[Rectal cancer with multiple metastases complicated by Crohn's disease 5 years after surgery:a case report]

In recent years, with the rising incidence of patients having long-term Crohn's disease, there has been an increase in the number of reports of carcinogenesis from dysplasia with chronic inflammation as the primary pathogenic factor. We hereby report a case of multiple metastases that appeared 5 years after surgery, in a patient with rectal cancer who had Crohn's disease. A man in his 50s was diagnosed with Crohn's disease which affected his small and large intestines 21 years back. The patient was being treated with oral steroids, 5-aminosalicylic acid, and modified nutrition. Infliximab was added to the treatment after it was introduced 11 years ago. He also had a history of rectal cancer and had undergone surgery for the same 5 years back. He was diagnosed with stage II cancer, and had not received any adjuvant chemotherapy. However, 5 years after surgery, multiple metastases recurred, and chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 was administered. Additionally, for treating his Crohn's disease, which was also active, infliximab was changed to vedolizumab;however, the patient died a year later. Colorectal cancer accompanied with Crohn's disease has a higher risk of developing metastasis and is associated with poorer prognosis as compared to the noncomplicated colorectal cancer. Regarding treatment modalities, while searching for multidisciplinary treatment methods centered on surgical treatment in collaboration with medical oncologists and radiologists, the safety of treatment for Crohn's disease in patients with cancer must be borne in mind. The rising prevalence of cases of colorectal cancer with Crohn's disease is expected to lead to the formulation of specialized diagnostic and treatment strategies for these patients.

Comparison of 22-gauge standard and Franseen needles in EUS-guided tissue acquisition for diagnosing solid pancreatic lesions: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This large multicenter randomized controlled trial compared the diagnostic yields of 22-gauge standard and 22-gauge Franseen needles for EUS-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) of solid pancreatic lesions.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with solid pancreatic lesions were prospectively randomized to EUS-TA using standard or Franseen needles. Samples obtained with the first needle pass and with second and subsequent passes were evaluated separately. The primary endpoint was the rate of accuracy for diagnosis of malignancy. Other endpoints were technical success rate, sample cellularity, adverse events, diagnostic accuracy in patient subgroups, and the diagnostic accuracy and numbers of second and subsequent needle passes.

RESULTS

Of 523 patients undergoing EUS-TA, 260 were randomized to using standard 22-gauge needles and 263 to 22-gauge Franseen needles. The technical success rate in each group was 99.6%, with similar adverse event rates in the standard (1.5%) and Franseen (.8%) needle groups. First-pass EUS-TA using the Franseen needle resulted in significantly greater diagnostic accuracy (84.0% vs 71.2%, P < .001) and sensitivity (82.4% vs 66.7%, P < .001) than first-pass EUS-TA using a standard needle and also resulted in superior diagnostic accuracy in patients requiring immunostaining. Second and subsequent EUS-TA using Franseen needles showed significantly greater accuracy (94.7% vs 90.0%, P = .049) and sensitivity (94.0% vs 88.6%, P = .047) and required fewer needle passes (1.81 vs 2.03, P = .008) than using standard needles.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-TA with the Franseen needle is superior to EUS-TA with a standard needle with respect to diagnostic accuracy per pass, particularly in patients who require immunostaining, and number of passes when using macroscopic on-site evaluation. (Clinical trial registration numbers: UMIN000030634 and jRCTs052180062.).

New Screening System Using Forward-Viewing Radial Endoscopic Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for High-Risk Individuals With Familial History of Pancreatic Cancer

Background and Aims

Attention is increasingly being paid to family history of pancreatic cancer (PC) as a risk factor for developing PC. It is mandatory to develop a screening system for early detection of PC; however, the relationship between a family history of PC and the incidence of pancreatic abnormalities, such as pancreatic cyst and chronic pancreatitis (CP), in the Japanese population remains unknown.

Patients and Methods

Individuals with a family history of PC were prospectively enrolled in a screening program using forward-viewing radial endoscopic ultrasound (FR-EUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) as the diagnostic modalities.

Results

In total, forty-three individuals in 37 families were enrolled (mean age, 54 years). All individuals underwent FR-EUS and MRI with no complications. FR-EUS revealed resectable PC (n = 1, 2.3%), pancreatic cysts (n = 24, 55.8%), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN; n = 13, 30.2%), and early CP-like appearance (n = 15, 34.9%). The detection rate of early CP-like appearance was significantly higher by EUS than by MRI. Pancreatic cysts and IPMN detected by FR-EUS were significantly correlated to age (≥60 years) and less correlated to men (hazard ratio [HR] 22.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.10–236.0; p < 0.01 and HR 0.092; 95% CI, 0.01–0.83; p = 0.033, respectively). Early CP-like appearance detected by FR-EUS was significantly correlated with men and smoking (HR 5.0; 95% CI, 1.3–19.3; p = 0.02 and HR 4.02; 95% CI, 0.991–16.3; p = 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

A screening system using FR-EUS and MRI/MRCP for individuals with a family history of PC was useful for identifying curable PC and pancreatic abnormalities. The incidence of pancreatic cysts, such as IPMN and early CP-like appearance, was also high in the Japanese cohort.

A case of refractory tumor bleeding from an ampullary adenocarcinoma: Compression hemostasis with a self‐expandable metallic stent

Although patients with ampullary cancers frequently experience obstructive jaundice and tumor bleeding, there have been few reports on efficient management of refractory hemorrhage after conservative treatment. In this report, we describe a case of refractory bleeding from a 15‐mm ampullary adenocarcinoma. A Japanese woman in her 60s was urgently hospitalized for cholangitis, pancreatitis, and sepsis treatment. Investigation with a side‐viewing duodenoscope revealed an ulcerated ampullary adenocarcinoma. After the patient underwent anticoagulation therapy for pulmonary thromboembolism, the tumor bleeding gradually increased, resulting in severe anemia. Because the anemia did not improve with fasting or discontinuation of the anticoagulation therapy, the patient underwent repeated red blood cell transfusions. As no hemobilia was observed in the bile juice aspirated during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, we supposed that the bleeding originated from the ulcerative cancer surface. We did not perform thermal therapy because we considered that it would worsen the bleeding. Abdominal angiography showed no pseudoaneurysms or extravasation. Ultimately, we performed transpapillary placement of a fully covered self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS) with an anchoring double pigtail plastic stent that resulted in successful hemostasis. In this case, the mechanism of hemostasis was not presumably explained by direct compression of the bleeding point but by indirect compression. When tumor volume is small, the radial force of the SEMS may cause compression of the tumor volume, leading to shrinkage of the bleeding blood vessels. In conclusion, covered SEMS placement could be an efficient treatment for refractory ampullary cancer bleeding, even from an ulcerated cancer surface.

