Systematic review of risk factors,prognosis,and management of colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma(CSRCC)is a rare clinical entity which accounts for approximately 1%of all colorectal cancers.Although multiple studies concerning this specific topic have been published in the past decades,the pathogenesis,associated risk factors,and potential implications on treatment are still poorly understood.Besides the low incidence,historically confusing histological criteria have resulted in confusing data.Nevertheless,the rising incidence of CSRCC along with relatively young age at presentation and associated dismal prognosis,highlight the actual interest to synthesize the known literature regarding CSRCC.AIM To provide an updated overview of risk factors,prognosis,and management of CSRCC.METHODS A literature search in the MEDLINE/PubMed database was conducted with the following search terms used:‘Signet ring cell carcinoma’and‘colorectal’.Studies in English language,published after January 1980,were included.Studies included in the qualitative synthesis were evaluated for content concerning epidemiology,risk factors,and clinical,diagnostic,histological,and molecular features,as well as metastatic pattern and therapeutic management.If possible,presented data was extracted in order to present a more detailed overview of the literature.RESULTS In total,67 articles were included for qualitative analysis,of which 54 were eligible for detailed data extraction.CSRCC has a reported incidence between 0.1%-2.4%and frequently presents with advanced disease stage at the time of diagnosis.CSRCC is associated with an impaired overall survival(5-year OS:0%-46%)and a worse stagecorrected outcome compared to mucinous and not otherwise specified adenocarcinoma.The systematic use of exploratory laparoscopy to determine the presence of peritoneal metastases has been advised.Surgery is the mainstay of treatment,although the rates of curative resection in CSRCC(21%-82%)are lower compared to those in other histological types.In case of peritoneal metastasis,cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy should only be proposed in selected patients.CONCLUSION CSRCC is a rare clinical entity most often characterized by young age and advanced disease at presentation.As such,diagnostic modalities and therapeutic approach should be tailored accordingly.

Relationships between mucinous gastric carcinoma, MUC2 expression and survival

AIM:To investigate the expression of the four secreted gel-forming mucins(MUC2,MUCSAC,MUCSB and MUC6)in a series of gastric carcinomas,classified according Laurén's,Mulligan's,WHO and Goseki's classifications,with special attention to all the different components(major and minor)present in tumors and to follow up clinical data.METHODS:Expression of MUC2,MUC5AC,MUC5B and MUC6 was investigated using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.RESULTS:Expression of secreted gel-forming mucins in gastric carcinoma was particularly complex,each mucin being not restricted to any histopathological type even considering all components(major and minor)present in a given tumor.There was a worst survival in patients with a higher content of mucus(GosekiⅡorⅣ)and high positive MUC2 expression.CONCLUSION:Complexity of mucin gene expression patterns in gastric cancer may reflect a precise state of differentiation at the cell level not recognized in used morphologic classification systems.High expression of MUC2 was nevertheless associated with mucinous subtype of the WHO classification and with groupⅡof Goseki's classification identified by the major component of a particular tumor.The quantity and quality of mucus were related to survival.

Four cancer cases after esophageal atresia repair: Time to start screening the upper gastrointestinal tract

Esophageal atresia(EA) is one of the most common congenital digestive malformations and requires surgical correction early in life. Dedicated centers have reported survival rates up to 95%. The most frequent comorbidities after EA repair are dysphagia(72%) and gastroesophageal reflux(GER)(67%). Chronic GER after EA repair might lead to mucosal damage, esophageal stricturing, Barrett's esophagus and eventually esophageal adenocarcinoma. Several long-term follow-up studies found an increased risk of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal carcinoma in EA patients, both at a relatively young age. Given these findings, the recent ESPGHAN-NASPGHAN guideline recommends routine endoscopy in adults born with EA. We report a series of four EA patients who developed a carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract: three esophageal carcinoma and one colorectal carcinoma in a colonic interposition. These cases emphasize the importance of lifelong screening of the upper gastrointestinal tract in EA patients.

