Endoscopic Removal of Premalignant Lesions Reduces Long-Term Colorectal Cancer Risk: Results From the Japan Polyp Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

To date, no regional evidence of long-term colorectal cancer (CRC) risk reduction after endoscopic premalignant lesion removal has been established. We aimed to analyze this over a long-term follow-up evaluation.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of participants from the Japan Polyp Study conducted at 11 Japanese institutions. Participants underwent scheduled follow-up colonoscopies after a 2-round baseline colonoscopy process. The primary outcome was CRC incidence after randomization. The observed/expected ratio of CRC was calculated using data from the population-based Osaka Cancer Registry. Secondary outcomes were the incidence and characteristics of advanced neoplasia (AN).

RESULTS

A total of 1895 participants were analyzed. The mean number of follow-up colonoscopies and the median follow-up period were 2.8 years (range, 1-15 y) and 6.1 years (range, 0.8-11.9 y; 11,559.5 person-years), respectively. Overall, 4 patients (all males) developed CRCs during the study period. The observed/expected ratios for CRC in all participants, males, and females, were as follows: 0.14 (86% reduction), 0.18, and 0, respectively, and 77 ANs were detected in 71 patients (6.1 per 1000 person-years). Of the 77 ANs detected, 31 lesions (40.3%) were laterally spreading tumors, nongranular type. Nonpolypoid colorectal neoplasms (NP-CRNs), including flat (<10 mm), depressed, and laterally spreading, accounted for 59.7% of all detected ANs. Furthermore, 2 of the 4 CRCs corresponded to T1 NP-CRNs.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic removal of premalignant lesions, including NP-CRNs, effectively reduced CRC risk. More than half of metachronous ANs removed by surveillance colonoscopy were NP-CRNs. The Japan Polyp Study: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry, C000000058; cohort study: UMIN000040731.

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct with metachronous development in the downstream bile duct after radical resection

We report a case of intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNB) that metachronously developed twice in the downstream bile duct after radical resection. The first lesion was located in the left intrahepatic bile duct, the second lesion in the perihilar bile duct, and the third lesion in the distal bile duct. All lesions were IPNBs with associated invasive carcinoma (pancreatobiliary type). The depth of invasion was to the Glisson's capsule in the first lesion, to the subserosa in the second lesion, and to the fibromuscular layer in the third lesion, without lympho-vascular/perineural invasion and lymph-node metastasis. These were resected radically and had no biliary intraepithelial neoplasia and hyperplasia in the surrounding mucosa. In immunohistochemical examination, each lesion showed a different pattern. Although the downstream occurrence suggests intrabiliary dissemination, the mechanism of these metachronous developments may be multicentric. A literature review revealed that most metachronous cholangiocarcinomas have a grossly papillary appearance and tend to arise downstream. Our findings suggest that IPNB may develop metachronously in the residual bile duct after radical surgery, which may assist in early detection.

Ultrasonographic Features of Nonneoplastic Protrusions in Pancreatic Cysts by Contrast-Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound

OBJECTIVES

Most of the pancreatic cyst protrusions detected by B-mode endoscopic ultrasound (BM-EUS) are nonneoplastic and are not enhanced by contrast-enhanced EUS (CE-EUS) using ultrasound contrast agent (USCA). This study aimed to identify useful findings for distinguishing between neoplastic and nonneoplastic pancreatic cyst protrusions on BM-EUS to facilitate efficient USCA use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 151 pancreatic cyst protrusions in 119 consecutive patients who underwent CE-EUS were analyzed. We focused on the echo level (hyperechoic/isoechoic/hypoechoic/anechoic), base type (sessile without a basal waist/sessile with a basal waist/pedunculated), surface type (smooth/irregular), and the presence/absence of a hyperechoic surface layer. Enhanced and unenhanced protrusions on CE-EUS were interpreted as neoplastic and nonneoplastic, respectively.

