Changing trends of clinicopathologic features and survival duration after surgery for gastric cancer in Northeast China

BACKGROUND Through analyzing the data from a single institution in Northeast China,this study revealed the possible clinicopathologic characteristics that influence the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer(GC).AIM To evaluate the changing trends of clinicopathologic features and survival duration after surgery in patients with GC in Northeast China,which is a highprevalence area of GC.METHODS The study analyzed the difference in clinicopathologic features and survival duration after surgery of 5887 patients who were histologically diagnosed with GC at the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital.The study mainly analyzed the data in three periods,2000 to 2004(Phase 1),2005 to 2009(Phase 2),and 2010 to 2014(Phase 3).RESULTS Over time,the postoperative survival rate significantly increased from 2000 to 2014.In the past 15 years,compared with Phases 1 and 2,the tumor size was smaller in Phase 3(P<0.001),but the proportion of high-medium differentiated tumors increased(P<0.001).The proportion of early GC gradually increased from 3.9%to 14.4%(P<0.001).A surprising improvement was observed in the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes,ranging from 11.4 to 27.5(P<0.001).The overall 5-year survival rate increased from 24%in Phase 1 to 43.8%in Phase 3.Through multivariate analysis,it was found that age,tumor size,histologic type,tumor-node-metastasis stage,depth of invasion,lymph node metastasis,surgical approach,local infiltration,radical extent,number of retrieved lymph nodes,and age group were independent risk factors that influenced the prognosis of patients with GC.CONCLUSION The clinical features of GC in Northeast China changed during the observation period.The increasing detection of early GC and more standardized surgical treatment effectively prolonged lifetimes.

Ultrasonographic and clinicopathologic features of benign Brenner tumors of the ovary

Objective The aim of this study was to summarize and analyze the ultrasonographic and clinicopathologic features of benign brenner tumors of the ovary.Methods Forty-six patients with brenner tumors of the ovary were included,and the imaging and pathologic features of the tumors were analyzed.Results Thirty-eight cases were unilateral,while eight cases were bilateral.The tumors were located only in the left ovary in 32 patients and in the right ovary in six patients.The median diameter of the tumors was 62 mm,and the diameter ranged from 15 to 270 mm.Vascular tumors were not observed.Most of the tumors(22/46)showed micro-perfusion,while 16 tumors showed no blood flow signal.Acoustic signal shadows after the cysts were observed in 26 tumors,accounting for 57%of all brenner tumors.Fourteen patients showed unilocular or multilocular tumors with no distinct characteristics on ultrasonography.Sixteen masses showed a multilocular solid structure,accompanied by calcification and a post-mass shadow;the solid structure showed mild-to-moderate vascularization on Doppler examination.Sixteen masses showed a pure solid structure,accompanied by calcification,resulting in an acoustic shadow behind the tumor;the solid structure showed mild-to-moderate vascularization on Doppler examination.Conclusion Some ultrasonographic features,including calcification with shadow,poor blood circulation of solid components,and mass localization,are helpful in the diagnosis of benign brenner tumors.

Somatic mutations in FAT cadherin family members constitute an underrecognized subtype of colorectal adenocarcinoma with unique clinicopathologic features

BACKGROUND The FAT cadherin family members(FAT1,FAT2,FAT3 and FAT4)are conserved tumor suppressors that are recurrently mutated in several types of human cancers,including colorectal carcinoma(CRC).AIM To characterize the clinicopathologic features of CRC patients with somatic mutations in FAT cadherin family members.METHODS We analyzed 526 CRC cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas PanCancer Atlas dataset.CRC samples were subclassified into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of somatic mutations in FAT1,FAT2,FAT3 and FAT4.Individual clinicopathological data were collected after digital slide review.Statistical analysis was performed using t tests and chi-square tests.RESULTS This CRC study cohort had frequent mutations in the FAT1(10.5%),FAT2(11.2%),FAT3(15.4%)and FAT4(23.4%)genes.Two hundred CRC patients(38.0%)harbored somatic mutations in one or more of the FAT family genes and were grouped into the FAT mutated CRC subtype.The FAT-mutated CRC subtype was more commonly located on the right side of the colon(51.0%)than in the rest of the cohort(30.1%,P<0.001).It showed favorable clinicopathologic features,including a lower rate of positive lymph nodes(pN1-2:33.5%vs 46.4%,P=0.005),a lower rate of metastasis to another site or organ(pM1:7.5%vs 16.3%,P=0.006),and a trend toward an early tumor stage(pT1-2:25.0%vs 18.7%,P=0.093).FAT somatic mutations were significantly enriched in microsatellite instability CRC(28.0%vs 2.1%,P<0.001).However,FAT somatic mutations in microsatellite stable CRC demonstrated similar clinicopathologic behaviors,as well as a trend of a better diseasefree survival rate(hazard ratio=0.539;95%confidence interval:0.301-0.967;log-rank P=0.073).CONCLUSION FAT cadherin family genes are frequently mutated in CRC,and their mutation profile defines a subtype of CRC with favorable clinicopathologic characteristics.

