Distant metastasis in the right inguinal area from gastric cancer:A case report

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.Most cases of newly diagnosed gastric cancer involve not only locally advanced tumor growth and regional lymph node metastases but also distant metastases.We report a rare case finding of a mass in the right inguinal area which is derived from gastric cancer.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old male initially diagnosed with an inguinal hernia presented with a 2 cm mass in the right inguinal area.Gastrointestinal symptoms led to the discovery of a stomach tumor.Biopsy confirmed gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma.The diagnosis was advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination,and the inguinal mass was due to direct infiltration.Due to gastrointestinal bleeding,the patient underwent palliative gastrectomy and lymph node dissection.Postoperatively,the patient received hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and localized radiation therapy.CONCLUSION This case indicates that a systematic evaluation should be conducted during the initial consultation to explore the potential connection between unrecognized distant masses and the primary tumor.

Gastric metastasis of small cell lung carcinoma:Three case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Small cell lung carcinoma(SCLC)is highly susceptible to metastasis in the early stages of the disease.However,the stomach is an uncommon site of metastasis in SCLC,and only a few cases of this type of metastasis have been reported.Therefore,SCLC gastric metastases have not been systematically characterized and are easily missed and misdiagnosed.CASE SUMMARY We report three cases of gastric metastasis from SCLC in this article.The first patient presented primarily with cough,hemoptysis,and epigastric fullness.The other two patients presented primarily with abdominal discomfort,epigastric distension,and pain.All patients underwent gastroscopy and imaging examinations.Meanwhile,the immunohistochemical results of the lesions in three patients were suggestive of small cell carcinoma.Finally,the three patients were diagnosed with gastric metastasis of SCLC through a comprehensive analysis.The three patients did not receive appropriate treatment and died within a short time.CONCLUSION Here,we focused on summarizing the characteristics of gastric metastasis of SCLC to enhance clinicians'understanding of this disease.

Preoperative carcinoembryonic antibody is predictive of distant metastasis in pathologically T1 colorectal cancer after radical surgery

AIM:To identify the predictors of distant metastasis in pathologically T1(pT1)colorectal cancer(CRC)after radical resection. METHODS:Variables including age,gender,preoperative carcinoembryonic antibody(CEA)level,tumor location,tumor size,lymph node status,and histological grade were recorded.Patients with and without metastasis were compared with regard to age,gender,CEA level and pathologic tumor characteristics using the independent t test orχ 2 test,as appropriate.Risk factors were determined by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS:Metastasis occurred in 6(3.8%)of the 159 patients during a median follow-up of 67.0(46.5%) mo.The rates of distant metastasis in patients with pT1 cancer of the colon and rectum were 6.7%and 2.9%, respectively(P<0.001).The rates of distant metastasis between male and female patients with T1 CRC were 6.25%and 1.27%,respectively(P<0.001).The most frequent site of distant metastasis was the liver. Age(P=0.522),gender(P=0.980),tumor location(P =0.330),tumor size(P=0.786),histological grade(P =0.509),and high serum CEA level(P=0.262)were not prognostic factors for lymph node metastasis.Univariate analysis revealed that age(P=0.231),gender(P =0.137),tumor location(P=0.386),and tumor size (P=0.514)were not risk factors for distant metastasis after radical resection for T1 colorectal cancer.Postoperative metastasis was only significantly correlated with high preoperative serum CEA level(P=0.001).Using multivariate logistic regression analysis,high preoperative serum CEA level(P=0.004;odds ratio 15.341; 95%CI 2.371-99.275)was an independent predictor for postoperative distant metastasis. CONCLUSION:The preoperative increased serum CEA level is a predictive risk factor for distant metastasis in CRC patients after radical resection.Adjuvant chemotherapy may be necessary in such patients,even if they have pT1 colorectal cancer.