RESULTS

Forty-five and 106 protrusions were enhanced and unenhanced, respectively, on CE-EUS performed using USCA. In univariable analysis of predictors of nonneoplastic protrusion on BM-EUS, the following factors were found to be significant: echo level (hypoechoic/anechoic), base type (sessile with a basal waist/pedunculated), a smooth surface, and a hyperechoic surface layer. Of these, only a hyperechoic surface layer remained significant in the multivariable analysis ( P < 0.0001; odds ratio, 40.74; 95% confidence interval, 7.07-387.49).

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic cyst protrusions with a hyperechoic surface layer on BM-EUS are suggestive of nonneoplastic disease.

Feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection for cecal tumors involving the ileocecal valve or appendiceal orifice

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic resection of the ileocecal valve lesions (ICVL) and peri-appendiceal orifice lesions (PAOL), is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for ICVLs and PAOLs compared with other cecal lesions (OCEL).

METHODS

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study conducted at a cancer center hospital and two community hospitals. Non-pedunculated cecal lesions that were intended to be treated by ESD followed by at least one surveillance colonoscopy were included. The main outcome was curative resection defined as en-bloc resection and R0 resection without risk factors of metastases. The secondary outcome was co lon preservation.

RESULTS

A total of 206 patients with 206 cecal lesions, including 37 ICVL, 27 PAOL, and 142 OCEL, who were to be treated with ESD were included in this study. Curative resection rates were 75.7% for ICVL, 70.4% for PAOL, and 77.5% for OCEL (P = 0.67). In the multivariate analysis of predictors of curative resection, tumor size (<40 mm) (odds ratio [OR] 2.40; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.14-5.04; P = 0.02) and a negative non-lifting sign (OR 6.12; 95% CI, 2.55-14.60; P < 0.01) were significant. Colon preservation was achieved for 91.9% of the ICVL, 92.6% of the PAOL, and 90.8% of the OCEL (P = 0.947).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on curative resection and colon preservation rates, ESD was found to be feasible for ICVL and PAOL. Large tumor size (≥ 40 mm) and positive non-lifting signs were significant factors for non-curative resection.

Location, morphology and invasiveness of lateral spreading tumors in the colorectum differ between two large cohorts from an eastern and western country

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Data from Japanese series show that surface morphology of laterally spreading tumors (LST) in the colon identifies lesions with different incidence and pattern of submucosal invasion. Such data from western countries are scarce. We compared clinical and histological features of LST in a western country and an eastern country, with special interest on mucosal invasiveness of LST, and investigated the effect of clinical factors on invasiveness in both countries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with LST lesions ≥20mm were included from a multicenter prospective registry in Spain and from a retrospective registry from the National Cancer Center Hospital East, Japan. The primary outcome was the presence of submucosal invasion in LST. The secondary outcome was the presence of high-risk histology, defined as high-grade dysplasia or submucosal invasion.

RESULTS

We evaluated 1102 patients in Spain and 663 in Japan. Morphological and histological characteristics differed. The prevalence of submucosal invasion in Japan was six-fold the prevalence in Spain (Prevalence Ratio PR=5.66; 95%CI: 3.96, 8.08), and the prevalence of high-risk histology was 1.5 higher (PR=1.44; 95%CI: 1.31, 1.58). Compared to the granular homogeneous type and adjusted by clinical features, granular mixed, flat elevated, and pseudo-depressed types were associated with higher odds of submucosal invasion in Japan, whereas only the pseudo-depressed type showed higher risk in Spain. Regarding high-risk histology, both granular mixed and pseudo-depressed were associated with higher odds in Japan, compared with only the granular mixed type in Spain.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals differences in location, morphology and invasiveness of LST in an eastern and a western cohort.

Factors associated with inaccurate size estimation of colorectal polyps: A multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Accurate polyp size estimation is essential in deciding the therapeutic strategy of colorectal polyps and endoscopic surveillance intervals. However, many endoscopists frequently make incorrect size estimations without being aware of their errors. This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the characteristics of endoscopists associated with inaccurate estimation.