Analysis of Clinicopathologic Features of Esophageal Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Surgery-a Report of 4,329 Cases

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinicopathological features of esophageal carcinoma （EC） patients, and to analyze epidemiologic characteristics and the current situation of esophageal cancioma in the southern area of Hebei Province. METHODS A total of 4329 patients with esophageal cancinoma, undergoing surgery in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University during a period from January 1996 to December 2005, were selected. Collection and statistical analysis of the pathologic data were performed using a SAS 6.0 software package. RESULTS Over the past ten years, there has been a tendency for an increase in the mean age of EC onset （P 〈 0.05）, a downtrend in the percentage of squamous cancer （SqCa） （P 〈 0.05） and an uptrend in the frequency of small cell carcinoma （P 〈 0.05）. In clinical stages, there was a drop in the percentage of Stage-Ⅱ squamous EC patients （P 〈 0.05）, and an increase in that of Stage-Ⅳ patients （P 〈 0.05）. There were statistical differences in sex, age, pathologic types, depth of infiltration, ratio of stages and lymph node metastasis, etc. among the superior, middle and inferior segments of the EC diseased region （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION It was relatively late for the EC patients from this area to see a doctor, resulting in a drop in the ratio of SqCa and an ascensus in that of small cell cancer. However, due to a low incidence of adenocarcinoma, no obvious ascending tendency was found in the frequency of this carcinoma over the past ten years.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 expression affects clinicopathological features and prognosis of aflatoxin B1-related hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND The dysregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3(TIMP3)was positively correlated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,it is not clear whether TIMP3 expression is associated with the clinico-pathological features and prognosis of aflatoxin B1(AFB1)-related HCC(AHCC).A retrospective study,including 182 patients with AHCC,was conducted to explore the link between TIMP3 expression in cancerous tissues and the clinico-pathological characteristics and prognosis of AHCC.TIMP3 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and its effects on the clinicopathological features and prognosis of AHCC were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression survival analysis.Odds ratio,hazard ratio(HR),median overall survival time(MST),median tumor recurrence-free survival time(MRT),and corresponding 95%confidential interval(CI)was calculated to RESULTS Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that compared with high TIMP3 expression,low TIMP3 expression in tumor tissues significantly decreased the MST(36.00 mo vs 18.00 mo)and MRT(32.00 mo vs 16 mo)of patients with AHCC.Multivariate Cox regression survival analysis further proved that decreased expression of TIMP3 increased the risk of death(HR=2.85,95%CI:2.04-4.00)and tumor recurrence(HR=2.26,95%CI:1.57-3.26).Furthermore,decreased expression of TIMP3 protein in tissues with AHCC was significantly correlated with tumor clinicopatho-logical features,such as tumor size,tumor grade and stage,tumor microvessel density,and tumor blood invasion.Additionally,TIMP3 protein expression was also negatively associated with amount of AFB1-DNA adducts in tumor tissues.CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the dysregulation of TIMP3 expression is related to AHCC biological behaviors and affects tumor outcome,suggesting that TIMP3 may act as a prognostic biomarker for AHCC.

