Comparison of mismatch repair and immune checkpoint protein profile with histopathological parameters in pancreatic,periampullary/ampullary,and choledochal adenocarcinomas

BACKGROUND Pancreatic,periampullary/ampullary,and choledochal adenocarcinomas are aggressive malignancies with a poor prognosis.Immune checkpoint blockade is a promising treatment option for several tumor types.H long terminal repeatassociating 2(HHLA2),which is analogous to programmed death-ligand 1(PDL1),is a recently discovered member of the B7/cluster of differentiation 28 family and is expressed in many malignancies.AIM To analyze the expression of HHLA2 and its association with the pathologic biomarkers that predict sensitivity to immunotherapy.METHODS Ninety-two adenocarcinoma cases located in the pancreas,ampulla,and distal common bile duct were identified.This study assessed 106 pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal/total pancreatectomy samples that were delivered to Ankara City Hospital between 2019 and 2021.Immunohistochemistry was conducted to examine the expression of DNA mismatch repair(MMR),PD-L1,and HHLA2 proteins.RESULTS Patients with high HHLA2 expression had a higher mean age than those with low expression.Low HHLA2 expression was associated with high perineural invasion.HHLA2 expression was low in pathological stage T3(pT)3 cases and high in pathological stage T1,T2,and T4 cases.There was no correlation between HHLA2 expression and the expression of MMR proteins and PD-L1.CONCLUSION Evaluation of HHLA2 expression in microsatellite stable and PD-L1-negative tumors may be useful for predicting the response of individuals to immunotherapy and may serve as a novel therapeutic target for immunotherapy in advanced-stage disease.

Radiomic features from computed tomography to differentiate invasive pulmonary adenocarcinomas from non-invasive pulmonary adenocarcinomas appearing as part-solid groundglass nodules

Objective:We aim to investigate radiomic imaging features extracted in computed tomography(CT)images to differentiate invasive pulmonary adenocarcinomas(IPAs)from non-IPAs appearing as part-solid ground-glass nodules(GGNs),and to incorporate significant radiomic features with other clinically-assessed features to develop a diagnostic nomogram model for IPAs.Methods:This retrospective study was performed,with Institutional Review Board approval,on 88 patients with a total of 100 part-solid nodules(56 IPAs and 44 non-IPAs)that were surgically confirmed between February 2014and November 2016 in the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University.Quantitative radiomic features were computed automatically on 3D nodule volume segmented from arterial-phase contrast-enhanced CT images.A set of regular risk factors and visually-assessed qualitative CT imaging features were compared with the radiomic features using logistic regression analysis.Three diagnostic models,i.e.,a basis model using the clinical factors and qualitative CT features,a radiomics model using significant radiomic features,and a nomogram model combining all significant features,were built and compared in terms of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Decision curve analysis was performed for the nomogram model to explore its potential clinical benefit.Results:In addition to three visually-assessed qualitative imaging features,another three quantitative features selected from hundreds of radiomic features were found to be significantly(all P<0.05)associated with IPAs.The diagnostic nomogram model showed a significantly higher performance[area under the ROC curve(AUC)=0.903]in differentiating IPAs from non-IPAs than either the basis model(AUC=0.853,P=0.0009)or the radiomics model(AUC=0.769,P<0.0001).Decision curve analysis indicates a potential benefit of using such a nomogram model in clinical diagnosis.Conclusions:Quantitative radiomic features provide additional information over clinically-assessed qualitative features for differentiating IPAs from non-IPAs appearing as GGNs,and a diagnostic nomogram model including all these significant features may be clinically useful in preoperative strategy planning.

Adenocarcinomas after Prophylactic Surgery for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

The incidence of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is one in 7,000 to 12,000 live births. Virtually, all surgically untreated patients with FAP inevitably develop colorectal-cancer in their lifetime because they carry the adenomatous polyposis coli gene. Thus prophylactic proctocolectomy is indicated. Surgical treatment of FAP is still controversial. There are however, four surgical options: ileorectal anastomosis, restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, proctocolectomy with ileostomy, and proctocolectomy with continent-ileostomy. Conventional proctocolectomy options largely lie between colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis or ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Detractors of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis prefer ileorectal anastomosis because of better functional results and quality of life. The functional outcome of total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is undoubtedly far superior to that of the ileoanal pouch;however, the risk for rectal cancer is increased by 30%. Even after mucosectomy, inadvertent small mucosal residual islands remain. These residual islands carry the potential for the development of subsequent malignancy. We reviewed the literature (1975-2012) on the incidence, nature, and possible etiology of subsequent ileal-pouch and anal transit zone adenocarcinoma after prophylactic surgery procedure for FAP. To date there are 24 studies reporting 92 pouch-related cancers;15 case reports, 4 prospective and 5 retrospective studies. Twenty three of 92 cancers (25%) developed in the pouch mucosa and 69 (75%) in anal transit zone (ATZ). Current recommendation for pouch surveillance and treatment are presented. Data suggest lifetime surveillance of these patients.