METHODS

We previously conducted a web trial involving 261 endoscopists in 51 institutions in Japan to assess their ability to estimate polyp size. Participants answered questions about polyp size using visual estimates in a test involving images of 30 polyps. Here, we investigated the relationships between inaccurate size estimation and the backgrounds of participants. The rates of overestimation and underestimation of polyp size were also compared to clarify any trends in the answers of participants with low accuracy (< 50%).

RESULTS

Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of colonoscopic procedures in the past year was the only factor associated with a low accuracy of polyp size estimation (odds ratio 0.750, 95% confidence interval 0.609-0.925; P = 0.007). Endoscopists with low accuracy had a greater tendency to overestimate polyp size (42.3% overestimation and 21.2% underestimation, P < 0.001) compared with other endoscopists (16.6% overestimation and 17.9% underestimation, P = 0.951).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopists with limited experience of colonoscopy in the past year were more likely to make frequent errors in size estimation. Furthermore, endoscopists making inaccurate size estimations had a propensity to overestimate polyp size.

An unusual reversible color change in a gastric lesion during real-time endoscopy

During endoscopy, a light purple flat lesion suddenly appeared at the antrum and the lesion disappeared subsequently. This is an unusual reversible color change that is associated with blood flow, and that must be differentiated from neoplasia.

Safety of endoscopic procedures with monopolar versus bipolar instruments in an ex vivo porcine model

Background

Monopolar instruments are generally used in colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Bipolar instruments have previously been reported to be as safe as monopolar instruments. We sought to compare the safety of the monopolar and bipolar snare and hemostatic forceps in an animal model.

Methods

We created 5-mm, 10-mm, and 15-mm target lesions on an ex vivo porcine rectum. Two lesions of each size were resected via monopolar polypectomy (M-P), monopolar EMR (M-E), bipolar polypectomy (B-P), and bipolar EMR (B-E). We performed a pathological evaluation of the conditions of perforation and the effects of burning on the tissues. In addition, we burned the muscularis propria covered with submucosal layer using monopolar and bipolar hemostatic forceps and performed pathological evaluations.

Results

Polypectomy and EMR were performed in a total of 24 target lesions. A perforation was found on histology in one case of M-P and one case of M-E after removing target lesions of 15 mm in diameter. There were no perforations during endoscopic resection using the bipolar snare. The thermal denaturation in B-P did not reach the muscularis propria layer regardless of the size of the target lesion. Although thermal damage after using monopolar hemostatic forceps was extensive, thermal denaturation was only seen on the surface of the submucosal layer when bipolar hemostatic forceps were used.

Conclusions

Bipolar instruments cause less damage to the tissue than monopolar instruments. Our results also suggest that bipolar instruments may be safer than monopolar instruments in endoscopic procedures for colorectal lesions.

Visual assessment of colorectal flat and depressed lesions by using narrow band imaging

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

 Visual assessment of laterally spreading tumors non-granular type (LST-NG) and depressed lesions by narrow band imaging (NBI) without magnification has not been studied. We investigated the role of non-magnifying NBI in detecting LST-NG and type IIc lesions on colonoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 This retrospective study examined consecutive patients diagnosed as having LST-NG and/or type IIc lesions in our hospital between August 2011 and July 2013. These lesions were classified as "Brownish area (BA)," "Brown only in the margins (O-ring sign)," "Same color as the normal mucosa (SC)," and "Whitish area (WA)" based on their appearance on non-magnifying NBI, and their appearance were compared with their histopathological findings.