Clinicopathological features of 11 cases of chronic hepatitis B infection complicated with primary biliary cholangitis

BACKGROUND Only a few cases of chronic hepatitis B(CHB)with primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)have been reported based on histological evidence from liver biopsies.AIM To observe the clinicopathological features and outcomes of 11 patients with CHB infection complicated by PBC.METHODS Eleven patients with CHB and PBC who underwent liver biopsy at the Zhenjiang Third Hospital,affiliated with Jiangsu University,and Wuxi Fifth People’s Hospital,from January 2005 to September 2020,were selected.All patients initially visited our hospital with CHB and were pathologically diagnosed with CHB and PBC.RESULTS Only five had elevated alkaline phosphatase levels,nine were positive for antimitochondrial antibody(AMA)-M2,and two were negative for AMA-M2.Two had jaundice and pruritus symptoms,10 had mildly abnormal liver function,and one had severely elevated bilirubin and liver enzyme levels.The pathological characteristics of CHB complicated by PBC overlapped with those of PBCautoimmune hepatitis(AIH).When necroinflammation of the portal area is not obvious,the pathological features of PBC are predominant,similar to the features of PBC alone.When the interface is severe,biliangitis will occur,with a large number of ductular reactions in zone 3.Unlike the PBC-AIH overlap pathology,this pathology is characterized by a small amount of plasma cell infiltration.Unlike PBC,lobulitis is often observed.CONCLUSION This is the first large case series to show that the rare pathological features of CHB with PBC are similar to those of PBC-AIH and small duct injury was observed.

Analysis of clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of breast cancer brain metastasis

BACKGROUND Breast cancer(BC)has become the most common malignancy in women.The incidence and detection rates of BC brain metastasis(BCBM)have increased with the progress of imaging,multidisciplinary treatment techniques and the extension of survival time of BC patients.BM seriously affects the quality of life and survival prognosis of BC patients.Therefore,clinical research on the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of BCBM is valuable.By analyzing the clinicopathological parameters of BCBM patients,and assessing the risk factors and prognostic indicators,we can perform hierarchical diagnosis and treatment on the high-risk population of BCBM,and achieve clinical benefits of early diagnosis and treatment.AIM To explore the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of BCBM,and provide references for diagnosis,treatment and management of BCBM.METHODS The clinicopathological data of 68 BCBM patients admitted to the Air Force Medical Center,Chinese People’s Liberation Army(formerly Air Force General Hospital)from 2000 to 2022 were collected.Another 136 BC patients without BM were matched at a ratio of 1:2 based on the age and site of onset for retrospective analysis.Categorical data were subjected to χ^(2) test or Fisher’s exact probability test,and the variables with P<0.05 in the univariate Cox proportional hazards model were incorporated into the multivariate model to identify high-risk factors and independent prognostic factors of BCBM,with a hazard ratio(HR)>1 suggesting poor prognostic factors.The survival time of patients was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method,and overall survival was compared between groups by log-rank test.RESULTS Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that patients with stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ tumor at initial diagnosis[HR:5.58,95% confidence interval(CI):1.99–15.68],lung metastasis(HR:24.18,95%CI:6.40-91.43),human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-overexpressing BC and triple-negative BC were more prone to BM.As can be seen from the prognostic data,52 of the 68 BCBM patients had died by the end of follow-up,and the median time from diagnosis of BC to the occurrence of BM and from the occurrence of BM to death or last follow-up was 33.5 and 14 mo,respectively.It was confirmed by multivariate Cox regression analysis that patients with neurological symptoms(HR:1.923,95%CI:1.005-3.680),with bone metastasis(HR:2.011,95%CI:1.056-3.831),and BM of HER2-overexpressing and triple-negative BC had shorter survival time.CONCLUSION HER2-overexpressing,triple-negative BC,late tumor stage and lung metastasis are risk factors of BM.The presence of neurological symptoms,bone metastasis,and molecular type are influencing prognosis factors of BCBM.

