Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of signet ring cell carcinoma of the gallbladder

Neuroendocrine Component in Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma is Associated with Better Survival: Data from the SEER Study

INTRODUCTION

This study was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of the neuroendocrine component in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC).

METHODS

Cases with EHCC derived from the SEER database were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The clinicopathological features and long-term survival were compared between patients with neuroendocrine carcinoma (NECA) and those with pure adenocarcinoma (AC).

RESULTS

A total of 3277 patients with EHCC were included (62 patients with NECA and 3215 patients with AC). T stage (P = 0.531) and M stage (P = 0.269) were comparable between the two groups. However, lymph node metastasis was more frequently detected in NECA (P = 0.022). NECA was correlated with more advanced tumor stage than pure AC (P < 0.0001). Inconsistent differentiation status was also observed between the two groups (P = 0.001). The proportion of patients who received surgery was significantly higher in the NECA group (80.6% vs 62.0%, P = 0.003) while chemotherapy was more frequently performed among patients with pure AC (45.7% vs 25.8%, P = 0.002). Comparable incidence of radiotherapy was acquired (P = 0.117). Patients with NECA shared a better overall survival than those with pure AC (P = 0.0141), even after matching (P = 0.0366). The results of univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the neuroendocrine component was a protective factor as well as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR < 1, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with EHCC with a neuroendocrine component shared a better prognosis than those with pure AC, and NECA could serve as a favorable prognostic factor for overall survival. Considering various unprovided but potentially confounding factors, future more well-conducted research is required.

Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics and long-term survival between patients with gallbladder adenosquamous carcinoma and pure gallbladder adenocarcinoma after curative-intent surgery: a single-center experience in China and a meta-analysis

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the similarities and differences between gallbladder adenosquamous carcinoma (GBASC) and pure gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBAC).

Methods

Patients with GBASC and GBAC from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed in terms of clinicopathological features and long-term survival. Moreover, a meta-analysis was also performed for further validation.

Results

Our experience: A total of 304 patients with resected GBC were identified, including 34 patients with GBASC and 270 patients with GBAC. Patients with GBASC had a significantly higher preoperative CA199 level (P <0.0001), a significantly higher incidence of liver invasion (P <0.0001), a relatively larger tumor size (P = 0.060), and a significantly higher proportion of patients with T3-4 (P <0.0001) or III-IV disease (P = 0.003). A comparable R0 rate was obtained between two groups (P = 0.328). A significantly worse overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0002) or disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.0002) was observed in the GBASC. After propensity score matching, comparable OS (P = 0.9093) and DFS (P = 0.1494) were obtained. Clear margin (P = 0.001), node metastasis (P <0.0001), T stage (P <0.0001), and postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (P <0.0001) were independent prognostic factors for OS for the entire cohort. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy had a survival benefit for patients with GBAC, while the survival benefit was still being validated in patients with GBASC. Meta-analysis: With our cohort incorporated, a total of seven studies involving 1,434 patients with GBASC/squamous carcinoma (SC) were identified. GBASC/SC shared a worse prognosis (P <0.00001) and more aggressive tumor biological features than GBAC.

Conclusion

GBASC/SC shared more aggressive tumor biological features and a much worse prognosis than those with pure GBAC.

Advances in Stigmasterol on its anti-tumor effect and mechanism of action

Stigmasterol is a phytosterol derived from multiple herbaceous plants such as herbs, soybean and tobacco, and it has received much attention for its various pharmacological effects including anti-inflammation, anti-diabetes, anti-oxidization, and lowering blood cholesterol. Multiple studies have revealed that stigmasterol holds promise as a potentially beneficial therapeutic agent for malignant tumors because of its significant anti-tumor bioactivity. It is reported that stigmasterol has anti-tumor effect in a variety of malignancies (e.g., breast, lung, liver and ovarian cancers) by promoting apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, metastasis and invasion, and inducing autophagy in tumor cells. Mechanistic study shows that stigmasterol triggers apoptosis in tumor cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, while its anti-proliferative activity is mainly dependent on its modulatory effect on cyclin proteins and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK). There have been multiple mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effect of stigmasterol, which make stigmasterol promising as a new anti-tumor agent and provide insights into research on its anti-tumor role. Presently, stigmasterol has been poorly understood, and there is a paucity of systemic review on the mechanism underlying its anti-tumor effect. The current study attempts to conduct a literature review on stigmasterol for its anti-tumor effect to provide reference for researchers and clinical workers.

Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet ring cells of the gallbladder producing a high level of alpha-fetoprotein: A case report

Introduction

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can become elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yolk sac tumors and other malignant tumors of various organs. Herein, we present a case of AFP-producing gallbladder carcinoma with signet ring cells successfully treated with laparoscopic whole-layer cholecystectomy.