Meta-analysis of lymph node metastasis in Siewert type Ⅰ and Ⅱ T1 adenocarcinomas

AIM To evaluate the incidence of lymph node metastasis(LNM) and its risk factors in patients with Siewert type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ pT1 adenocarcinomas.METHODS We enrolled 85 patients [69 men, 16 women; median age(range), 67(38-84) years] who had undergone esophagectomy or proximal gastrectomy for Siewert type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ pT1 adenocarcinomas. Predictive risk factors of LNM included age, sex, location of the tumor center, confirmed Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma, tumor size, macroscopic tumor type, pathology, invasion depth, presence of ulceration, and lymphovascular invasion. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors predicting LNM. We also evaluated the frequencies of LNM for Siewert type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ pT1 adenocarcinomas in meta-data analysis.RESULTS LNMs were found in 11 out of 85 patients(12.9%, 95%CI: 5.8-20.0). Only 1 of the 15 patients(6.6%, 95%CI: 0.0-19.2) who had a final diagnosis of pT1a adenocarcinoma had a positive LNM, whereas 10 ofthe 70 patients(14.2%, 95%CI: 6.0-22.4) with a final diagnosis of pT1b adenocarcinoma had positive LNM. Furthermore, only one of the 30 patients(3.3%, 95%CI: 0.0-9.7) with a tumor invasion depth within 500 μm from muscularis mucosae had positive LNM. Poor differentiation and lymphovascular invasion were independently associated with a risk of LNM. In meta-data analysis, 12 of the 355 patients(3.3%, 95%CI: 1.5-5.2) who had a final diagnosis of pT1a adenocarcinoma had a positive LNM, whereas 91 of the 438 patients(20.7%, 95%CI: 16.9-24.5) with a final diagnosis of pT1b adenocarcinoma had positive LNM. CONCLUSION We consider endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) is suitable for patients with Siewert type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ T1 a adenocarcinomas. For patients with T1b adenocarcinoma, especially invasion depth is within 500 μm from muscularis mucosae with no other risk factor for LNM, diagnostic ESD could be a treatment option according to the overall status of patients and the presence of comorbidities.

Infrequent p53 gene mutation and expression of the cardia adenocarcinomas from a high-incidence area of Southwest China

INTRODUCTIONAdenocarcinomas of the cardia are the lesionsarising from the proximal stomach or within 3 cm ofthe gastroesophageal junction.These cancerstended to be advanced at the time of presentation,usually with poor prognosis.In recent decade,the incidence of adenocarcinoma of gastric eardiaand esophagus are increasing steadily,while therehas been a decrease in the proportion of the cancersarising from the distal stomach.The

Alterations of tumor-related genes do not exactly match the histopathological grade in gastric adenocarcinomas

AIM:To investigate the diverse characteristics of different pathological gradings of gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) using tumor-related genes.METHODS:GA tissues in different pathological gradings and normal tissues were subjected to tissue arrays.Expressions of 15 major tumor-related genes were detected by RNA in situ hybridization along with 3' terminal digoxin-labeled anti-sense single strandedoligonucleotide and locked nucleic acid modifying probe within the tissue array.The data obtained were processed by support vector machines by four different feature selection methods to discover the respective critical gene/gene subsets contributing to the GA activities of different pathological gradings.RESULTS:In comparison of poorly differentiated GA with normal tissues,tumor-related gene TP53 plays a key role,although other six tumor-related genes could also achieve the Area Under Curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic independently by more than 80%.Comparing the well differentiated GA with normal tissues,we found that 11 tumor-related genes could independently obtain the AUC by more than 80%,but only the gene subsets,TP53,RB and PTEN,play a key role.Only the gene subsets,Bcl10,UVRAG,APC,Beclin1,NM23,PTEN and RB could distinguish between the poorly differentiated and well differentiated GA.None of a single gene could obtain a valid distinction.CONCLUSION:Different from the traditional point of view,the well differentiated cancer tissues have more alterations of important tumor-related genes than the poorly differentiated cancer tissues.