Clinicopathological analysis of small intestinal metastasis from extra-abdominal/extra-pelvic malignancy

BACKGROUND The metastatic tumors in the small intestine secondary to extra-abdominal/extrapelvic malignancy are extremely rare.However,the small intestine metastases are extremely prone to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and examination methods,thus delaying its treatment.Therefore,in order to improve clinical diagnosis and treatment capabilities,it is necessary to summarize its clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis.AIM To summarize the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with small intestinal metastases from extra-abdominal/extra-pelvic malignancy,and to improve the clinical capability of diagnosis and treatment for rare metastatic tumors in the small intestine.METHODS The clinical data of patients with small intestinal metastases from extra-abdominal/extra-pelvic malignancy were retrieved and summarized,who admitted to and treated in the Air Force Medical Center,Chinese People’s Liberation Army.Then descriptive statistics were performed on the general conditions,primary tumors,secondary tumors in the small intestine,diagnosis and treatment processes,and prognosis.RESULTS Totally 11 patients(9 males and 2 females)were enrolled in this study,including 8 cases(72.3%)of primary lung cancer,1 case(9.1%)of malignant lymphoma of the thyroid,1 case(9.1%)of cutaneous malignant melanoma,and 1 case(9.1%)of testicular cancer.The median age at the diagnosis of primary tumors was 57.9 years old,the median age at the diagnosis of metastatic tumors in the small intestine was 58.81 years old,and the average duration from initial diagnosis of primary tumors to definite diagnosis of small intestinal metastases was 9 months(0-36 months).Moreover,small intestinal metastases was identified at the diagnosis of primary tumors in 4 cases.The small intestinal metastases were distributed in the jejunum and ileum,with such clinical manifestations as hematochezia(5,45.4%)and abdominal pain,vomiting and other obstruction(4,36.4%).In addition,2 patients had no obvious symptoms at the diagnosis of small intestinal metastases,and 5 patients underwent radical resection of small intestinal malignancies and recovered well after surgery.A total of 3 patients did not receive subsequent treatment due to advanced conditions.CONCLUSION Small intestinal metastases of extra-abdominal/extra-pelvic malignancy is rare with high malignancy and great difficulty in diagnosis and treatment.Clinically,patients with extra-abdominal/extra-pelvic malignancy should be alert to the occurrence of this disease,and their prognosis may be improved through active surgery combined with standard targeted therapy.

Clinicopathological features and trend changes of gastric carcinoma in Southern China

AIM: To investigate the clinicopathological features of gastric carcinoma in southern China and disease trends changes over the last 18 years.

Clinicopathological features of early gastric cancers arising in Helicobacter pylori uninfected patients

BACKGROUND Persistent Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection causes chronic inflammation,atrophy of the gastric mucosa,and a high risk of developing gastric cancer.In recent years,awareness of eradication therapy has increased in Japan.As H.pylori infections decrease,the proportion of gastric cancers arising from H.pylori uninfected gastric mucosa will increase.The emergence of gastric cancer arising in H.pylori uninfected patients though rarely reported,is a concern to be addressed and needs elucidation of its clinicopathological features.AIM To evaluate the clinicopathological features of early gastric cancer in H.pyloriuninfected patients.METHODS A total of 2462 patients with 3375 instances of early gastric cancers that were treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection were enrolled in our study between May 2000 and September 2019.Of these,30 lesions in 30 patients were diagnosed as H.pylori-uninfected gastric cancer(Hp UIGC).We defined a patient as H.pylori-uninfected using the following three criteria:(1)The patient did not receive treatment for H.pylori,which was determined by investigating medical recordsand conducting patient interviews;(2)Lack of endoscopic atrophy;and(3)The patient was negative for H.pylori after being tested at least twice using various diagnostic methods,including serum anti-H.pylori-Ig G antibody,urease breath test,rapid urease test,and microscopic examination.RESULTS The frequency of Hp UIGC was 1.2%(30/2462)for the patients in our study.The study included 19 males and 11 females with a mean age of 59 years.The location of the stomach lesions was divided into three sections;upper third(U),middle third(M),lower third(L).Of the 30 lesions,15 were U,1 was M,and 14 were L.Morphologically,17 lesions were protruded and flat elevated type(0-I,0-IIa,0-IIa+IIc),and 13 lesions were flat and depressed type(0-IIb,0-IIc).The median tumor diameter was 8 mm(range 2-98 mm).Histological analysis revealed that22 lesions(73.3%)were differentiated type.The Hp UIGC lesions were classified into fundic gland type adenocarcinoma(7 cases),foveolar type welldifferentiated adenocarcinoma(8 cases),intestinal phenotype adenocarcinoma(7 cases),and pure signet-ring cell carcinoma(8 cases).Among 30 Hp UIGCs,24 lesions(80%)were limited to the mucosa;wherein,the remaining 6 lesions showed submucosal invasion.One of the submucosal invasive lesions showed more than 500μm invasion.The mucin phenotype analysis identified 7 Hp UIGC with intestinal phenotype and 23 with gastric phenotype.CONCLUSION We elucidated the clinicopathological characteristics of Hp UIGC,revealing recognition not only undifferentiated-type but also differentiated-type.In addition,intestinal phenotype tumors were also observed and could be an important tip.