Early detection of venous thromboembolism after the initiation of chemotherapy predicts a poor prognosis in patients with unresectable metastatic pancreatic cancer who underwent first-line chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is associated with a high thromboembolism risk. We investigated the significance of early venous thromboembolism (VTE) detection in patients with unresectable metastatic pancreatic cancer (UR-MPC) who received first-line chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP).

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study enrolled 174 patients with UR-MPC who underwent GnP as a first-line chemotherapy from April 2017 to March 2020. The early detection of VTE (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism) was defined as diagnosis by the first follow-up CT scan after the initiation of chemotherapy. We compared the patients with early detection of VTE (VTE (+) group) with the others (VTE (-) group). We examined overall survival (OS), progress free survival (PFS), severe adverse events, and predictors associated with OS using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Early detection of VTE was observed in 17 patients (9.8%). Thirteen patients were diagnosed with VTE at treatment initiation, and four patients were diagnosed after treatment initiation. The median time to diagnosis after treatment initiation was 55 days (range: 31-71 days). Only 3 patients were symptomatic. The VTE (+) group exhibited worse OS and PFS than the VTE (-) group (OS: 259 days vs. 400 days, P < 0.001; PFS: 120 days vs. 162 days, P = 0.008). The frequency of grade 3-4 adverse events was not significantly different. Although the performance status was poorer in the VTE (+) group, VTE was identified as a statistically significant independent predictor for OS in multivariate analyses (HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.02-3.44; P = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Early VTE detection is a predictor of a poor prognosis in UR-MPC patients who receive GnP as first-line chemotherapy, suggesting that screening VTE for patients with UR-MPC is crucial, even if patients are asymptomatic.

Establishment of organoids using residual samples from saline flushes during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in patients with pancreatic cancer

Background and study aims  In patients with pancreatic cancer (PC), patient-derived organoid cultures can be useful tools for personalized drug selection and preclinical evaluation of novel therapies. To establish a less invasive method of creating organoids from a patient's tumor, we examined whether PC organoids can be established using residual samples from saline flushes (RSSFs) during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Methods  Five patients with PC who underwent EUS-FNA were enrolled in a prospective study conducted at our institution. RSSFs obtained during EUS-FNA procedures were collected. An organoid culture was considered as established when ≥ 5 passages were successful. Organoid-derived xenografts were created using established organoids. Results  EUS-FNA was performed using a 22- or 25-gauge lancet needle without complications. Patient-derived organoids were successfully established in four patients (80.0 %) with the complete medium and medium for the selection of KRAS mutants. Organoid-derived xenografts were successfully created and histologically similar to EUS-FNA samples. Conclusions  Patient-derived PC organoids were successfully established using EUS-FNA RSSFs, which are produced as a byproduct of standard manipulations, but are usually not used for diagnosis. This method can be applied to all patients with PC, without additional invasive procedures, and can contribute to the development of personalized medicine and molecular research.

Primary Pancreatic Mantle Cell Lymphoma Diagnosed via Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration

Primary pancreatic lymphomas (PPLs) are rare, and the histological classification of these tumors is difficult. To accurately diagnose and determine the appropriate treatment for PPLs, sufficient sample amounts are necessary. Here, we report a 73-year-old man with a primary pancreatic mantle cell lymphoma. Histological samples were obtained via endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). The tumor cells predominantly composed of atypical small to medium round cells, with diffuse immunoreactivity of CD20 and cyclin D1. In addition, immunoglobulin gene H chain rearrangement was detected. The patient underwent chemotherapy, resulting in complete remission. Eight years after the initiation of chemotherapy, the patient was still alive. EUS-FNA could be a useful and safe diagnostic modality for PPLs by providing enough samples for testing.

Efficacy and safety of modified fluorouracil/leucovorin plus irinotecan and oxaliplatin (mFOLFIRINOX) compared with S-1 as second-line chemotherapy in metastatic pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The optimal standard second-line chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of modified fluorouracil/leucovorin plus irinotecan and oxaliplatin (mFOLFIRINOX) compared with oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 as a second-line chemotherapy in patients with MPC.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 76 consecutive patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent mFOLFIRINOX or S-1 treatment as a second-line chemotherapy after gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) failure at our department between December 2014 and February 2019.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent mFOLFIRINOX treatment exhibited significantly better objective response rates (ORRs) and progression-free survival (PFS) than S-1 (ORR, 20.0% vs 0%, P = 0.003; PFS, 3.7 vs 2.1 months, P = 0.010). Although baseline patient characteristics of age, performance status, and serum albumin levels differed significantly between the two groups, mFOLFIRINOX was identified as an independent factor of favorable PFS on multivariate analyses. Grade 3-4 neutropenia and peripheral sensory neuropathy occurred more frequently in the mFOLFIRINOX group. The median overall survival from the initiation of second-line chemotherapy was not significantly longer in the mFOLFIRINOX group than in the S1 group (8.5 vs 5.8 months, respectively; P = 0.213); however, the 8-month survival rate was significantly higher in the mFOLFIRINOX group (56.0% vs 27.5%, respectively; P = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

mFOLFIRINOX as a second-line regimen contributed to favorable treatment outcomes, but induced more frequent adverse events than S-1. On multivariate analyses, mFOLFIRINOX was identified as an independent factor with favorable PFS, suggesting that mFOLFIRINOX could be a promising treatment option for patients with GnP failure.

Success rate of microsatellite instability examination and complete response with pembrolizumab in biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The success rate of microsatellite instability (MSI) examination in biliary tract cancer (BTC) and the treatment outcomes of pembrolizumab in patients with MSI-high (MSI-H) BTC have not been fully investigated. We examined the success rate of MSI examination and the rate of MSI-H status in patients with BTC as well as the treatment outcomes of patients with MSI-H status who underwent pembrolizumab treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 60 consecutive patients with unresectable or postoperative recurrent BTC who underwent MSI examination in a Japanese cancer referral center between January 2019 and September 2020.

RESULTS

The study included 24 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, 12 hilar cholangiocarcinomas, 4 distal cholangiocarcinomas, 16 gallbladder carcinomas, and 4 ampullary carcinomas. The methods of cancer tissue sampling were percutaneous liver tumor biopsy in 26 cases, surgery in 15 cases, endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration in 12 cases, transpapillary bile duct biopsy in 5 cases, and others in 2 cases. The success rate of MSI examination was 98.3% (59 of 60). MSI examination failed in only one case using a surgical specimen due to time-dependent degradation of DNA. The frequency of MSI-H BTC was 3.3% (2 of 60 cases). One patient with MSI-H intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma achieved a complete response with pembrolizumab treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

MSI examinations in BTC were successful in almost all cases, regardless of tissue sampling methods. We experienced a case in which pembrolizumab resulted in a complete response to MSI-H BTC. Since pembrolizumab for MSI-H BTC could prolong survival time, MSI examination should be performed proactively to increase treatment options.