RESULTS

 A total of 18 type IIc and 180 LST-NG lesions were analyzed. Among the type IIc lesions, 5 (28 %), 12 (67 %), and 1 (5 %) were classified as BA, O-ring sign, and SC, respectively. Among the LST-NG lesions, 126 (70 %), 26 (14 %), and 28 lesions (16 %) were classified as BA, O-ring sign, and SC, respectively. The IIc lesions were found to have 1 lesion (20 %) with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in the BA, and 2 lesions (17 %) with invasive cancer (IC) in the O-ring sign group. Among the LST-NG lesions, 27 (21 %) were found to have IC and 49 (39 %), HGD in the BA group; 8 lesions (31 %) had IC and 4 (15 %) had HGD in the O-ring sign group; and 1 lesion (4 %) had IC and 4 (14 %) had HGD in the SC group.

CONCLUSIONS

 Most flat and depressed colorectal lesions were seen on non-magnifying NBI as brown lesions with the exception of some flat lesions that were indistinguishable in color from the adjacent normal mucosa. Some of these flat lesions were also found to have HGD or IC.

Endoscopic treatment outcomes of laterally spreading tumors with a skirt (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A "skirt" is a slightly elevated flat lesion with wide pits occasionally observed at the margin of laterally spreading tumors (LSTs). However, the endoscopic treatment outcomes of LSTs with skirts have not been clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endoscopic treatment outcomes of LSTs with skirts.

METHODS

Between February 2006 and March 2014, 996 LSTs were retrospectively examined to assess the clinicopathologic characteristics, procedure time, en bloc resection rate, R0 resection rate, adverse events, and local recurrence rate of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and of endoscopic resection.

RESULTS

Endoscopic treatment was performed in 35 cases of LSTs with skirts (ratio of ESD to endoscopic piecemeal mucosal resection [EPMR], 32:3) and 961 cases of LSTs without skirts (ratio of ESD to EMR to EPMR to polypectomy, 381:275:114:191). LSTs with a skirt were associated with a significantly higher recurrence rate (P < .01). In both ESD and EPMR, LSTs with a skirt were associated with a higher recurrence rate when compared with LSTs without a skirt (odds ratio, 12.7; P = .032, and odds ratio, 12.3; P = .061, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of the skirt and piecemeal resection were significant predictors of local recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

LSTs with skirts had a significantly higher local recurrence rate after endoscopic treatment compared with LSTs without skirts, especially after EPMR. Therefore, ESD should be recommended as an endoscopic treatment for LSTs with skirts to minimize local recurrence.

Detectability of colorectal neoplastic lesions using a novel endoscopic system with blue laser imaging: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Most studies have not reported an improvement in the detection of adenomas with the use of image-enhanced colonoscopy methods, possibly because of the darkness of the images. To overcome this limitation, a new-generation endoscopic system has been developed. This system has 2 blue-laser imaging (BLI) observation modes. The BLI observation was set to BLI-bright mode to detect lesions. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of BLI in detecting lesions.

METHODS

This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with participants from 8 institutions. We enrolled patients aged ≥40 years. The participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups: observation by using white-light imaging (WLI) with a conventional xenon light source (WLI group) or observation by using BLI-bright mode with a laser light source (BLI group). All of the detected lesions were resected or had a biopsy taken for histopathologic analysis. The primary outcome was the mean number of adenomas per patient (MAP) that were detected per procedure.

RESULTS

The WLI and BLI groups consisted of 474 and 489 patients, respectively. The MAP was significantly higher in the BLI group than in the WLI group (mean ± standard deviation [SD] WLI 1.01 ± 1.36, BLI 1.27 ± 1.73; P = .008). Adenoma detection rate in the BLI group was not significantly higher than in the WLI group. Observation times differed significantly, with BLI (9.48 minutes) being longer than WLI (8.42; P < .001). The mean (± SD) number of polyps per patient was significantly higher in the BLI group compared with the WLI group (WLI 1.43 ± 1.64, BLI 1.84 ± 2.09; P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

A newly developed system that uses BLI improves the detection of adenomatous lesions compared with WLI. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN 000014555.).

Risk factors for intraoperative perforation during endoscopic submucosal dissection of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM

To identify the risk factors and clarify the subsequent clinical courses.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated using endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) between April 2008 and October 2012. We divided the ESCC lesions into perforation cases and non-perforation cases, and compared characteristics and endoscopic findings between the two groups. "Intraoperative perforation" was defined as the detection of a perforation site during ESD and the presence of mediastinal emphysema.