Chromodomain-helicase-DNA binding protein 5, 7 and pronecrotic mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein serve as potential prognostic biomarkers in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinomas

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers with a very poor prognosis. Recently, there has been a significant increase in research directed towards identifying potential biomarkers that can be used to diagnose and provide prognostic information for pancreatic cancer. These markers can be used clinically to optimize and personalize therapy for individual patients. In this review, we focused on 3 biomarkers involved in the DNA damage response pathway and the necroptosis pathway: Chromodomainhelicase-DNA binding protein 5, chromodomain-helicaseDNA binding protein 7, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein. The aim of this article is to review present literature provided for these biomarkers and current studies in which their effectiveness as prognostic biomarkers are analyzed in order to determine their future use as biomarkers in clinical medicine. Based on the data presented, these biomarkers warrant further investigation,and should be validated in future studies.

MicroRNA-22E Inhibits HER-3 Protein Expression to Facilitate Metastasis of Lung Adenocarcinomas

MicroRNA-22 (miR-22), a short non-coding RNA that post-transcriptionally regulates mRNA stability and protein synthesis, has been shown to enhance metastatic potential and to suppress HER-3, an important mRNA marker for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the effect of miR-22 has not been investigated in lung adenocarcinoma (LADC), the most common type of NSCLC in the Far East. In this study, we analyzed the role of miR-22 expression in LADC patients. Expression of miR-22 was detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and confirmed by cDNA sequencing. Signals of miR-22 in LADC sections were identified using in situ hybridization (ISH). The association between miR-22 expression and survival was evaluated by the log-rank test. Induction of miR-22 expression and the effect on HER-3 levels, as well as the subsequent cell behavior were also investigated In vitro. Two types of miR-22: miR-22 and miR-22H, were detected by RT-PCR. The miR-22H had extra 13 bases, 5’-TGTGTTCAGTGGT-3’, at the 3’-end, and this segment was named miR-22E. Using ISH, miR-22E overexpression was detected in 225 (83.0%) of 271 LADC patients. A significant difference was found in cumulative survival between patients with high miR-22E levels and those with low miR-22E levels (p In vitro, epidermal growth factor induced miR-22, but reduced HER-3 expression. Expression of miR-22 increased cell movement ability. In conclusion, expression of miR-22 is closely associated with tumor recurrence, metastasis and overall survival in LADC patients by suppressing HER-3 protein expression to enhance epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis.

Preliminary Study of the Lectin Receptor Expression in Adenocarcinomas of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Ten cases of gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas were histochemically investigated fortheir lectin receptors by avidin—biotin-peroxidase complex(ABC)method.Results showed thatgastric adenocarcinomas expressed more types of lectin receptors than large boweladenocarcinomas.Positive rates of Glc/Man-and GlcNAc-specific lectin receptors in these tu-mors were kigher than those of Gal/GalNAc-and Fuc-specific lectin receptors.From the stom-ach to rectum,the spectrum of the lectin receptors in pericarcinomatous tissues graduallychanged from the gastric type to the rectal type.The expression of lectin receptors ingustrointestinal adenocarcinomas was obviously different Jrom that in their correspondingpericarcinomatous tissues.The increase and decrease of lectin receptor expression,theappearance and disappearance of some types of lectin receptors as well as the change of thereceptor distribution are indirectly regulated by cellular genome.

Risk factors for small intestinal adenocarcinomas that are common in the proximal small intestine

The frequency of primary small intestinal adenocarcinoma is increasing but is still low.Its frequency is approximately 3%of that of colorectal adenocarcinoma.Considering that the small intestine occupies 90%of the surface area of the gastrointestinal tract,small intestinal adenocarcinoma is very rare.The main site of small intestinal adenocarcinoma is the proximal small intestine.Based on this characteristic,dietary animal proteins/lipids and bile concentrations are implicated and reported to be involved in carcinogenesis.Since most nutrients are absorbed in the proximal small intestine,the effect of absorbable intestinal content is a suitable explanation for why small intestinal adenocarcinoma is more common in the proximal small intestine.The proportion of aerobic bacteria is high in the proximal small intestine,but the absolute number of bacteria is low.In addition,the length and density of villi are greater in the proximal small intestine.However,the involvement of villi is considered to be low because the number of small intestinal adenocarcinomas is much smaller than that of colorectal adenocarcinomas.On the other hand,the reason for the low incidence of small intestinal adenocarcinoma in the distal small intestine may be that immune organs reside there.Genetic and disease factors increase the likelihood of small intestinal adenocarcinoma.In carcinogenesis experiments in which the positions of the small and large intestines were exchanged,tumors still occurred in the large intestinal mucosa more often.In other words,the influence of the intestinal contents is small,and there is a large difference in epithelial properties between the small intestine and the large intestine.In conclusion,small intestinal adenocarcinoma is rare compared to large intestinal adenocarcinoma due to the nature of the epithelium.It is reasonable to assume that diet is a trigger for small intestinal adenocarcinoma.