Predictive Factors for Pancreatic Cancer and Its Early Detection Using Special Pancreatic Ultrasonography in High-Risk Individuals

Because pancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis, a strategy for early diagnosis is required. This study aimed to identify predictive factors of neoplastic progression in patients at high risk for pancreatic cancer and examined the efficiency of surveillance using transabdominal special ultrasonography focusing on the pancreas (special pancreatic US). Patients with slight main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation (≥2.5 mm) and/or pancreatic cysts (≥5 mm) were enrolled in a prospective surveillance study with special pancreatic US in a Japanese cancer referral center. A total of 498 patients undergoing surveillance for ≥3 years were included. During the median follow-up of 5.9 years, neoplastic progression developed in 11 patients (2.2%), including 9 patients who underwent pancreatectomy. Eight patients (72.7%) were diagnosed with stage 0/I disease, with an overall survival duration of 8.8 years. Findings of both MPD dilatation and pancreatic cysts at initial surveillance, MPD growth (≥0.2 mm/year) and cyst growth (≥2 mm/year) during surveillance were identified as independent risk factors for neoplastic progression. In summary, surveillance with special pancreatic US for high-risk individuals contributed to earlier detection of neoplastic progression, leading to a favorable prognosis. During surveillance, attention should be paid to MPD growth as well as to cyst growth.

Histological diagnosis and grading of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy using a 25-gauge needle with a core trap: A multicenter prospective trial

OBJECTIVES

Preoperative grading of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET) is challenging. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the use of a 25-gauge needle with a core trap for diagnosis and grading of PanNET.

METHODS

This multicenter prospective trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000021409). Consecutive patients with suspected PanNET between June 2016 and November 2017 were enrolled. All patients underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) using a 25-gauge needle with a core trap. Samples obtained after the first needle pass were used for central pathological review. EUS-FNB was evaluated in terms of (i) technical success rate, (ii) adequacy for histological evaluation, (iii) complication rate during the procedure, and (iv) concordance between PanNET grading on EUS-FNB and that after analysis of the resected tumor.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients were enrolled. Of the 36/52 patients who underwent surgical resection, 31 were finally diagnosed with PanNET and were eligible for analysis. The technical success rate of EUS-FNB was 100%. The rate of adequacy for histological evaluation was 90.3%. There were no complications related to EUS-FNB. The concordance rate between PanNET grading on EUS-FNB and that after analysis of the resected tumor was 82.6% (95% confidence interval = 61.22-95.05, P = 0.579).

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNB using a 25-gauge needle with a core trap is feasible, providing histological samples are of sufficient quality for diagnosis and grading of PanNET.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fiducial marker placement for neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for resectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NACRT) is applied for resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC). To maximize the efficacy of NACRT, it is essential to ensure the accurate placement of fiducial markers for image-guided radiation. However, no standard method for delivering fiducial markers has been established to date, and the nature of RPC during NACRT remains unclear.

AIM

To determine the feasibility, safety and benefits of endoscopic ultrasound-guided (EUS) fiducial marker placement in patients with RPC.

METHODS

This was a prospective case series of 29 patients (mean age, 67.5 years; 62.1% male) with RPC referred to our facility for NACRT. Under EUS guidance, a single gold marker was placed into the tumor using either a 19- or 22-gauge fine-needle aspiration needle. The differences in daily marker positioning were measured by comparing simulation computed tomography and treatment computed tomography.

RESULTS

In all 29 patients (100%) who underwent EUS fiducial marker placement, fiducials were placed successfully with only minor, self-limiting bleeding during puncture observed in 2 patients (6.9%). NACRT was subsequently administered to all patients and completed in 28/29 (96.6%) cases, with one patient experiencing repeat cholangitis. Spontaneous migration of gold markers was observed in 1 patient. Twenty-four patients (82.8%) had surgery with 91.7% (22/24) R0 resection, and two patients experienced complete remission. No inflammatory changes around the marker were observed in the surgical specimen. The daily position of gold markers showed large positional changes, particularly in the superior-inferior direction. Moreover, tumor location was affected by food and fluid intake as well as bowel gas, which changes daily.

CONCLUSION

EUS fiducial marker placement following NACRT for RPC is feasible and safe. The RPC is mobile and is affected by not only aspiration, but also food and fluid intake and bowel condition.

Self-expandable metallic stent placement above the papilla without endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction

Background and study aims  The best method for endoscopic placement of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) for distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) has not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate how SEMS placement above the papilla and without endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) impacts the time to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) in patients with distal MBO. Patients and methods  We retrospectively reviewed data for 73 consecutive patients with unresectable distal MBO who underwent endoscopic SEMS placement for the first time at our institution between April 2014 and March 2016. We compared time to RBO of SEMS placement above the papilla (intraductal placement) with SEMS placement across the papilla (transpapillary placement). In the intraductal placement group, we also compared time to RBO of placement without EST with placement with EST. Results  Endoscopic SEMS placement was performed in 30 patients with intraductal placement and in 43 patients with transpapillary placement. The median time to RBO was significantly longer with intraductal placement (307 days) than with transpapillary placement (161 days) ( P  = 0.022). Complication rates did not differ between the two groups. In both univariate and multivariate analysis, intraductal placement was an independent factor contributing to prolonged time to RBO. In intraductal placement, time to RBO was significantly longer in SEMS placement without EST than with EST (363 days vs. 227 days, respectively; P  = 0.026). Conclusions  Intraductal SEMS placement, especially without EST for distal MBO contributed to longer time to RBO.

Decreased CT-number in the pancreatic parenchyma is a reliable imaging biomarker of the presence of malignancies in patients with high-risk intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

BACKGROUND

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a premalignant cystic neoplasm of the pancreas and is frequently detected in imaging investigations. A proportion of the patients with IPMN develop malignancies including high-grade dysplasia and invasive carcinoma. To predict the presence of malignancies in IPMN, constant imaging follow-up is usually required. Pancreatic steatosis (PS) has been recently identified as a facilitating factor for pancreatic cancer, and can be predicted through computed tomography (CT). We hypothesized that the CT-number of the pancreatic parenchyma could be a new reliable imaging biomarker for IPMN patients.

METHODS

Eighty-six patients undergoing pancreatectomy for IPMN were investigated. Using preoperative CT, the pancreatic index (PI) was calculated by dividing the CT-number of the pancreas by that of the spleen.

RESULTS

Malignancies were pathologically detected in 63 cases (73.3%). Patients were divided into two cohorts according to the presence of malignancies and were compared for various factors including the PI scores. The comparison of the two cohorts detected significant differences in two parameters (CA19-9 and PI score), and the PI score was the most sensitive biomarker to predict the presence of malignancies in patients showing high-risk stigmata of IPMN.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic CT-number is an additional reliable imaging biomarker in distinguishing patients with IPMN having malignancies when investigating the patients showing high-risk stigmata.