Clinicopathological Features of Breast Cancer with Different Molecular Subtypes in Chinese Women

A retrospective study was performed to explore the relationship between molecular subtypes and clinicopathological features of breast cancer in Chinese women. Six hundred and twenty-eight Chi- nese women with breast cancer were classified into four molecular subtypes according to their estrogen receptor （ER）, progesterone receptor （PR） and Her-2 status. The prevalence rate of each molecular sub- type was analyzed. Relationship between the subtypes and clinicopathologic features was determined. The distribution of molecular subtypes was as follows： luminal A 46.5%, luminal B 17.0%, basal 21.5%, HER2/neu 15.0%. The subtypes had no significant difference under different menopausal status. How- ever, in the age-specific groups, the age group of〈35 years was more likely to get basal cell-like cancer （36.9%）. Statistically significant differences were found among molecular subtypes by age, nuclear grade, tumor size, lymph node （LN） metastasis, tumor stage by American Joint Committee on Cancer （AJCC）, radiotherapy but not by chemotherapy, types of surgery. After adjusting for several relative confounding factors, the basal subtype more likely had lower nodal involvement in both the incidence of LN metastasis （〉1 positive LN） and incidence of high-volume LN metastasis （〉4 positive LN）. The HER2/neu subtype had higher nodal involvement in the incidence of high-volume LN metastases. After adjusting for relative confounding factors, the HER2/neu subtype more likely had higher AJCC tumor stages. It was suggested that there existed close relationship between molecular subtypes and clinicopa- thological features of breast cancer. In addition, the breast cancer subtypes have been proven to be an independent predictor of LN involvement and AJCC tumor stage. These findings are very important for understanding the occurrence, development, prognosis and treatment of breast cancer in Chinese popu-lation.

Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix

Small cell carcinoma of cervix (SCCC) is a rare disease with highly aggressive behaviour and is pathologically hard to diagnose.In this study, the clinicopathological features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the condition were examined.Clinical records and follow-up data of 7 cases of SCCC were retrospectively studied.Our results showed that five non-recurrent cases initially presented irregular vaginal bleeding or increased apocenosis of varying degrees.Pathological examination revealed that the stroma was diffusely infiltrated with small monomorphous cells ranging from round to oval shape.Three cases were immunohistochemically confirmed.One case was accompanied with squamous cell cancer.Of the 7 cases, one case was classified as stage Ⅰb 1, two stageⅠ b2, one stage Ⅱ a, one stage Ⅱb , and one stage Ⅲ b.On the basis of their stages of condition, one subject with stage III b underwent chemotherapy, and one with stage Ib2 received extensive hysterectomy plus pelvic lymphadenectomy, while the other 5 cases were treated by extensive hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in combination with pre-and/or post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Of the 7 patients, 4 had relapse-free survival of 14, 14, 16 and 28 months respectively.It is concluded that SCCC is an aggressive tumor with propensity for early pelvis lymph node metastases.Early-stage patients should be treated by extensive hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in combination with pre-and/or post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Clinicopathological features of typical and nontypical hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer and their germline mutation of hMLH_1 and hMSH_2