Poorly cohesive cells gastric carcinoma including signet-ring cell cancer:Updated review of definition,classification and therapeutic management

While the incidence of gastric cancer(GC)in general has decreased worldwide in recent decades,the incidence of diffuse cancer historically comprising poorly cohesive cells-GC(PCC-GC)and including signet ring cell cancer is rising.Literature concerning PCC-GC is scarce and unclear,mostly due to a large variety of historically used definitions and classifications.Compared to other histological subtypes of GC,PCC-GC is nevertheless characterized by a distinct set of epidemiological,histological and clinical features which require a specific diagnostic and therapeutic approach.The aim of this review was to provide an update on the definition,classification and therapeutic strategies of PCC-GC.We focus on the updated histological definition of PCC-GC,along with its implications on future treatment strategies and study design.Also,specific considerations in the diagnostic management are discussed.Finally,the impact of some recent developments in the therapeutic management of GC in general such as the recently validated taxane-based regimens(5-Fluorouracil,leucovorin,oxaliplatin and docetaxel),the use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy as well as pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy and targeted therapy have been reviewed in depth for their relative importance for PCC-GC in particular.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race;Lessons Learned from a Psychological Intervention in Cancer Care:The Importance of Conducting a Pilot and/or Feasibility Study in Complex Interventions

This article chronicles a failed research project.We designed and carried out a psychological intervention aimed at increasing esogastric and lung cancer patients’emotional competencies after treatments.We present the final protocol of the study,a randomized controlled trial in a public hospital,and describe the difficulties encountered and our subsequent reflections,to provide researchers and clinicians with advice for the implementation of such interventions.Firstly,the role of psychology,emotions,and emotional competencies,is still underacknowledged in cancer care.Pedagogical efforts must be made to convince both physicians and patients of the importance of those elements.Secondly and consequently,even distressed patients sure to benefit from such an intervention,do not take it up.In particular,male patients often declined the intervention due to gender stereotypes,and as such creativity is needed to present such interventions in a motivating way for patients.Finally,and most importantly,even if there is a good rationale for a psychological intervention and all favorable conditions are present,it is essential to first conduct a feasibility/pilot study.Indeed,even the most thorough preparation is no guarantee of anticipating all issues due to important gaps between theory and practice.

The SUPER reporting guideline suggested for reporting of surgical technique

Background:Existing reporting guidelines pay insufficient attention to the detail and comprehensiveness reporting of surgical technique.The Surgical techniqUe rePorting chEcklist and standaRds(SUPER)aims to address this gap by defining reporting standards for surgical technique.The SUPER guideline intends to apply to articles that encompass surgical technique in any study design,surgical discipline,and stage of surgical innovation.Methods:Following the EQUATOR(Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research)Network approach,16 surgeons,journal editors,and methodologists reviewed existing reporting guidelines relating to surgical technique,reviewed papers from 15 top journals,and brainstormed to draft initial items for the SUPER.The initial items were revised through a three-round Delphi survey from 21 multidisciplinary Delphi panel experts from 13 countries and regions.The final SUPER items were formed after an online consensus meeting to resolve disagreements and a three-round wording refinement by all 16 SUPER working group members and five SUPER consultants.Results:The SUPER reporting guideline includes 22 items that are considered essential for good and informative surgical technique reporting.The items are divided into six sections:background,rationale,and objectives(items 1 to 5);preoperative preparations and requirements(items 6 to 9);surgical technique details(items 10 to 15);postoperative considerations and tasks(items 16 to 19);summary and prospect(items 20 and 21);and other information(item 22).Conclusions:The SUPER reporting guideline has the potential to guide detailed,comprehensive,and transparent surgical technique reporting for surgeons.It may also assist journal editors,peer reviewers,systematic reviewers,and guideline developers in the evaluation of surgical technique papers and help practitioners to better understand and reproduce surgical technique.