Relationship between Preoperative Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Lymph Node Metastasis in Early Gastric Cancer

Objective： To investigate the features of the preoperative clinicopathologic characteristics in correlation with lymph node metastasis. Methods： The preoperative clinicopathologic characteristics and lymph node metastasis of 265 patients with early gastric carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively. Results： The three clinicopathologic characteristics, maximum cancer diameter 〉2cm under endoscope, poor differentiation and excavated type were significant high risk independent preoperative clinicopathologic characteristics （P〈0.05） . The patients who had none of the three preoperative clinicopathologic characteristics had no lymph node metastasis, while 27.27% of the patients who had all the three preoperative clinicopathologic characteristics had N2 lymph node metastasis. Conclusion： The three preoperative clinicopathologic charaeteristics, maximum cancer diameter under endoscope, cell differentiation and gross type were very useful to evaluate the extent of lymph node metastasis.

Diagnostic ability of multi-detector spiral computed tomography for pathological lymph node metastasis of advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The reliability of preoperative nodal diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer by multi-detector spiral computed tomography(MDCT)is still unclear.AIM To examine the diagnostic ability of MDCT more precisely by using data on intranodal pathological metastatic patterns.METHODS A total of 108 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent MDCT and curative gastrectomy at Kanazawa Medical University Hospital were enrolled in this study.The nodal sizes measured on computed tomography(CT)images were compared with the pathology results.A receiver-operating characteristic curve was constructed,from which the critical value(CV)was calculated by using the data of the first 69 patients retrospectively.By using the CV,sensitivity and specificity were calculated with prospectively collected data from 39 consecutive patients.This enabled a more precise one-to-one correspondence of lymph nodes between CT and pathological examination by using the size data of lymph node mapping.The intranodal pathological metastatic patterns were classified into the following four types:Small nodular,peripheral,large nodular,and diffuse.RESULTS Although all the cases were clinically suspected as having metastasis,81 had lymph node metastasis and 27 had no metastasis.The number of dissected,detected on CT,and metastatic nodes were,4241,897,and 801,respectively.The CV obtained from the receiver-operating characteristic was 7.6 mm for the long axis.The sensitivity was 91.4%and the specificity was 47.3%in the prospective phase.The large nodular and diffuse metastases were easy to diagnose becausemetastatic nodes with a large axis often exhibit these forms.CONCLUSION The ability of MDCT to contribute to a nodal diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer was examined prospectively with precise size data from node mapping,using a CV of 7.6 mm for the long axis that was calculated from the retrospectively collected data.The sensitivity was as high as 91%,and would be improved when referring to the enhanced patterns.However,its specificity was as low as 47%,because most of metastatic nodes in gastric cancer being small in size.The small nodular or peripheral type metastatic nodes were often small and considered difficult to diagnose.

Unexpected metastasis of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct without an invasive component to the brain and lungs:A case report

BACKGROUND Despite an expanding number of studies on intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB),distant metastasis remains unexplained especially in cases of carcinoma in situ.In the present study,we report a rare and interesting case of IPNB without invasive components that later metastasized to lungs and brain.CASE SUMMARY A 69-year-old male was referred to our hospital due to suspected cholangiocarcinoma.Laboratory tests on admission reported a mild elevation of alkaline phosphatase,γ-glutamyl transpeptidase,and total bilirubin in serum.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed a filling defect in the common bile duct(CBD)extending to the left hepatic duct.Peroral cholangioscopy delineated a tumor in the CBD that had a papillary pattern.Multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography detected partial blockage ot interlude in the CBD leading to cholestasis without evidence of metastasis.Therefore,a diagnosis of IPNB cT1N0M0 was established.Left hepatectomy with bile duct reconstruction was performed.Pathological examination confirmed an intraepithelial neoplasia pattern without an invasive component and an R0 resection achievement.The patient was monitored carefully by regular examinations.However,at 32 mo after the operation,a 26 mm tumor in the lungs and a 12 mm lesion in the brain were detected following a suspicious elevated CA 19-9 level.Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery of left upper lobectomy and stereotactic radiotherapy are indicated.In addition to histopathological results,a genomic profiling analysis using whole exome sequencing subsequently confirmed lung metastasis originating from bile duct cancer.CONCLUSION This case highlights the important role of genomic profiling analysis using whole exome sequencing in identifying the origin of metastasis in patients with IPNB.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of 63 gastric cancer patients with metachronous ovarian metastasis