Objective To study the clinicopathological features of the Chinese hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer and its germline mutation of hMLH1 and hMSH2. Methods Thirteen typical Chinese hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPC) C kindreds and 19 nontypical HNPCC families were registered and followed up. The germline mutation of the hMLH1 and hMSH2 of 12 index cases of 6 typical and 6 nontypical NHPCC were screened by PCR-SSCP. Samples with abnormal mobility were sequenced direcdy. Results The average age of typical HNPCC was 47, no difference existed between sexs. Location of the tumors of typical HNPCC represented 44.7% on the right half colon and non-typical HNPCC 65. 8% on the rectum. The rate of the metachronos cancer was 11.5%. The 3 - , 5 - and 10 -year survival rate was 64. 0%, 45. 3% and 31. 2% respectively. Among 12 cases, 8 showed abnormal mobility. Except for an intron polymorphinism, six exons abnormalities were found in 5 of 12 proband. Sequencing showed 4 missense,7

Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma in Children and Adolescents

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic features of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents. Methods: The clinical data of 7 children and adolescents with differentiated thyroid carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed, and the clinicopathologic features of differentiated thyroid carcinoma were analyzed by gender, tumor size and BRAF mutation. Results: There were 7 cases of thyroid papillary carcinoma. The mean age of patients was (18.71 ± 2.75), and the mean tumor diameter was (2.4 ± 1.04) cm. Lymph node metastasis rate was 100% (7/7). In children and adolescents, the lesion volume was larger, membrane invasion and vascular cancer thrombus were more likely to occur, BRAF mutation was less common, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with differentiated thyroid carcinoma are more aggressive and prone to membrane invasion and lymph node metastasis;BRAF mutation is less common than in adults.

Prognostic factors of breast cancer brain metastasis

In this editorial we comment on the article by Chen et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Oncology.Brain metastasis is one of the most serious complications of breast cancer and causes high morbidity and mortality.Brain metastases may involve the brain parenchyma and/or leptomeninges.Symptomatic brain metastases develop in 10%-16%of newly recognized cases each year,and this rate increases to 30%in autopsy series.Depending on the size of the metastatic foci,it may be accompanied by extensive vasogenic edema or may occur as small tumor foci.Since brain metastases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality,early diagnosis can have significant effects on survival and quality of life.The risk of developing brain metastases emerges progressively due to various patient and tumor characteristics.Patient variability may be particularly important in the susceptibility and distribution of brain metastases because malignant blood must cross the brain barrier and move within the brain parenchyma.Some characteristics of the tumor,such as gene expression,may increase the risk of brain metastasis.Clinical growth,tumor stage,tumor grade,growth receptor positivity,HER2 positivity,molecular subtype(such as triple negative status,luminal/nonluminal feature)increase the risk of developing breast cancer metastasis.Factors related to survival due to breast cancer brain metastasis include both tumor/patient characteristics and treatment characteristics,such as patient age,lung metastasis,surgery for brain metastasis,and HER2 positivity.If cases with a high risk of developing brain metastasis can be identified with the help of clinical procedures and artificial intelligence,survival and quality of life can be increased with early diagnosis and treatment.At the same time,it is important to predict the formation of this group in order to develop new treatment methods in cases with low survival expectancy with brain metastases.

Etiological and clinicopathologic characteristics of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in young patients

AIM:To investigate the prevalence,risk factors,and clinicopathologic characteristics of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC)in young patients.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed in ICC patients referred to the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital in Shanghai,China.Among 317 consecutively enrolled patients,40 patients were aged ≤40 years(12.61%).We compared the risk factors and clinicopathologic characteristics of these patients(groupⅠ:n=40)with those aged>40 years(group Ⅱ:n=277).RESULTS:Group I had distinct features compared with groupⅡ,including a low frequency of hepatolithiasis(P=0.000);a high positive rate of serum hepatitis B surface antigen(P=0.000)and hepatitis B virus(HBV)associated cirrhosis(P=0.038);a high frequency ofα-fetoprotein(>400μg/L)(P=0.011);a low frequency of carbohydrate antigen 19-9(>37 U/mL)(P=0.017);and a high frequency of liver histological inflammation(P=0.002).Although there was no significant difference between the two groups in regards to hepatic schistosomiasis,alcohol-associated cirrhosis and cirrhosis due to other causes(P>0.05),they only occurred in the elderly group.CONCLUSION:The risk factors are significantly different between young and elderly ICC patients.HBV and HBV-associated cirrhosis are the most important risk factors for young ICC patients.