Prognostic Factors for Patients With a Large Number of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Nodules

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Comparison of 22G standard and Franseen needles in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for diagnosing pancreatic mass lesions: Study protocol for a controlled trial

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was developed with the aim of further improving the diagnostic performance of endoscopic ultrasound. Although novel puncture needles have been specifically designed for collecting sufficient tissue specimens, clinical studies have indicated no clear difference in diagnostic performance between these novel needles and conventional puncture needles. Recently, a needle with Franseen geometry was developed specifically for EUS-FNA biopsy. Due to the characteristic shape of its tip, the Franseen needle is expected to be effective for scraping tissues, thus potentially increasing the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA biopsy. We plan to carry out a prospective, multicenter, open-labeled, controlled trial to compare conventional and Franseen needles in terms of the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA for evaluating the malignancy of pancreatic mass lesions.

Methods/design

The study will enroll 520 patients with pancreatic mass managed at any of 21 participating endoscopic centers. Lesion samples obtained using 22G conventional and Franseen needles will be assessed to compare the efficacy and safety of these two types of needles in EUS-FNA for evaluating the malignancy of mass lesions in the pancreas. Tissue samples will be fixed in formalin and processed for histologic evaluation. For the purpose of this study, only samples obtained with the first needle pass will be used for comparing the: (i) accuracy of the malignancy diagnosis, (ii) sensitivity and specificity for the malignancy diagnosis, (iii) procedure completion rate, (iv) sample cellularity, and (v) incidence of complications. Patient enrollment begins on July 17, 2018.

Discussion

The outcomes of this study may provide insight into the optimal needle choice for evaluating the malignancy of pancreatic solid lesions, thus aiding in the development of practice guidelines for pancreatic diseases.

Trial registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR), UMIN000030634. Registered on 29 December 2017.

http://www.umin.ac.jp/

Version number: 01.2017.12.28.

Development of a thrombus in the superior mesenteric artery associated with sequential therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are widely used for systemic chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Arterial thromboembolism (ATE) has been reported to be an adverse event associated with TKI therapy, but its incidence is rare. Here, we report a case of an HCC patient who developed a thrombus in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) while on TKI therapy. The patient was a 78-year-old Japanese man with hepatitis C virus-associated HCC with multiple nodules. Several sessions of transarterial chemoembolization therapy caused him to become refractory to the treatment. Sorafenib and regorafenib therapy had also been previously performed, but his disease continued to progress gradually. Therefore, we started lenvatinib therapy. When a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination was performed 2 months later, we found a thrombus in the SMA. Retrospective analysis of the CT images revealed that the thrombus formed during the sorafenib-regorafenib sequential therapy and it developed rapidly, especially during the lenvatinib therapy. An HCC patient developed a thrombus in the SMA during TKI therapy. The incidence of ATE is rare in TKI treatment; however, long-term or sequential TKI therapy may increase the frequency of ATE. Further study is needed.

Histologic diagnosis of pancreatic masses using 25-gauge endoscopic ultrasound needles with and without a core trap: a multicenter randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) with 25-gauge needles yields small volume samples that are mainly processed for cytology. Using 25-gauge needles with a core trap may overcome this limitation. This trial compared 25-gauge needles with and without a core trap in terms of their ability to obtain histologic samples from solid pancreatic masses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with solid pancreatic masses who presented to eight Japanese referral centers for EUS-FNA in April - September 2013 were randomized to undergo sampling with a 25-gauge needle with a core trap (ProCore) or a standard 25-gauge needle. Tissue samples were fixed in formalin and processed for histologic evaluation. For the purpose of this study only samples obtained with the first needle pass were used for comparison of: (i) accuracy for the diagnosis of malignancy, (ii) rate of samples with preserved tissue architecture adequate for histologic evaluation, and (iii) sample cellularity.

RESULTS

A total of 214 patients were enrolled. Compared to the first pass with a standard needle (n = 108), the first pass with the ProCore needle (n = 106) provided samples that were more often adequate for histologic evaluation (81.1 % vs. 69.4 %; P = 0.048) and had superior cellularity (rich/moderate/poor, 36 %/27 %/37 % vs. 19 %/26 %/55 %; P = 0.003). There were no significant differences between the two needles in sensitivity (75.6 % vs. 69.0 %, P = 0.337) and accuracy (79.2 % vs. 75.9 %, P = 0.561) for the diagnosis of malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with solid pancreatic masses, a 25-gauge EUS-FNA needle with a core trap provides histologic samples of better quality than a standard 25-gauge needle. There was no difference in accuracy for the diagnosis of malignancy between the needles.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

UMIN000010021.

A Novel Multivariate Index for Pancreatic Cancer Detection Based On the Plasma Free Amino Acid Profile

Background

The incidence of pancreatic cancer (PC) continues to increase in the world, while most patients are diagnosed with advanced stages and survive <12 months. This poor prognosis is attributable to difficulty of early detection. Here we developed and evaluated a multivariate index composed of plasma free amino acids (PFAAs) for early detection of PC.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in multi-institutions in Japan. Fasting plasma samples from PC patients (n = 360), chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients (n = 28), and healthy control (HC) subjects (n = 8372) without apparent cancers who were undergoing comprehensive medical examinations were collected. Concentrations of 19 PFAAs were measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. We generated an index consisting of the following six PFAAs: serine, asparagine, isoleucine, alanine, histidine, and tryptophan as variables for discrimination in a training set (120 PC and matching 600 HC) and evaluation in a validation set (240 PC, 28 CP, and 7772 HC).

Results

Several amino acid concentrations in plasma were significantly altered in PC. Plasma tryptophan and histidine concentrations in PC were particularly low, while serine was particularly higher than that of HC. The area under curve (AUC) based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the resulting index to discriminate PC from HC were 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86–0.93] in the training set. In the validation set, AUCs based on ROC curve analysis of the PFAA index were 0.86 (95% CI, 0.84–0.89) for all PC patients versus HC subjects, 0.81 (95% CI, 0.75–0.86) for PC patients from stage IIA to IIB versus HC subjects, and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.80–0.93) for all PC patients versus CP patients.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the PFAA profile of PC was significantly different from that of HC. The PFAA index is a promising biomarker for screening and diagnosis of PC.