Objective： This study aims to explore the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of gastric cancer patients with metachronous ovarian metastasis. Methods： Clinicopathologic data were collected from 63 post-operative gastric cancer patients with metachronous ovarian metastasis. The patients were admitted to the Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College between January 1999 and December 2011. A log-rank test was conducted for survival analysis. Possible prognostic factors that affect survival were examined by univariate analysis. A Cox regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results： The incidence of ovarian metastasis was 3.4% with a mean age of 45 years. Up to 65.1% of the patients were pre- menopausal. The mean interval between ovarian metastasis and primary cancer was 16 months. Lowly differentiated carcinoma ranked first in the primary gastric cancers. The majority of lesions occurred in the serous membrane （87.3%）. The metastatic sites included Nz.3 lymph nodes （68.3%）, bilateral ovaries （85.7%）, and peritoneal membrane （73%）. Total resection of metastatic sites was performed （31.7%）. The overall median survival was 13.6 months, whereas the overall 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 52.5%, 22.0%, and 9.8%, respectively. The 5-year survival rate was zero. Univariate analysis showed that the patient prognosis was correlated with metastatic peritoneal seeding, vascular tumor embolus, range of lesion excision, and mode of comprehensive treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy （P〈0.05）. Multivariate analysis indicated that metastatic peritoneal seeding was an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients with ovarian metastasis （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Effective control of peritoneal seeding--induced metastasis is important for improving the prognosis of gastric cancer patients with ovarian metastasis.

Primary research on neoplasm needle track implantation metastasis after radioactive seeds implantation and preventive measures

Objective:To observe the possibility of neoplasm needle track implantation after radioactive seeds implantation and seek preventive measures to avoid it.Methods:Superficial tissue of 250 seeding needle cores and 250 stylophores employed in neoplasm radioactive seeds implantation was smeared on slides to search for tumor cells.All patients received chemotherapy or endocrine therapy after operations.Ultrasound B-mode or computer tomography(CT)was performed at 10th day,30th day,60th day,and 180th day post operation to detect neoplasm implantation metastasis through needle tracks. Results:Positive cells were found on 13 of 250(5.20%)cores,and 7 of 250(2.80%)stylophores.The difference was not sta- tistically significant(P>0.05).The positive cells frequency of needles those traversed distance less than 3 cm in normal tissue was 6.19%(13/210),while the frequency of the others those traversed longer distance in normal tissue was 2.41%(7/290). The positive cells frequency of needles traversing different distances in normal tissues is significantly different(P<0.05).No neoplasm was detected through needle tracks by ultrasound B-mode or CT in 180 days after operation.Conclusion:Tumor cells could ablate into the needle track during radioactive seed implantation.Some preventive measures,such as optimization of pre-operation and intra-operation treatment plan,chemotherapy or endocrine therapy after operation,may be beneficial to avoid the implantation metastasis of neoplasm in seeding needle tracks.

molecular pathology of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas

Since the first description of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs)of the pancreas in the eighties,their identification has dramatically increased in the last decades,hand to hand with the improvements in diagnostic imaging and sampling techniques for the study of pancreatic diseases.However,the heterogeneity of IPMNs and their malignant potential make difficult the management of these lesions.The objective of this review is to identify the molecular characteristics of IPMNs in order to recognize potential markers for the discrimination of more aggressive IPMNs requiring surgical resection from benign IPMNs that could be observed.We briefly summarize recent research findings on the genetics and epigenetics of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms,identifying some genes,molecular mechanisms and cellular signaling pathways correlated to the pathogenesis of IPMNs and their progression to malignancy.The knowledge of molecular biology of IPMNs has impressively developed over the last few years.A great amount of genes functioning as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes have been identified,in pancreatic juice or in blood or in the samples from the pancreatic resections,but further researches are required to use these informations for clinical intent,in order to better define the natural history of these diseases and to improve their management.