Emerging trends in early-onset gastric cancer

The incidence of early-onset gastric cancer(EOGC)is consistently increasing,and its etiology is notably complex.This increase may be attributed to distinctive factors that differ from those associated with late-onset gastric cancer(LOGC),including genetic predispositions,dietary factors,gastric microbiota dysbiosis,and screening of high-risk cases.These factors collectively contribute to the onset of cancer.EOGC significantly differs from LOGC in terms of clinicopathological and molecular characteristics.Moreover,multiple differences in prognosis and clinical management also exist.This study aimed to systematically review the latest research advancements in the epidemiological characteristics,etiological factors,clinicopathological and molecular features,prognosis,and treatment modalities of EOGC.

Bridging the gap: Predicting brain metastasis in breast cancer

Chen et al explored clinicopathological features and prognostic factors,revealing advanced tumor stage,lung metastases,HER-2 overexpression,and triple-negative status as key contributors.Recent research connects astrocytes'role in brain metastasis with signaling pathways and the impact of Trastuzumab on HER-2 tumor survival.Factors such as positive HER2 status,lack of estrogen receptor expression,and liver metastasis are identified as additional risk factors.The routine use of magnetic resonance imaging,insights into gene mutations associated with metastasis,and the role of radiotherapy,including prophylaxis possibilities,is controversial in clinical practice.Understanding these risk factors in a multidisciplinary collaboration is precise for local treatments and targeted therapies,particularly for HER2+tumors,impacting directly on longer survival.

Reduced expression of P120 catenin in cholangiocarcinoma correlated with tumor clinicopathologic parameters

AIM： To investigate the relationship between the expression of P120 and the clinicopathologic parameters in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma （ICC）. METHODS： An immunohistochemical study of E-cadherin and P120 catenin was performed on 42 specimens of ICC with a Dako Envision kit. RESULTS： The expression of E-cadherin and P120 was reduced in 27 cases （64.3%） and 31 cases （73.8%）, respectively. Both E-cadherin and P120 expressions were significantly correlated with the tumor histological grade （χ^2 = 9.333, P = 009 and χ^= 11.71, P = 0.003）, TNM stage （χ^= 8.627, P = 0.035 and χ^= 13.123, P = 0.004）, intrahepatic metastasis （χ^= 7.292, P = 0.007 and χ^= 4.657, P = 0.041, respectively） and patients′ survival （χ^= 6.351, P = 0.002 and χ^= 4.023, P = 0.000, respectively）. In addition, the expression of P120 was in concordance with that of E-cadherin （χ^ = 13.797, P = 0.000）, indicating that the expression of P120 may be dependent on that of E-cadherin. Finally, only P120 expression was found to be an independent prognostic factor in Cox regression model （r = 0.088, P = 0.049）. CONCLUSION： Down-regulated expression of E-cadherin and P120 occurs frequently in ICC and contributes to the progression and development of tumor. Both of them may be valuable biologic markers for predicting tumor invasion, metastasis and patients′ survival, but only P120 is an independent prognostic factor for ICC.

Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Adenosquamous Lung Carcinoma

This study was aimed to characterize clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with adenosquamous lung carcinoma（ASC）. Among the 2531 patients with lung cancer who underwent surgery between January 2000 and June 2012 in our hospital, 59 were histologically diagnosed as having ASC. The clinicopathological features and follow-up data of ASC patients were collected and analyzed statistically. Superior lobectomy was accomplished in 40 patients, middle and inferior lobectomy in 3, lobectomy plus partial resection of contralateral lung in 5, partial lung resection in 4, and pneumonectomy in 7. Moreover, 22 cases were found to be adenocarcinoma-predominant, and 18 to be squamous cell carcinoma-predominant. The median survival time was 13.6 months, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 59.9%, 36.4% and 31.2%, respectively. Of the 52 cases with tissue specimens available, 11 had an EGFR mutation（21.2%） and 2 had a KRAS mutation（3.8%）. Multivariate analysis showed that histology subtype, pleural invasion, TNM stage, and postoperative treatment were all independent prognostic factors. The data from the current study demonstrated that SCC-predominant histology represents a better prognosis of ASC. Histology subtype, pleural invasion, TNM stage, and postoperative treatment are independent prognostic factors for ASC and adjuvant therapy may help control the disease.