RESULTS

In total, 147 patients with 156 ESCC lesions were treated by ESD. Intraoperative perforation was recorded for nine lesions (5.8%) from nine patients. Multivariate analysis identified mucosal deficiency larger than 75% of the circumference of the esophagus as an independent risk factor for intraoperative perforation (OR = 7.37, 95%CI: 1.45-37.4, P = 0.016). The predominant site of perforation was the left wall [6/9 (67%)]. Six of nine perforation sites were successfully closed by clips during the procedures. Two of nine cases required drainage for pleural effusions; however, all nine cases recovered with conservative treatment and without surgical intervention. At the median follow up of 42 mo after ESD, no cases of local recurrence or distant organ metastasis had been observed.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that mucosal deficiency larger than 75% of the luminal circumference is a risk factor for intraoperative perforation during ESD for ESCC.

Prophylactic steroid administration for strictures after endoscopic resection of large superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background and study aims: One of the major complications after endoscopic resection (ER) for large superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is benign esophageal stricture, which can reduce quality of life even if ESCC achieves a cure without organ resection. Recently, steroid administration has been reported as a prophylactic treatment to prevent esophageal strictures. This retrospective study evaluated the stricture rate according to the different width of mucosal defects due to ER and compared it to that seen with prophylactic steroid administration. Patients and methods: Between June 2007 and December 2013, we enrolled patients with ESCC who had 3/4 or larger circumferential mucosal defects due to ER. In December 2009, steroid injections (triamcinolone acetonide 50 mg) into the ulcer bed due to ER were introduced. Beginning in November 2012, we commenced oral steroid administration (prednisolone 30 mg/day, tapered gradually for 8 weeks) in addition to steroid injection. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to the width of mucosal defect after ER (Group A, ≥ 3/4 and < 7/8; Group B, ≥ 7/8 and less than the entire circumference; and Group C, the entire circumference). We retrospectively evaluated the stricture rate by comparing no treatment, steroid injection, or steroid injection followed by oral steroid according to the width of mucosal defect. Results: A total of 115 patients met the selection criteria. In Group B, no treatment had a significantly higher stricture rate (100 %, vs. steroid injection: 56 % P = 0.015; vs steroid injection followed by oral steroid: 20 % P < 0.001). Conversely, in Group C, the stricture rate was high, regardless of treatment (no treatment: 100 %; steroid injection: 100 %; steroid injection followed by oral steroid: 71 %). Conclusions: Although prophylactic steroid administration is effective to prevent strictures for 7/8 circumference or larger mucosal defects, it is ineffective for whole-circumference defects. Further investigation is required.

Phase I study of palbociclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor, in Japanese patients

This phase I study in Japanese patients evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of palbociclib, a highly selective and reversible oral cyclin‐dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor, as monotherapy for solid tumors (part 1) and combined with letrozole as first‐line treatment of postmenopausal patients with estrogen receptor‐positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐negative advanced breast cancer (part 2). Part 1 evaluated palbociclib 100 and 125 mg once daily (3 weeks on/1 week off; n = 6 each group) to determine the maximum tolerated dose. Part 2 evaluated palbociclib maximum tolerated dose (125 mg) plus letrozole 2.5 mg (n = 6). The most common treatment‐related adverse event was neutropenia (all grades/grade 3/4): 100 mg, 83%/67%; 125 mg, 67%/33%; and palbociclib plus letrozole, 100%/83%. Heavier pretreatment with chemotherapy may have resulted in higher neutropenia rates observed with the 100‐mg dose. Palbociclib exposure was higher with 125 vs 100 mg (mean area under the plasma concentration–time curve over dosing interval [τ]: 1322 vs 547.5 ng·h/mL [single dose], 2838 vs 1276 ng·h/mL [multiple dose]; mean maximum plasma concentration: 104.1 vs 41.4 ng/mL [single dose], 185.5 vs 77.4 ng/mL [multiple dose]). Half‐life was 23–26 h. No drug–drug interactions between palbociclib and letrozole occurred. Four patients had stable disease (≥24 weeks in one patient with rectal cancer [100 mg] and one with esophageal cancer [125 mg]) in part 1; two patients had partial response and two had stable disease (both ≥24 weeks) in part 2. Palbociclib at the 125‐mg dose (schedule 3/1) was tolerated and is the recommended dose for monotherapy and letrozole combination therapy in Japanese patients. The trials are registered with www.ClinicalTrials.gov: A5481010 and NCT01684215.