Parotid metastasis of rare lung adenocarcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Lung cancer(LC)is the leading cause of malignancy-related deaths worldwide.The most common sites of metastasis include the nervous system,bone,liver,respiratory system,and adrenal glands.LC metastasis in the parotid gland is very rare,and its diagnosis presents a challenge.Here,we report a case of parotid metastasis in primary LC.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 74-year-old male who was discovered to have bilateral facial asymmetry inadvertently two years ago.The right earlobe was slightly swollen and without pain or numbness.Computed tomography(CT)examination showed bilateral lung space-occupying lesions.Pulmonary biopsy was performed and revealed adenocarcinoma(right-upper-lung nodule tissue).Positron emission tomography-CT examination showed:(1)Two hypermetabolic nodules in the right upper lobe of the lung,enlarged hy-permetabolic lymph nodes in the right hilar and mediastinum,and malignant space-occupying lesion in the right upper lobe of the lung and possible metastasis to the right hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes;and(2)multiple hypermetabolic nodules in bilateral parotid glands.Parotid puncture biopsy was performed considering lung adenocarcinoma metastasis.Gene detection of lung biopsy specimens revealed an EGFR gene 21 exon L858R mutation.CONCLUSION This case report highlights the challenging diagnosis of parotid metastasis in LC given its rare nature.Such lesions should be differentiated from primary tumors of the parotid gland.Simple radiological imaging is unreliable,and puncture biopsy is needed for final diagnosis of this condition.

Analysis of lymph node metastasis and survival prognosis in early gastric cancer patients: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Early gastric cancer(EGC)is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system,and its lymph node metastasis and survival prognosis have been concerning.By retrospectively analyzing the clinical data of EGC patients,we can better under-stand the status of lymph node metastasis and its impact on survival and prog-nosis.AIM To evaluate the prognosis of EGC patients and the factors that affect lymph node METHODS The clinicopathological data of 1011 patients with EGC admitted to our hospital between January 2015 and December 2023 were collected in a retrospective cohort study.There were 561 males and 450 females.The mean age was 58±11 years.The patient underwent radical gastrectomy.The status of lymph node metastasis in each group was determined according to the pathological examination results of surgical specimens.The outcomes were as follows:(1)Lymph node metastasis in EGC patients;(2)Analysis of influencing factors of lymph node metastasis in EGC;and(3)Analysis of prognostic factors in patients with EGC.Normally distributed measurement data are expressed as mean±SD,and a t test was used for comparisons between groups.The data are expressed as absolute numbers or percentages,and the chi-square test was used for comparisons between groups.Rank data were compared using a nonparametric rank sum test.A log-rank test and a logistic regression model were used for univariate analysis.A logistic stepwise regression model and a Cox stepwise regression model were used for multivariate analysis.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate and construct survival curves.A log-rank test was used for survival analysis.RESULTS Analysis of influencing factors of lymph node metastasis in EGC.The results of the multifactor analysis showed that tumor length and diameter,tumor site,tumor invasion depth,vascular thrombus,and tumor differentiation degree were independent influencing factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with EGC(odds ratios=1.80,1.49,2.65,5.76,and 0.60;95%CI:1.29–2.50,1.11–2.00,1.81–3.88,3.87-8.59,and 0.48-0.76,respectively;P<0.05).Analysis of prognostic factors in patients with EGC.All 1011 patients with EGC were followed up for 43(0–13)months.The 3-year overall survival rate was 97.32%.Multivariate analysis revealed that age>60 years and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for prognosis in patients with EGC(hazard ratio=9.50,2.20;95%CI:3.31-27.29,1.00-4.87;P<0.05).Further analysis revealed that the 3-year overall survival rates of gastric cancer patients aged>60 years and≤60 years were 99.37%and 94.66%,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The 3-year overall survival rates of patients with and without lymph node metastasis were 95.42%and 97.92%,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The lymph node metastasis rate of EGC patients was 23.64%.Tumor length,tumor site,tumor infiltration depth,vascular cancer thrombin,and tumor differentiation degree were found to be independent factors affecting lymph node metastasis in EGC patients.Age>60 years and lymph node metastasis are independent risk factors for EGC prognosis.

