After surgery 11 patients suffered from complications with a morbidity of 14.9% and a mortality of 1.4% (n=1). No significant differences could be detected during the study period.

CONCLUSION

In comparison to other studies the morbidity and mortality rates signify similar to better data than complications of high volume centers which might be due to the small group of surgeons who are specialized in gastric surgery.

Signet ring cell carcinoma of the stomach is significantly associated with poor prognosis and diffuse gastric cancer (Lauren's): single-center experience of 160 cases

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate survival rates and treatment response in stage I-IV gastric cancer in relation to tumor stage (TNM), histology, Lauren's classification and tumor localization.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical and histopathological data of 160 patients with stage I-IV gastric cancer were analyzed in this retrospective, single-center study.

RESULTS

Most patients (73.1%) showed an advanced or metastatic tumor stage (III/IV). The median 3-year overall survival (OS) was 20 ± 16.8 months and correlated significantly with tumor stage (I: OS 30.6 ± 15 months vs. IV: 10.4 ± 9.3 months; p < 0.0001). Stage III/IV tumors were significantly more often poorly differentiated (G3; p = 0.011) and located in the corpus region. Signet ring cell (SRC) cancers were found in a larger proportion of these tumors when compared with locally limited gastric cancers (43.1% vs. 16.3%; p = 0.002). SRC tumors occurred predominantly in women and younger patients and histology was significantly more often of the diffuse subtype according to Lauren (7.5% vs. 63.2%; p < 0.0001) and poorly differentiated (G3 in 95% vs. 73%; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SRC gastric cancer correlates with poor histopathological criteria and poor prognosis when compared with other histological subtypes. These observations underline the need for more effective treatment in addition to standard approaches.

Clinicopathological features and surgical treatment of gastric cancer in South Korea: the results of 2009 nationwide survey on surgically treated gastric cancer patients

Purpose

In an effort to examine the clinicopathological characteristics of GC and the status of its surgical treatment, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) conducted a nationwide survey targeting surgically-treated gastric cancer patients in 2009.

Materials and Methods

A standardized electrical case report was sent to every member institution of the KGCA via E-mail with detailed instructions regarding the survey data. Completed data forms were retrieved from each institution and analyzed by the KGCA information committee.

Results

Data on 14,658 patients was collected from 59 institutions. The mean patient age was 59.2±11.9 years with a male to female ratio of 2.05 : 1. Lower third cancer (56.0%) was the most common among all gastric cancers. The histological type revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (34.1%) to be the most common, and the Lauren classification revealed the intestinal type (50.0%) to be the most prevalent. Curative surgery was performed in 92.4% of patients with laparoscopic surgery in 25.8% of patients. A Billroth I reconstruction was performed most frequently after a distal gastrectomy (63.4% of distal gastrectomy). T1 cancers accounted for 57.6% of all cases, and 62.6% of patients showed no lymph node metastasis. Compared to previous reports, it was found that patients are becoming older, laparoscopic surgery is being performed increasingly, and the proportion of T1 cancer is increasing with time.

Conclusions

This survey presented the clinicopathological characteristics and current status of the surgical treatment of gastric cancer in Korea. This survey is expected aid research studies as well as planning and evaluation programs targeting cancer control.

General perioperative management of gastric cancer patients at high-volume centers

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is very common in Korea and Japan, where many hospitals annually perform high numbers of gastrectomies for gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the general management of gastric cancer in high-volume centers in Korea and Japan.

METHODS

We undertook a survey of the general management of gastric cancer at high-volume centers (over 200 cases/year) and analyzed the answers.

RESULTS

In six of 14 hospitals surveyed, antimicrobial prophylaxis for elective gastrectomy was administered until postoperative day 3. A Levin tube and an abdominal drain were routinely inserted in seven and ten hospitals, respectively. Laboratory tests, such as complete blood cell count, liver function test, electrolytes, and blood urea nitrogen/creatinine were performed frequently on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 5. Sips of water after open distal gastrectomy were restarted up to postoperative day 3 in twelve hospitals. The surgical pathology was reported up to postoperative day 10 in thirteen hospitals. Twelve hospitals provided a regular patient education program and only one hospital provided an integrated education program which included the participation of a surgeon, an oncologist, a nurse, and a nutritionist.

CONCLUSIONS

The general management of gastric cancer in 14 high-volume centers was not so different among the centers. The general management protocols noted here are expected to provide useful information for perioperative care.

Changes in clinicopathological features and survival after gastrectomy for gastric cancer over a 20-year period

BACKGROUND

The pattern of gastric cancer in the Western world is changing, with an increased proportion of tumours in the upper stomach. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in clinicopathological features and survival of patients with resected gastric cancer at a single institution, in an area of high incidence in the Far East.