Phase I study of chemoradiation therapy (nab-paclitaxel/Gemcitabine) in 15 patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (UR-LAPC)

475

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Over 90% of cases, they are UR-LAPC or metastatic PC (mPC) at the first time of diagnosis. To prolong survival time, radiation therapy is considered to be promising with strong local control. Some papers reported that RT with 5-FU is effective to LAPC, but they are far from standard regimen. Gemcitabine (Gem) has enhancing effect of sensibility to RT. Gem and nab-paclitaxel (G+NP) showed priority compared with Gem monotherapy in mPC patients with Phase III study. So, we performed Phase I study to decide recommended dose of G+NP when we administer for concurrent CRT in URPC patients. Methods: From Aug 2013, we have registered patients who were examined as UR-LAPC because of cancer invasion to major artery. Dose of G+NP are classified by each level. At Level 1, Gem 600mg/m2 and NP 50mg/m2. At Level 2, Gem 600mg/m2 and NP 75mg/m2. At Level 3, Gem 600mg/m2 and NP 100mg/m2. At each level, patients accepted RT (50.4Gy/28fr). During performing RT period, we prescribed G + NP weekly. So, G+NP are prescribed 4-5 times if pts accomplish the study.We evaluate effectiveness and side effect of the regimen, and try to decide maximum tolerated dose. Results: Until July 2014, 14 pts (11 males and 3 females) have been registered in this trial. 6 cases were performed at Level 1, 7cases at Level 2, 1 cases at Level 3. 13 cases accomplish the prescription. 1 case at Level 1 dropped out because the patient suffered liver abscess. Effectiveness of the regimen is as follows; 4cases are PD (progressive disease), 6cases are SD (stable disease), and 2cases are PR (partial response). Conclusions: Now we prescribe the regimen at Level 3. We have not yet decided MDT. But, CRT with G + NP may be promising regimen for LAPC. When we accumulate more cases, and decide MDT, we will report later. Clinical trial information: UMIN000012254.

A randomized phase II trial of antithrombin (AT) products in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) associated with sepsis in advanced pancreatic and biliary cancer

423

Background: A randomized phase 2 trial was conducted in order to investigate the most effective administration method of antithrombin (AT) products in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) associated with sepsis during treatment for advanced pancreatic and biliary cancer (aPBC). Methods: Diagnoses of DIC were made according to the criteria of acute DIC of the Japan Association of acute Medicine. We examined 42 patients who were diagnosed with septic DIC and showed a level of AT lower than 70% during treatment for aPBC. The patients were evenly divided into two groups: Group A (21 patients) received continuous infusions of AT products 1500 IU per day for three days, and the group B (21 patients) received intermittent infusions of AT products 500 IU×3 per day for three days. Changes in the coagulation parameters, inflammatory markers, SIRS positive scores, and DIC scores that occurred during treatment were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, the survival outcomes of the patients were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Before treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to their backgrounds. During treatment, statistically significant differences were seen in the platelet counts, D-dimer test results, Fibrinogen levels, and CRP levels between the two groups. However, no differences were observed between the two groups regarding the changes of AT activity levels, SIRS positive scores, and DIC scores. No statistically significant differences were noted between the groups in regards to their survival outcomes (28 day survival rates: 85.7% versus 71.4%, p=0.283). A multivariate analysis indicated that baseline AT activity levels were the sole factor associated with the 28-day survival rates. The survival outcomes didn’t depend on the administration method of AT products. Conclusions: In this trial, we found that baseline AT activity levels were the sole factor associated with the 28-day survival rates. There was no difference in therapeutic effects between the continuous and intermittent infusions of AT products. Clinical trial information: UMIN 000015105.

Factors related to shift from hepatic borderline lesion to overt HCC diagnosed by CT

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Factors contributing to the shift from the hepatic borderline lesion to overt hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were investigated.

METHODOLOGY

Ninety-five borderline nodules from 69 patients were followed-up for 6-55 (median 24) months. The borderline lesion was diagnosed when the CT image demonstrated low density in the portal phase and lacked enhancement in the arterial phase.

RESULTS

The shift to overt HCC was seen in 32 nodules from 27 patients. Using multivariate analysis, only size was a significant factor contributing to the shift to overt HCC (p = 0.009). The cumulative incidence of the shift to overt HCC was higher in nodules of ≥13 mm in size than in those of < 13 mm (p = 0.034). Among nodules of ≥13 mm, nodules showing iso density in the arterial phase and low density in the portal phase had a higher cumulative incidence of the shift to overt HCC than those showing low density in the arterial and portal phases on CT (p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

In hepatic borderline nodules diagnosed by CT, greater size, and iso density in the arterial phase and low density in the portal phase may be risk factors associated with the shift to overt HCC.

Duodenal Hemorrhage from Pancreatic Cancer Infiltration Controlled through Combination Therapy with Gemcitabine and S-1

2.6% of pancreatic cancer patients have the primary manifestation of gastrointestinal bleeding. It is not feasible to stop the duodenal hemorrhage caused by the pancreatic cancer infiltration. A 43-year-old woman who was diagnosed as having pancreatic cancer with multiple hepatic metastases and duodenal infiltration was administered gemcitabine and S-1 combination therapy. During the chemotherapy, initially, bleeding occurred due to duodenal infiltration. However, we continued the chemotherapy and duodenal infiltration was markedly reduced in size and did not rebleed. Aggressive chemotherapy contributed to maintenance of performance status as well as improvement of quality of life for the patient.

Phase I/II study of gemcitabine plus S-1 with concurrent radiotherapy in patients of unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer

261

Background: We conducted chemoradiotherapy of gemcitabine plus S-1, key drugs for pancreatic cancer. Methods: Patients were eligible for the study if they had received a histopathological diagnosis of locally advanced pancreatic cancer and were diagnosed as unresectable by multiple clinicians including surgeons due to main arterial invasions and more. Radiation (RT) was perfomed for twenty-eight days continuously except Saturday, Sunday and National holiday in 1.8Gy once daily (total 50.4Gy). PTV was defined as GTV plus 10-15mm. Prophylactic irradiation to regional lymph nodes was not performed. Administration level of the anti-cancer drugs was referred to the following table. Results: A total of fifteen cases were enrolled to the phase I study from February, 2006 through May, 2007. RT was achieved in 13 of 15 cases (87%). Two cases of DLT occurred in level 2 (two cases of emesis) while three did in level 3 (one case of emesis and two of neutropenia of grade 4). We decided level 3 as MTD and level 2 as recommended dose. The overall response rate (more than PR) was 33.3% (5 in 15 cases) and tumor-control (more than SD) was achieved in 13 of 15 cases (87%). The one-year and two-year survival rate was 86.7% and 44.4%, respectively. Conclusions: We conducted the phase 1 study of chemoradiotherapy with two key drugs of pancreatic cancer and achieved the recommended dose in this phase I study. Ongoing study We have already finished the enrollment of 110 cases for a phase II randomized allocated study, comparing the chemoradiotherapy of administration dose decided in this phase 1 study with the combination therapy of gemcitabine plus S-1. Now we are carefully following the patients to compare two-year survival rate as a primary endpoint in phase II study. Clinical trial information: NCT01430052.