Risk factors for lymph node metastasis and invasion depth in early gastric cancer:Analysis of 210 cases

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Early gastric cancer(EGC)is often associated with the risk of lymph node metastasis,which influences treatment decisions.Despite the use of enhanced computed tomography,the prediction of lymph node involvement remains challenging.AIM To investigate the risk factors for lymph node metastasis and invasion depth in patients with EGC.METHODS In total,210 patients with pathologically diagnosed EGC were included in this study.Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to predict risk factors for lymph node metastasis and invasion depth in patients with EGC.RESULTS Among the 210 patients,27(12.9%)had lymph node metastases.Of the 117 patients with submucosal gastric cancer,24(20.5%)had lymph node metastases.Both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the depth of invasion in EGC was a risk factor for lymph node metastasis in these patients.Additionally,pathological type was identified as a risk factor for cancer cell invasion in patients with EGC.CONCLUSION EGC invasion depth,not tumor type,size,age,sex,or location,predicts lymph node spread.Tumor type,not size,age,sex,or location,predicts cancer cell invasion.

Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

BACKGROUND Although PNENs generally have a better prognosis than pancreatic cancers,some PNENs display malignant behavior including lymph node(LN)metastasis.Complete tumor resection can be the only potentially curative treatment for patients with resectable PNENs.However,the indications for LN dissection are still controversial.Over the last decade,minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic pancreatic surgery(LPS)has been increasingly performed for pancreatic tumors including PNENs.AIM To investigate the risk factors for LN metastasis in PNENs and to select appropriate patients for limited surgery by LPS.METHODS From April 2001 to December 2019,92 patients underwent pancreatic resection for PNENs at Kumamoto University Hospital.Finally,82 patients were enrolled in this study.Using perioperative factors,we examined the predictive factors for LN metastasis in PNENs.RESULTS Among the 82 patients,the percentage of LN metastasis according to the pathological findings was 12%(10/82 cases).The median tumor size was 12 mm(range:5-90 mm).The median tumor size in the LN-positive group(37 mm)was significantly larger than that in the LN-negative group(12 mm)(P=0.0001).Multivariate analyses revealed that larger tumor size(≥20 mm)was an independent risk factor for LN metastasis(odds ratio 16.8,P=0.0062).In patients with small tumors(≤10 mm),LN metastasis was not found.CONCLUSION Larger tumor size(≥20 mm)is an independent risk factor for LN metastasis in PNENs.In smaller PNENs(≤10 mm),we may be able to choose limited surgery without LN dissection.