METHODS

Clinical features and pathological findings were compared in patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy at Seoul National University Hospital during four consecutive periods (1986-1990, 1991-1995, 1996-2000 and 2001-2006).

RESULTS

There were 12 026 patients. The mean age increased from 53·4 years in the first period to 57·4 years in the last (P < 0·001). The proportion of patients aged 70 years or older also increased, reaching 16·1 per cent in the final period. Upper-third cancer increased from 5·3 per cent in the first period to 14·0 per cent in the fourth (P < 0·001). Early gastric cancer (pathological T1) increased continuously over the four time intervals, from 24·8 to 48·9 per cent (P < 0·001). The overall 5-year survival rate increased from 64·0 per cent in the first period to 73·2 per cent at the end (P < 0·001), and this survival improvement was apparent in patients aged 40 years or more.

CONCLUSION

The mean age of patients with gastric cancer has increased during the past 20 years. The proportion of early gastric cancer and overall survival have gradually increased, especially in patients aged over 40 years.

Gastric carcinoma--a big challenge in a poor economy

BACKGROUND

Gastric carcinoma is usually characterized with significant morbidity and mortality mainly because of late presentation. Late presentation of gastric carcinoma is a prominent feature in developing and poor countries.

AIM OF STUDY

The purpose of this study is to present our experience with the pattern and outcome of gastric tumors at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria; with emphasis on late presentation of the patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The case files of the patients that were managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for gastric tumors over a 5-year period (January 2004 to December 2006) were analyzed for biodata, symptoms and signs of disease, findings at operation, treatment offered, and outcome of treatment.

RESULTS

The male/female ratio was 2.3:1, with the youngest patient being 38 years while the oldest patient was 76 years old. Upper abdominal pain and a palpable mass per abdomen were the commonest symptoms and signs, respectively. Alcohol ingestion was the commonest identifiable risk factor. Only 30.4% of the patients presented within a year of the onset of symptoms. The gastric antrum was affected in over 78% of the cases, and adenocarcinoma was found in about 90% of the patients. Partial gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy was the commonest procedure carried out. The mortality rate was 39.1%, and of the patients that died, 66.7% occurred within a year from time of diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Most of the cases of gastric carcinoma presented in this study presented late with associated significant mortality. Health education is advised with a view to encouraging early presentation.

Signet ring cell histology is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma regardless of tumoral clinical presentation

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that signet ring cell (SRC) histology has a negative prognostic value in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (ADC).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

In western countries, gastric ADC with SRC often occurs after the disease has advanced. Consequently, the prognosis of SRC is generally regarded as poor, although survival studies comparing SRC and non-SRC have yielded inconsistent results.

METHODS

: An intent to treat analysis was performed among 215 patients with gastric ADC scheduled for surgical resection from 1996 to 2007. Of these, 180 patients underwent the resection and 35 were not resected due to diffuse metastatic illness. From 59 resected patients with SRC (SRC group), control non-SRC resected patients matched by age, gender, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) classification, tumoral location, and pTNM stage were randomly selected by computer (non-SRC group: n = 100) during the same study period.

RESULTS

The overall median survival was 21 months, which was significantly higher in resected compared to non-resected patients (31 vs. 5 months, P < 0.001). In non-resected patients, SRC histological subtype was associated with higher rates of diffuse peritoneal carcinomatosis (90.1% vs. 62.5%, P = 0.053) and neoplastic ascitis (63.6% vs. 34.7%, P = 0.059) and poorer median survival (5 vs. 7 months, P = 0.062). For resected patients, the 2 groups (SRC and non-SRC) were comparable regarding matching variables, demographic variables, and postoperative course. The median survival was significantly lower for SRC patients (21 vs. 44 months, P = 0.004). SRC resected patients exhibited higher rates of localized peritoneal carcinomatosis (P = 0.013) and lymph node involvement (P < 0.001) at diagnosis, lower R0 resection rate (P = 0.019) and earlier tumor relapse (P = 0.009), which was generally in a peritoneal carcinomatosis form (P = 0.011). By multivariate analysis, we concluded that SRC histology was independently associated with a dismal prognosis after adjustment on confounding variables (hazard ratio = 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1-2.0, P = 0.004). The prognostic role of SRC was maintained after exclusion of patients with advanced stage at initial diagnosis such as localized peritoneal carcinomatosis or lymph node invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is currently the best evidence showing that SRC is a major and independent predictor of poor prognosis due to specific characteristics such as more infiltrating tumors showing affinity for lymphatic tissue accompanied by a higher rate of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Our results suggest the need for a specific therapeutic strategy for such tumors.