Presentation of case

A 69-year-old woman was found to have increased levels of the tumor marker AFP (16.1 to 1474 ng/mL), and an irregularly shaped mass 22 mm in size in the gallbladder at 5 months follow-up after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation for HCC in segment 3 of the liver. As no additional metastases were detected, we diagnosed the patient with either AFP-producing gallbladder carcinoma (cT2aN0M0, cStage IIa, UICC 8th) or gallbladder metastasis from HCC. Laparoscopic whole-layer cholecystectomy was performed, and histological examination revealed AFP positive poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet ring cells (pT2bN0cM0, pStage IIb, UICC 8th). AFP levels were remarkably decreased after operation (15 ng/mL), and no residual tumors or distant metastases were observed on contrast enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT), indicating that the tumor was an AFP-producing gallbladder carcinoma rather than metastasis of HCC.

Discussion

Due to the similar developmental origin of the liver and gallbladder, gallbladder carcinoma could produce AFP in some cases. Considering that AFP is predominantly synthesized during embryogenesis, the status of cellular differentiation would be associated with the ability to synthesize AFP.

Conclusion

When no lesions except for in the gallbladder can account for elevated AFP levels, clinicians should consider AFP-producing gallbladder carcinoma.

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AFP-producing gallbladder carcinoma with signet ring cells is extremely rare.

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The status of cellular differentiation would be associated with the ability to synthesize AFP.

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When no lesions except for in the gallbladder can account for elevated AFP levels, clinicians should consider AFP-producing gallbladder carcinoma.

Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct: A case report

BACKGROUND

Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a specific type of mucinous secretory adenocarcinoma, which contains abundant mucus in the cytoplasm and pushes the nucleus to one side of the cell membrane, forming a round or oval, and the nuclear deviations give the cells a signet ring-like appearance. SRCC often originates in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the stomach. However, primary SRCC of the extrahepatic bile duct is extremely rare. Therefore, little is known about its epidemiology, treatment, and prognosis.

CASE SUMMARY

An 82-year-old female was admitted with abdominal pain, jaundice, and skin pruritus for 2 mo. She had no specific family history. Physical examination presented normal vital signs, icteric sclera, visible jaundice, and mild tenderness in the right upper abdominal quadrant. Tumor-related cell markers were within normal values. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a thickened wall of the common bile duct, strengthened with intrahepatic bile duct dilation and multiple round-like lesions in the liver. In addition, the lymph nodes in the hepatic hilum area, the pancreatic head area, and around the abdominal aorta were enlarged. Thus, a preoperative diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma was established. To alleviate jaundice and prolong the overall survival, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiopancreatic drainage (PTCD) was performed. During the operation, segmental stenosis of the extrahepatic bile duct and a vine-like expansion of the intrahepatic bile duct was observed. Furthermore, a biliary biopsy was performed under fluoroscopy to determine the nature and origin of the lesion. The pathological diagnosis of the biopsy was SRCC. Finally, a diagnosis of primary SRCC of extrahepatic bile duct with distant lymph node metastasis and multiple liver metastases was made based on the radiographic, PTCD, and pathological characteristics. The tumor was diagnosed as T3N1M1 stage IV. Despite our aggressive approach, the patient died of liver failure after 1 mo.

CONCLUSION

This is the only case report on primary SRCC of the extrahepatic bile duct with distant organ metastasis to date.

Prognostic Analysis of Primary Breast Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma and Mucinous Breast Adenocarcinoma: A SEER Population-Based Study

Background

Primary breast signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare type of breast cancer with typical morphological characteristics, high aggressiveness, and poor prognosis. SRCC is different from mucinous breast adenocarcinoma (MBC). However, only a few studies have explored the clinicopathological features and prognosis of SRCC and MBC.

Methods

Data retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) database (2004-2015) were used to explore the prognostic effect of clinicopathological features and treatment modalities on survival outcomes of SRCC and MBC patients. Kaplan-Meier plot analysis, multivariate Cox proportional risk model, propensity score matching (PSM), and subgroup analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 167 patients with SRCC and 11,648 patients with MBC were included in the study. SRCC patients exhibited higher histological grade (p < 0.001), larger tumor volume (p < 0.001), higher rate of lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), and higher frequency of distal metastasis (p < 0.001) compared with MBC patients. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that SRCC patients had lower overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) compared with MBC patients. Subgroup survival analysis showed that the SRCC patients had lower OS and BCSS in subgroups including younger than 60 years old, white race, married, without chemotherapy, and received radiotherapy compared with the MBC patients in these subgroups. In addition, the SRCC patients had lower BCSS in subgroups including other races (including Asian or Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaska Native), without surgery, and lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

The findings showed that primary breast SRCC patients have unique clinical characteristics and worse prognosis compared with MBC patients. Notably, different treatment methods resulted in different prognosis for SRCC and MBC types; therefore, SRCC patients should be distinguished from MBC patients to improve efficacy of treatment.