A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF MEDIASTINAL LYMPH NODE METASTASIS OF LUNG CANCER

Objective: To investigate pathologically the characteristics of lung cancer metastasis by mediastinal lymph node ways (N2). Methods: Of 398 lung cancer patients who underwent radical pulmonectomy and extensive lymph node dissection, 160 patients were diagnosed as with N2 metastasis, their 352 groups of mediastinal lymph nodes invaded were subject to the pathological study. Results: Evidences showed that the N2 metastasis of lung cancer was very active. It appears as single group or multi-group or jumping-form metastasis, rating 41.2%, 58.8% and 29.3% respectively. In addition, the extension of N2 metastasis was large, the most concentrated site was the 7th group lymph node (48.8%), then the 4th, 3rd and 5th group, rating 45.6%, 31.3% and 25.6% respectively. The occurrence of N2 metastasis was highly correlated with the site, size, histopathological type and the grade of differentiation of the cancer. An another feature of N2 metastasis was the invasion of metastasized lymph node into the bronchial wall, especially in adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: In order to achieve the radical removal of tumor, it is necessary to dissect the lymph nodes of the hilar and upper and lower mediastinum at the homolateral thoracic cavity actively and completely; beside, attention may be paid to the bronchial wall invasion caused by the lymph nodes metastasized.

Case Report: Uterine Adenocarcinoma Metastasis to the Skull Base and Cervical Spine Presenting with Pathological Fracture and Myelopathy

Objective: The authors report a rare case of uterine adenocarcinoma metastasis to both the skull base and cervical spine presenting with pathological fracture and myelopathy. Methods: We report the case of a 43-year-old Asian female with widely metastatic uterine adenocarcinoma who over the course of 3 years was diagnosed with a large clival mass and more recently a cervical spine pathological fracture presenting with myelopathy. Results: This patient underwent multiple procedures over a three-year period, including total hysterectomy with tumor debulking, endonasal biopsy of clival mass and most recently cervical corpectomy and fusion. She has received chemotherapy and radiation therapy for treatment of the unresectable clival mass and has done quite well despite having this pathology. Conclusion: This is the first documented case of clival involvement of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Additionally, this is a unique case of spinal metastatic endometrial adenocarcinoma presenting with pathological fracture and myelopathy.

Correlation between clinicopathological parameters of lung adenocarcinoma and lymph node metastasis

Objective The aim of the study was to study the correlation between the clinicopathological parameters of lung adenocarcinoma and lymph node metastasis and identify the risk factors of lymph node metastasis.Methods The data of 258 patients with postoperative lung adenocarcinoma(mainly based on their pathological data)were collected and analyzed,and their basic information was counted.Results Maximum tumor diameter was found to be an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis.The larger the maximum diameter of the tumor in patients with lung adenocarcinoma,the higher the likelihood of lymph node metastasis.Solid predominant adenocarcinoma with mucin production is as an independent risk factor for superior mediastinal and subcarinal lymph node metastasis.Primary adenocarcinomas in the lower lobe of the lung may have a higher rate of lymph node metastasis than those in the upper lobe.Conclusion The known pathological subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma can be used for the prediction of lymph node metastasis in various regions and guide the dissection of lymph nodes that would improve patients’prognosis.

Study on Proteomics in Hepatic Metastasis of Colorectal neoplasms

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in the world. Hepatic metastasis is the most common site metastatic disease and dominant cause of death in colorectal cancer patients. In the large majority of cases, cell dysfunction in CRC results from multiple rather than single, gene interactions, so to be able to predict occurrence of disease and treatment outcome, more studies on comparative proteomics are needed both in sporadic and in hereditary colorectal cancer. This article is about the proteomic study on hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer which helps to identify the specific proteins that play important roles in hepatic metastasis. The study of protein molecules with their expressions correlated to the metastatic process would help to understand the metastatic mechanisms and thus facilitate the development of strategies for the therapeutic interventions and clinical markagement of cancer.