Clinicopathological, endoscopic, and molecular characteristics of the "skirt" - a new entity of lesions at the margin of laterally spreading tumors

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

A slightly elevated flat lesion with wide pits has occasionally been observed at the margin of laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) and is known as a "skirt." The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological, endoscopic, and genetic characteristics of a skirt.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive LSTs were examined to evaluate the pathological, endoscopic, and genetic characteristics. Pathological characteristics, including the dimension of the cryptic opening (DCO), width of the individual gland (WIG), DCO to WIG ratio, and microvessel diameter were elucidated and compared with those of hyperplastic polyps, low grade dysplasia (LGD), and normal mucosa. The endoscopic findings of pit and microvascular patterns were assessed. Gene mutation analyses were performed for the KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, and PIK3CA genes.

RESULTS

A skirt was identified in 35 of 1023 LSTs, and 80 % of lesions with a skirt had a component of either intramucosal or submucosal adenocarcinoma. The DCO, WIG, and DCO to WIG ratio of the skirt were significantly larger than those of other lesions. The microvessel diameters in skirts were significantly smaller than those in LGDs. Regarding the endoscopic findings, 30 skirts showed pits with a coral reef-like appearance, and all skirt regions were found to have a type I capillary pattern. KRAS mutation at codon 146 was found in the nodular part in one of five LSTs with a skirt.

CONCLUSION

The skirt is a newly identified lesion distinct from hyperplastic polyps and LGDs, suggesting the presence of a novel pathway for rectal carcinogenesis from LSTs with a skirt.

Peritonitis related to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy using the direct method for cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) using the direct method is generally indicated for cancer patients. However, there are little available data about peritonitis related to this method. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to assess peritonitis related to PEG using the direct method in patients with cancer.

METHODS

We assessed the prevalence of peritonitis and the relationship between peritonitis and patients' backgrounds, as well as the clinical course after peritonitis.

RESULTS

Between December 2008 and December 2011, peritonitis was found in 9 (2.1 %) of 421 patients. Of the 9 patients with peritonitis, 4 had received PEG prior to chemoradiotherapy. Emergency surgical drainage was required in 1 patient, and the remaining 8 recovered with conservative treatment. Peritonitis occurred within 8 days of PEG for 8 of the 9 patients and occurred within 2 days of suture removal for 4 of the 9 patients.

CONCLUSION

Peritonitis related to PEG using the direct method was less frequent for cancer patients. Peritonitis tended to occur within a few days after removal of securing suture and in patients with palliative stage.

Clinicopathological differences of laterally spreading tumors arising in the colon and rectum

PURPOSE

Laterally spreading tumors (LST) have been recognized worldwide. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the clinicopathological differences of LST arising in the colon and rectum.