A prognostic examination of the chemotherapeutic selection for pancreatic cancer patients with peritoneal dissemination: A retrospective study from a single center

331

Background: Pancreatic cancer(PC) patients(pts) with peritoneal dissemination are poor prognosis. This retrospective study evaluated the prognosis of Gemcitabine(GEM)-based current chemotherapy(G), GEM plus S-1 combination therapy(GS) and single agent of S-1 as 1st line chemotherapy regimen in PC pts with peritoneal dissemination. Methods: This is a retrospective study of PC pts with ascites or peritoneal nodules in the CT or US image who underwent chemotherapy between 2002 and 2011. We collected data on age, sex, Performance Status(PS), tumor location, other metastasis location, status of peritoneal dissemination, CA19-9, CEA, albumin, CRP. We classified 1st line chemotherapy regimen in G, GS and S-1, and we evaluated 1-year survival rate, progression free survival(PFS), overall survival(OS) for the 3 regimens. Results: A total of 81 pts were included. Median age were 64 (38-78), males 50%, PS 0-1 89%. The number of pts treated with G, GS, S-1 was 54, 14, 13. The 1-year survival rate of G, GS and S-1 were 20.3%, 28.5% and 53.8%. The median PFS were 106 days, 84 days and 88 days, respectively. The median OS were 196 days, 154 days, 359 days, respectively. The 1-year survival rate of S-1 was significantly better than that of G (p=0.01). Median PFS and median OS of S-1 didn’t demonstrate the superiority compared with that of G (p=0.40, p=0.08). Conclusions: We suggest the selection of S-1 as 1st line chemotherapy regimen in PC pts with peritoneal dissemination might be effective and we need further investigation.

Phase I/II trial of gemcitabine (Gem) plus irinotecan (CPT-11) for metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC)

301

Background: Treatment options for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer are still limited. Recently, new strategies to prolong disease control are reported. We conducted phase I/II trial of GEM+CPT-11 combination chemotherapy for MPC to evaluate the effectiveness and safety. Methods: As phase I study, traditional 3 + 3 dose-escalation design was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended phase II dose. Four escalating dose levels of GEM/CPT-11 (800/60 mg/m2, 1000/60 mg/m2, 1000/80 mg/m2, and 1000/100 mg/m2) were studied. As results of this investigation, the recommended phase II dose was GEM 1000 mg/m2 and CPT-11 100 mg/m2, biweekly. Phase II eligibility included naïve MPC, PS0-2, Pathological diagnosis, no refractory ascites and pleural effusion, and adequate organ function. Primary endpoint was overall survival. Results: Eighteen patients were entered phase I study. The DLTs were anorexia, and nausea/vomiting. Severe neutropenia was rare. MTDs were determined GEM 1000 and CPT-11 100 mg/m2. After that, we investigated phase II trial in 40 patients. There were 6 partial response, 14 stable disease, 18 progressive disease and 2 in-evaluable. Response rate was 16%. The median overall survival was 7.5 months; progressive disease 4.0 months. Grade 3 to 4 toxicity included neutropenia (7%), anemia (7%), diarrhea (7%), ALT elevation (10%), pneumonitis(7%). There was no treatment-related death. Conclusions: This combination chemotherapy is not effective as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer. But this is safe and generally well tolerated. This chemotherapy could be effective of salvage chemotherapy with low toxicity after standard chemotherapy such as FOLFIRINOX.

Risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is an accurate method for cytological confirmation of pancreatic malignancy, but peritoneal dissemination caused by EUS-FNA could be a matter of concern because it may lead to poorer prognosis. Our aim was to estimate the risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis by EUS-FNA for pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Two hundred and seventeen patients with cytopathologically proven pancreatic cancer in a tertiary referral center were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into two groups: 161 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) alone (ERCP group), and 56 patients who had ever undergone EUS-FNA (EUS-FNA group). Peritoneal carcinomatosis was diagnosed by computed tomography and/or cytology during follow-up. Hazard ratios of factors including EUS-FNA for the development of peritoneal carcinomatosis were analyzed by the Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between ERCP and EUS-FNA groups. Peritoneal carcinomatosis developed in 14.9 % (24/161) during an average follow-up period of 545 days, and 17.9 % (10/56) during 599 days among ERCP and EUS-FNA group, respectively. The EUS-FNA was not identified as a significant risk factor with hazard ratios (HR) of 1.07 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.51-2.25, p = 0.85] by univariate analysis and 1.35 (95 % CI 0.62-2.95, p = 0.45) by multivariate analysis. Nodal involvement (HR 2.19, 95 % CI 1.03-4.63, p = 0.04) and non-resection (HR 2.64, 95 % CI 1.11-6.25, p = 0.03) were shown to be statistically significant risk factors by multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNA for pancreatic cancer did not significantly increase the risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Phase II study of biweekly administration of CPT-11 and gemcitabine in chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in Japan

e15150

Background: The current standard therapies for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma in Japan are the single-agent Gemcitabine (Gem) or S-1 and Gem plus erlotinib. Irinotecan (CPT-11) is one of the promising drugs for Gem-refractory PC pts. Both Irinotecan and Gem have shown activity against these diseases with different mechanisms and are non-cross-resistant with each other. Japanese pts have the different metabolism with Irinotecan rather than pts in western countries. Methods: The aim of this phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CPT-11 and Gem in Japanese pancreatic cancer pts. Patients with MPC and PS 0-2 were enrolled in this phase II trial. CPT-11, 100mg/m (2), was administered in 90 min. and Gem, 1000mg/m (2), was administered in 30 min. soon after CPT-11 on day1. Chemotherapy was repeated biweekly. Results: From May 2002 to May 2006 40 pts, with median age of 62 (40-74) years, were enrolled in this study. The overall response rate (RR) was 15% with disease control rate of 50%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.0 months (range: 1.0-15.0 months), and median overall survival (OS) was 7.5 months (range: 3.0-24.0 months). Grade 3/4 anemia, leucopenia occurred in 26.3, 5.2% of pts. The most common non-hematologic toxities were fatigue, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting and anorexia. Grade 3 diarrhea and nausea occurred in 10.5% of pts. Conclusions: The combination chemotherapy with Gem and CPT-11 showed favorable RR as expected and the treatment was manageable in Japanese pts with MPC. We plan to evaluate this combination chemotherapy for MPC pts after progression of FOLFIRINOX in near the future. Clinical trial information: UMIN000009963.