Cavitary Pulmonary Metastases: CT Features and Their Correlation with the Pathology of the Primary Malignancy

Objective: To study CT features of cavitary pulmonary metastases and to investigate the pos- sible relationship between CT features and the pathology of the primary lesions. Methods: CT ?ndings of 131 cavitary metastatic nodules in 40 patients with pathologically-proved pulmonary metastases were retrospectively analyzed. A comparison between CT signs and the pathologic types of the primary tumors was made. Results: Cavitary metastases and multiple solid nodules coexisted in all patients. Cavitary metastases presented as bubble (n=41), irregular (n=33), cystic (n=26) or small circular (n=31) cavities, with even (n=61) or uneven (n=70) thickness of the cavity wall. Of 131 cavitary nodules, diameter less than 15 mm was seen in 44, between 15–25 mm in 66, 25–40 mm in 17 and larger than 40 mm in 4 respectively. And the wall thickness of the cavity below 4 mm, between 4–15 mm and over 15 mm was respectively seen in 69, 44 and 18 metastatic nodules. Cavitary pulmonary metastases mainly occurred in patients whose primary malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma (n=13) or adenocarcinoma (n=22). Both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma had its own CT characteristics. The occurrence of cavity bore no relationship to its site in the lung. Conclusion: Cavitary pulmonary metastases carries certain CT features and its occurrence is related to the pathologic type of the primary malignancy.

Relationship between the Expression of MTA1 Gene and Invasion and Metastasis of Human Osteosarcoma Cells

Objective： To compare the expression level of metastasis associated-1 （MTA1） in the higher and lower metastasis sublines of human osteosarcoma cells （MG63）, and to investigate the relationship between the expression level of MTA1-EGFP and in vitro invasion and metastasis of human osteosarcoma cells. Methods： The expression level of MTA1 in two sublines of MG63 cells was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and cell invasion assay and cell proliferation assay were used to evaluate the invasive capacity in vitro in two sublines. The lower metastasis line of MG-63 cells were transfected with MTA1-EGFP full-length cDNA expression plasmid by lipofectamine. The changes of the MTA1-EGFP expression and in vitro invasion potential were measured after transfection. Results： M8 subline expressed significantly higher level of MTA1 than that of M6 subline by RT-PCR. The invasive potentials of low metastasis MG63 cell line were increased after MTA1 gene transfection. Conclusion： There may be a relationship between MTA1 and invasive potentials of human osteosarcoma cells, and MTA1 may play a role in the molecular mechanism of tumor metastases and be a potential target for gene therapy of osteosarcoma. Further studies of MTA1 in human ostersarcoma cell metastasis are needed.

Recurrence or metastasis of HCC:predictors,early detection and experimental antiangiogenic therapy

AIM To investigate the predictors forrecurrence or metastasis of HCC,and toevaluate the effect of antiangiogenic therapy onthe growth of transplantable human HCC in nudemice.METHODS RT-PCR was used to measure theexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in 56 pairs of nontumorous liver andtumor samples.Sixty blood samples from humanHCC were examined by nested RT-PCR to find outAFP mRNA.Recombinant human endostatin andpolyclonal antibody against VEGF wereadministered to treat human HCC transplanted innude mice.RESULTS Thirty of 56 HCC samples showedstronger expression of MMP-9 in tumoroustissues than in nontumorous tissues.Fifteen ofthe 26 patients with relative expression level ofMMP-9 more than 0.34 developed tumorrecurrence or metastasis,whereas only 7 of 30patients with relative expression level less than0.34 developed tumor recurrence(P【0.05).There was no significant difference in therelative expression level of VEGF betweenpatients with postoperative recurrence ormetastasis and those without recurrence.AFPmRNA was detectable in 53.3% of patients withHCC.The sensitivity and specificity of AFPmRNA as a marker to detect hematogenousdissemination of HCC cells was 81.8% and84.4%,respectively.Recombinant human endostatin and polyclonal antibody against VEGFinhibited the growth of transplantable HCC innude mice by 52.2% and 45.7%,respectively.CONCLUSION MMP-9 expression in HCCcorrelates with the postoperative recurrence ormetastasis of HCC.Patients with high level ofMMP-9 expression in HCC are susceptible tometastasis.AFP mRNA could serve as anindicator of hematogenous spreading of HCCcells in circulation and a predictor of recurrenceor metastasis of HCC.Antiangiogenesis may bean adjuvant therapy for HCC.