Molecular Profile of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a relatively uncommon but highly aggressive primary liver cancer that originates within the liver. The aim of this study is to review the molecular profile of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and its implications for prognostication and decision-making. This comprehensive characterization of ICC tumors sheds light on the disease's underlying biology and offers a foundation for more personalized treatment strategies. This is a narrative review of the prognostic and therapeutic role of the molecular profile of ICC. Knowing the molecular profile of tumors helps determine prognosis and support certain target therapies. The molecular panel in ICC helps to select patients for specific therapies, predict treatment responses, and monitor treatment responses. Precision medicine in ICC can promote improvement in prognosis and reduce unnecessary toxicity and might have a significant role in the management of ICC in the following years. The main mutations in ICC are in tumor protein p53 (TP53), Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS), isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), and AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A). The rate of mutations varies significantly for each population. Targeting TP53 and KRAS is challenging due to the natural characteristics of these genes. Different stages of clinical studies have shown encouraging results with inhibitors of mutated IDH1 and target therapy for ARID1A downstream effectors. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusions are an important target in patients with ICC. Immune checkpoint blockade can be applied to a small percentage of ICC patients. Molecular profiling in ICC represents a groundbreaking approach to understanding and managing this complex liver cancer. As our comprehension of ICC's molecular intricacies continues to expand, so does the potential for offering patients more precise and effective treatments. The integration of molecular profiling into clinical practice signifies the dawn of a new era in ICC care, emphasizing personalized medicine in the ongoing battle against this malignancy.

Oxidative status in colostrum and mature breast milk related to gestational age and fetal growth

INTRODUCTION

The effect of gestational age and fetal growth on the oxidant/antioxidant status of breast milk is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the oxidative stress biomarkers in colostrum and mature milk according to gestational age and fetal growth.

METHOD

A longitudinal study with mothers of premature and term infants, born in a tertiary referral hospital between 2014-2018. Inclusion criteria: postpartum women with a singleton pregnancy, who intended to exclusively breastfeed. Exclusion criteria: maternal diabetes, use of medication, drug addiction, congenital infection or malformation, mastitis, and failure to collect colostrum. Four groups were formed according to gestational age and birth weight (appropriate and small): Preterm small (n = 37), Preterm appropriate (n = 99), Full-term small (n = 65), and Full-term appropriate (control, n = 69). The colostrum samples were collected between 24-72 h and the mature milk was sampled in the 4th week of lactation for malondialdehyde (biomarker for lipid peroxidation) and Glutathione peroxidase, Catalase, and Superoxide dismutase measurements. The data were compared among groups using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, one-way analysis of variance followed by Wald's Distribution test and repeated measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

We found a lower malondialdehyde level in colostrum in preterm groups and term small for gestational age, and the antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase and Catalase activities were higher for preterm compared to term groups. The malondialdehyde levels differed in mature milk samples (Full-term small > Full-term appropriate > Preterm small > Preterm appropriate). The malondialdehyde levels increased during lactation in all groups except Preterm appropriate, and the levels of Catalase decreased in preterm groups.

CONCLUSION

The oxidative status in breast milk is influenced by gestational age and fetal growth, which increased antioxidant defense for preterm infants and decreased oxidative stimuli for small for gestational age infants. These findings contribute to encouraging breastfeeding for newborns.

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is currently considered the standard definitive treatment of achalasia. With the advancements in technology, robotic Heller myotomy has emerged as an alternative approach to traditional laparoscopy due to three-dimensional (3D) visualization, fine motor control, and improved ergonomics provided by the robot. Although there is a lack of randomized controlled trials, robotic-assisted Heller myotomy seems to be associated with lower rates of intraoperative perforations compared to the laparoscopic approach. A robotic approach may also improve surgical outcomes by providing a more complete myotomy. Here, we describe the detailed steps of robotic myotomy and partial fundoplication for achalasia.

Postoperative complication rates between Crohn's disease and Colorectal cancer patients after ileocolic resections: a comparative study

Introduction Ileocolic resection (ICR) is the most common surgical procedure performed for Crohn's disease (CD). Similarly, right-sided Colorectal cancer (CRC) is treated by the same operation. The primary aim of this study was to analyze and compare the frequency and profile of early postoperative complications of ICR between patients with CD and CRC.

Methods Retrospective and observational study with patients submitted to ICR from two Brazilian tertiary referral units in colorectal surgery. We included patients with diagnosis of CD or CRC, treated with ICR, at any stage of follow-up. Variables analyzed: age at surgery, gender, diagnosis, surgical approach (open or laparoscopy), type of anastomosis (hand-sewn/stapled; end-to-end/side-to-side), presence and type of early postoperative complications (30 days) and mortality, among others.

Results 109 patients were included, 73 with CD (67%) and 36 with CRC (33%). CD patients were younger (42.44 ± 12.73 years vs. 66.14 ± 11.02 years in the CRC groups, p < 0.0001) and had more previous resections (20 ± 27.4 in CD and 0 in CCR, p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of overall early postoperative complications [17/73 (23.3%) in the CD and 5/36 (13.9%) in the CRC groups (p = 0.250)]. There was no significant difference between the groups in relation to anastomotic leakage (p = 0.185), surgical site infections (p = 0.883), other complications (0.829) and deaths (p = 0.069).

Conclusions There was no significant difference in early postoperative complications in patients with CD or CRC submitted to ICR.