Randomized phase II study of best available fluoropyrimidine compared with continuation of gemcitabine (Gem) monotherapy in patients with Gem-refractory pancreatic cancer

287

Background: Gem is a standard chemotherapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer (PC) patients (pts); however there is no standard regimen for Gem-refractory PC pts. We often continue to administer Gem for Gem-refractory PC pts because Gem is less toxic. The aim of this study is to elucidate the efficacy of second line treatment in PC. Methods: The pts who were treated with standard dose of Gem and diagnosed disease progression with radiographic findings were randomly allocated to arm A (to treat with best available fluoropyrimidine) or arm B (to continue to treat with standard dose of Gem). Each doctor could choose one of the available fluoropyrimidine (5FU, UFT and S-1) in arm A. Results: We collected 80 patients from Jan, 2004 to Sep, 2008 into this trial. 27 pts (67.5%) were treated with S-1, 8 pts (20%) with UFT and 5 pts (12.5%) with 5FU in arm A. Response Rate were 10% in arm A and 0% in arm B, respectively. Disease Control Rate were 50% and 17.5%, Progression Free Survival Time were 113 days and 50 days (p<0.1050) and Overall Survival Time were 226 days and 161 days (p<0.0384), respectively. Conclusions: Fluoropyrimidine statistically improve survival time in Gem-refractory PC pts, compared to continue Gem. Clinical trial information: UMIN000002154.

Microinvasion of high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia

High-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN-3) is recognized as a precursor lesion of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). However, histological evidence that PanIN-3 invades beyond the basement membrane of pancreatic ductal epithelium, that is, the moment PanIN-3 becomes IDC, has not been captured yet. This may be because PanINs which are microscopic papillary or flat lesion rarely develop clinical symptoms and are not detectable on imaging examination. On the other hand, most IDCs were found in the advanced stage with massive invasion. In this report, PanIN-3 obstructed several branch pancreatic ducts and subsequently caused pancreatitis which developed clinical symptom and was detectable as a pancreatic mass in imaging studies. A 65-year-old woman was referred to our institution for further examination of her repeated pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a low echoic mass of 13 mm in diameter in the pancreatic body without upstream dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD). Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography showed a strictured segment of 2 mm in length in the MPD at the pancreatic body. Cytological examination of pancreatic juice revealed adenocarcinoma and distal pancreatectomy was performed. A resected specimen revealed a whitish mass of 15 mm in diameter in the pancreatic body, which was identified as pancreatitis by histological examination. Papillary growth of PanIN-3 was seen mainly in the branch ducts. Each PanIN-3 was located separately in the branch ducts with normal epithelia in the MPD between them. In three adjacent branch ducts, PanIN-3 was observed to be invading microscopically beyond the basement membrane.

Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for suspected pancreatic malignancy in relation to the size of lesions

BACKGROUND AND AIM

  Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is an accurate method for cytological confirmation of pancreatic malignancy, but it has been unknown whether its diagnostic accuracy for pancreatic lesions was affected by their size, location, or size of needles. Our aim was to investigate the accuracy of EUS-FNA for suspected pancreatic malignancy in relation to these factors, especially to the size of lesions.

METHODS

  In a tertiary referral center, EUS-FNAs for 120 suspected pancreatic malignancies in 115 patients based on other imaging studies were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

  Overall accuracy of EUS-FNA was 96% (115/120), with sensitivity of 95% (76/80), specificity of 98% (39/40), positive predictive value of 99% (76/77), and negative predictive value of 91% (39/43). Accuracies for lesions less than 10mm, 11-20mm, 21-30mm, and more than 31mm were 96%, 95%, 96%, and 100%, respectively; those for lesions in the head, the body, and the tail of the pancreas were 96%, 95%, and 95%, respectively. Accuracies for 22-gauge and 25-gauge needle were 93% and 98%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

  EUS-FNA was accurate in the evaluation of suspected pancreatic malignancy regardless of its size, location, or size of needles. It was useful also in the confirmation of small pancreatic malignancies less than 10mm.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with gemcitabine and S-1 for unresectable locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A phase I study

305

Background: The primary objective of this study is to assess the toxicity of concurrent radiotherapy with a combination of gemcitabine (GEM) and S-1 for unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Methods: Chemotherapy-naive patients with histologically or cytologically proven unresectable locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma were enrolled to this trial. The patients received gemcitabine intravenously over 30 min on days 1 and 8 and S-1 orally b.i.d. from days 1 to 14. Cycles were repeated every 21 days until disease progression. Patients were scheduled to receive gemcitabine (mg/msq/week) and S-1 (mg/msq/day) at five dose levels: 600/50 (level 1), 600/60 (level 2), 800/60 (level 3), 800/70 (level 4) and 1000/70(level 5). Radiation therapy was delivered through four fields as a total dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions over 5.5 weeks, and no prophylactic nodal irradiation was given. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as grade 4 thrombocytopenia, grade 4 neutropenia, or grade 3 nonhematologic toxicity. All patients were evaluated for response with RECIST criteria by a radiologist.

Results: Fifteen patients were enrolled in this study between 05/12 and 07/05. Treatment was well tolerated; 14 patients completed all protocol therapy, but one cannot because of anorexia. The maximum-tolerated dose was level 2, Gem 600mg/ S-1 60mg. Six patients experienced DLT (four patients with anorexia and two patients with Gr4 neutropenia). Response rate (RR) was 33.3% and disease control rate was 87.0%. And 1-year and 2-year survival rate was 86.7% and 44.4% respectively.

Conclusions: The chemoradiation therapy a combination of gemcitabine (GEM) and S-1 can be delivered almost safely for unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

[Comparison of initial and delayed myocardial imaging with beta-methyl-p-[123I]-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid in acute myocardial infarction]

Myocardial imaging using beta-methyl-p-[123I]-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) of 15 patients with acute myocardial infarction was performed to assess "fill-in" and "washout" defects in the delayed myocardial image. The initial and delayed images were evaluated by a visual and quantitative washout rate method. Visual judgement found 8/180 (4%) segments showed "fill-in" defects, and 24/180 segments (13%) showed "washout" defects. There was no relationship between days from onset to the study and the frequency of fill-in and washout defects. The mean washout rate in the segments with "fill-in" defects was 9.0 +/- 16.6%, and that of "washout" defects was 24.9 +/- 18.1% which was significantly higher than in controls (8.7 +/- 15.4%, p < 0.05). There was no correlation between mean washout rate and total blood lipids, total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol. Therefore, neither time from onset nor blood lipids level was related to changes from the initial image to the delayed image. These changes may be due to relative (false) findings due to changes in circumference, and may be based on myocardial characteristics after myocardial infarction and/or reperfusion.

[The influence of findings of coronary artery on myocardial salvage in acute myocardial infarction]

201Tl stress myocardial scintigraphy was performed in convalescent patients with acute myocardial infarction, to evaluate the influence of stenosis and collateral circulation of coronary artery in acute phase, on myocardial salvage in chronic phase. In 14 cases of unsuccessful coronary revascularization (complete occlusion), a complete defect of thallium imaging in chronic phase was seen in only one case of four cases with good collateral circulation, while eight of 10 cases with poor collateral circulation. In 16 cases of poor collateral circulation, six cases showed a complete defect, although the target vessel had improved to less than 75% of stenosis. However, in cases of good collateral circulation, no case showed a complete defect when the target vessel had improved to less than 75% of stenosis. The myocardial salvage is quite possible (p less than 0.05), when the coronary angiography in acute phase showed the forward flow (99% or 90% of stenosis) before coronary revascularization and/or good collateral circulation (Rentrop 2 degrees or 3 degrees).