METHODS

We investigated the clinical records of consecutive patients with LST that were endoscopically or surgically resected at our hospital between February 2006 and March 2011. LST were classified into three types: granular-homogenous (LST-GH), granular-nodular mixed (LST-GM), and nongranular (LST-NG) types. We also defined the hardly elevated flat lesion with a dilated pit pattern that occurs at the margins of LST as the "skirt." The clinicopathological characteristics of the LST arising in the colon and rectum, including the presence of the skirt, were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 496 colorectal LST in 435 patients were examined. LST-GM was predominant in the rectum, whereas LST-NG was predominant in the colon (p < 0.001). The mean tumor size was larger in the rectum (39.3 ± 17.9 mm) than the colon (25.8 ± 13.6 mm) (p < 0.001). Low-grade dysplasia frequency was lower in the rectum than the colon (4 vs. 37%, p < 0.001). The skirt was identified in 15 lesions (3.0%), with a higher incidence in the rectum than the colon (17 vs. 0.5%, p < 0.001). The skirt was found only in LST-GM.

CONCLUSIONS

A greater proportion of LST-GM, greater mean size, and lower incidence of low-grade dysplasia were found in rectal LST. The skirt was a novel and unique finding, primarily observed in rectal LST-GM cases.

[Perspective of personalized (precise) cancer therapy based on predictive biomarkers]

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase, triggers a downstream signaling cascade through areas such as the RAS-RAF-MAPK, PI3K-AKT and JAK-STAT pathways, which are involved in cell proliferation, dedifferentiation and inhibition of apoptosis. Two anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies, cetuximab and panitumumab, are currently available for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. KRAS is a validated predictive biomarker for anti-EGFR therapy and tumor KRAS status should be determined whenever anti-EGFR therapy is considered in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. On the other hand, the promising biomarkers such as NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA for anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, and pVEGF-A for bevacizumab have been reported. We review the biomarkers associated with personalized therapy in colorectal cancer.

[Necessity of co-operation of the community medical system based on the results from the survey by questionnaires-participation of the home healthcare and/or hospice systems in southern Tama community hospitals]

Home Care Division of Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has been providing the local public with the following services: 1) providing aseptic medicines prescribed in the clean room, 2) renting the infusion fluid pumps, and 3) supporting the community cooperation in healthcare services. Last year, we surveyed questionnaires to the public users (patients and caretakers) of these services, in order to understand the actual status of patients after changing from conventional hospitalization to the home infusion therapy (HIT). From the results of our present survey, it was found that the patients and their family members had positively accepted HIT, while 61% of the HIT users exhibited a strong anxiety in their skills and methods of HIT. Moreover, it was also shown that 61% had other means of nursing and treatment in addition to HIT, indicating a great financial burden on the families. Among them, 69% of the HIT users considered that visiting nurses and primary care physicians were the best co-operators, and changed their conventional healthcare system (hospitalization) to HIT. However, the home caretakers showed a high anxiety in their skill in the home healthcare system, specifically HIT, which was generally highly dependent on the medical care, Thus, a good relationship and co-operation with visiting nurses and primary care physicians was one of the major factors for the users to decide to choose HIT instead of their old medical hospitalization. Therefore, in order to make HIT more useful and widely prevail, it is concluded that establishment of the co-operative systems within our local community, where visiting nurses and primary care physicians can easily provide the patients and their family with professional suggestions, advice and actual care whenever the home caretakers need them.

[The present situation of home infusion therapy (HIT) and the problems of coordinated service]

Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. established its home care business division in April, 1995. On the assumption that the patients have the final say in decision making, we aim at smooth operation of home care, adjusted to each patient's needs, which will lead to improvements in quality of life (QOL). Approximately 700 patients took advantage of our pharmacy service between April, 1995 and March, 1999; of them, almost 80 percent had a malignant tumor in the terminal stage and were receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Patient ages ranged from the 50s to the 80s. The number of patients with a malignant disease who take advantage of medical treatment by family doctors or a visiting nurse station is less than that of patients with a benign disease. Following are the problems of coordination for HIT patients: 1) difficulty in understanding the patient's or their family's actual thoughts about home care, 2) insufficient information from the medical staff to the patient or their family for decision making, 3) insufficient coordination in the medical organization, and 4) failure of information exchange between the medical organization's staff and the home-care staff. In order to operate a home care service which can improve QOL, information exchange and cooperation among the members of the home care team is essential.