[Myocardial imaging in acute myocardial infarction using beta-methyl-p-(123I)-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid: comparison with 201Tl imaging and wall motion]

Myocardial imaging using beta-methyl-p-(123I)-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) was performed in 11 patients with acute myocardial infarction. The left ventricular images were divided into 12 segments, and myocardial imagings with BMIPP were compared with coronary angiography (CAG), thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy (TL) and wall motion obtained by two-dimensional echocardiography (WM). When the culprit lesion was at the proximal point of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), all segments showed depressed uptake. In 3 cases with single vessel disease of the LAD, inferior wall of the basis showed reduced uptake of BMIPP despite the location of the culprit lesion. In cases with discordant uptake between the two tracers, BMIPP frequently showed more severely depressed uptake than TL in the subacute phase, although the uptake of BMIPP correlated with that of TL (tau = 0.82, p less than 0.001). In such cases, the discordance was related to the improvement in WM from the acute phase to the convalescent phase. BMIPP uptake correlated with WM in the subacute phase (tau = 0.50, p less than 0.001). BMIPP showed more severely depressed uptake while WM showed mild asynergy in most cases in which discordance was found between the BMIPP and WM findings. However, there was no correlation between the change in WM from the acute to subacute phases, or the uptakes of BMIPP and TL alone. We concluded that the myocardial condition can be evaluated in detail in acute myocardial infarction by comparing the findings of BMIPP with those of TL and WM.

[Diagnostic utility of 111In-antimyosin Fab scintigraphy in acute myocardial infarction: comparison with 201Tl and 99mTc-pyrophosphate myocardial scintigraphy]

To assess the diagnostic accuracy, extent, and characteristics of 111In-antimyosin Fab scintigraphy (In-AM) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we studied In-AM in 17 patients with AMI and compared with In-AM, 99mTc-PYP and 201Tl scintigraphy. Intensity of In-AM uptake was classified into 3 grades. Fourteen of 17 patients (82%) showed positive uptake of In-AM. The locations of infarct area diagnosed by In-AM were in accordance with those by electrocardiography. There was a good correlation between the extent score of In-AM planar and that of SPECT (r = 0.72), In-AM SPECT and Tl SPECT (r = 0.79), In-AM planar and PYP planar (r = 0.92), In-AM SPECT and PYP SPECT (r = 0.76), respectively (p less than 0.01). Thus, In-AM is a useful method for diagnosis of AMI.

[Quantitative evaluation of acute myocardial infarction by In-111 antimyosin Fab myocardial imaging]

For quantitative evaluation of acute myocardial infarction, In-111 antimyosin Fab myocardial imaging (InAM) was performed in 17 patients with myocardial infarction who underwent Tl-201 (TL) and Tc-99m pyrophosphate (PYP) myocardial imaging in acute phase. For calculating the infarct size, voxel counter method was used for analysis in PYP and InAM, and extent and severity score were used on bull's-eye polar map in TL. The most appropriate cut-off level ranged from 65 to 80% by the fundamental experiment using cardiac phantom. The cut-off level of 0.70 (InAM) and 0.65 (PYP) were used for clinical application of voxel counter analysis. The infarct size calculated by InAM and PYP was compared with wall motion abnormality index by echocardiography (WMAI), TL extent score, TL severity score, peak CK and sigma CK. Infarct size by InAM showed the following correlations with other indices. PYP: r = 0.26 (ns), TL extent score: r = 0.72 (p less than 0.01), TL severity score: r = 0.65 (p less than 0.05), WMAI: r = 0.69 (p less than 0.05). The infarct size by PYP did not show any correlations with these indices. Therefore, the infarct size by InAM showed better correlations with TL and WMAI than that of PYP. So InAM was considered superior to PYP for quantitative evaluation of acute myocardial infarction.

Elevated plasma beta-endorphin levels in patients with congestive heart failure

Recent experimental studies show that the opioid system is important to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular impairment in congestive heart failure. Plasma beta-endorphin levels were measured in 37 patients with congestive heart failure and compared with those of 21 age- and gender-matched normal subjects. The relation of plasma beta-endorphin levels and cardiac function at rest and exercise capacity was assessed in 17 of the patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Exercise capacity was determined by symptom-limited maximal treadmill exercise with expired gas analysis. Plasma beta-endorphin levels were elevated and correlated with the patients' New York Heart Association functional cardiac status (control: 14.0 +/- 4.4 pg/ml; class II: 17.9 +/- 3.6 pg/ml; class III: 28.3 +/- 8.8 pg/ml; class IV: 46.7 +/- 14.6 pg/ml, mean +/- SD). No relation was found between plasma beta-endorphin levels and left ventricular systolic performance as assessed by M-mode and Doppler echocardiography. Plasma beta-endorphin levels were negatively correlated with cardiac output determined by Doppler echocardiography and positively correlated with systemic vascular resistance (r = -0.733, r = 0.747, respectively, both p less than 0.001), but not correlated with calf blood flow as measured by a plethysmography. A good correlation was found between plasma beta-endorphin levels at rest and exercise capacity. The correlations with peak oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold, and peak rate-pressure product were r = -0.721, -0.672, and -0.674, respectively (p less than 0.01). The data show that plasma beta-endorphin levels are elevated in patients with congestive heart failure and reflect, to some degree, the severity of the disease.

[Evaluation of syndrome X by exercise stress thallium-201 SPECT]

Using exercise stress thallium (Tl)-201 SPECT, we studied 11 patients with Syndrome X who had anginal pain and ischemic ECG change during exercise in spite of angiographically normal coronary artery. In three patients, the initial stress image showed mild hypoperfusion in the area of ST segment depression, but the delayed image showed complete or incomplete redistribution. Eight cases showed normal perfusion. This result suggests that some patients of Syndrome X could be caused by small vessel disease.

[111In-antimyosin scintigraphy on acute myocardial infarction]

Indium-111 antimyosin (InAM) scintigraphy was performed in 17 patients with acute myocardial infarction (on 15 +/- 6 days from the onset). The degree of myocardial uptake was classified into 3 groups. They were ranged from low intensity as in bone marrow to high intensity as in liver. All of 17 cases showed positive myocardial uptake including low intensity. The locations of infarction judged by InAM were in agreement with those by electrocardiography, coronary angiography (CAG), and 99mTc-pyrophosphate scintigraphy (PYP, performed on 5 +/- 2 days from the onset). In 5 cases, the uptake of InAM showed doughnuts or diffuse pattern which was occasionally observed on PYP. These cases showed myocardial uptake of 4th degree of Parkey's classification with doughnuts-like pattern on PYP, and showed involvement of left anterior descending artery on CAG. In some cases, the extent of myocardial uptake on InAM did not agree with those on PYP.