Does St.John's Wort cause regression in gastrointestinal system adenocarcinomas?

St.John's Wort(SJW) is an old herb which has long been consumed widely for its anti-inflammatory,antiviral,and anti-depressive properties.Here we present a detailed clinical evaluation of three cases(two colon and one duodenal adenocarcinoma) with remarkable and intensive lymphoplasmocytic host reaction,at the basal part of tumor,intensive fibrosis,giant cells,plasma cell increase in lymph nodes and few giant cells in germinal centers in resection specimens.The observation of similar host reaction in those tumors having otherwise usual appearance was interesting.None of the cases received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or additional treatment before surgery but only SJW.These cases are presented to increase the awareness about such cases.Further research is needed to reveal the possible effect of SJW,which has long been consumed for different treatment purposes,on human tumors.

Synchronous Adenocarcinomas of the Jejunum and Sigmoid Colon—A Rare Case

Primary adenocarcinomas of the small bowel are rare. Because of their rarity, non-specific symptoms and diagnostic difficulty, small bowel tumors are often diagnosed and treated late in their course. The diagnostic difficulty is increased when these tumors arise in association with primary synchronous tumors of the colon. We present a case of a 17-year-old female who was evaluated for anemia and bleeding per rectum. Colonoscopy revealed multiple colonic polyps. Intraoperatively, she was surprisingly found to be having a synchronous jejunal growth apart from multiple colonic polyoid lesions. Total colectomy was performed along with resection of jejunal growth. Histopathology of colonic specimen revealed multiple polypoid projections with one polyp showing adenocarcinoma and rest severe dysplasia. Histopathology of jejunal growth revealed poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Very rarely, cases have been reported in literature, where the primary adenocarcinoma of the jejunum developed synchronously with colonic adenocarcinoma, and both treated surgically on the same occasion.

The Frequency of K-ras Mutation in Colorectal Adenocarcinomas with Absence of Distant Metastasis at Diagnosis

Purpose: K-ras mutations were reported to be in 40% - 60% of patients with sporadic colorectal cancers (CRCs). HER-2/neu oncogene that is important in breast carcinoma was reported in CRCs in several studies. The aims of our study are to determine;the frequency of K-ras mutation in CRC and positivity of HER-2/neu, the relation between K-ras mutation and HER-2/neu positivity, and also the relation between clinicopathological findings with K-ras mutation and HER-2/neu expression. Methods: Total of 35 colon resection specimen from patients without distant metastasis who were operated due to colorectal adenocarcinoma were included in the study. The sections were examined with light microscopy. Vascular and perineural invasions and pericolonic tumor deposits (PCTD) were investigated. HER-2/neu was applied immunohistochemically. DNA sample obtained from tumor paraffin block was screened for presence of 20 mutations in K-ras gene-codon 12, 13, 61 by AutoGenomics and Infinity Analyzer. Results: K-ras gene mutation was detected in 14 of 35 patients (40%). HER-2/neu positivity was detected in 7 cases (28.57%). There was not any significant correlation between HER-2/neu positivity, K-ras gene mutation and clinicopathological findings. There was direct correlation between PCTD and vascular invasion. Conclusions: There was not correlation between K-ras mutation and clinicopathological findings similar to several other studies. The relation between HER-2/neu expression and clinicopathological findings was not found.

Construction and validation of an immune-related lncRNA prognostic model for rectal adenocarcinomas

Objective This study aimed to construct a prognostic model for rectal adenocarcinomas based on immune-related long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)and verify its prediction efficiency.Methods Transcript data and clinical data of rectal adenocarcinomas were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database.Perl software(strawberry version)and R language(version 3.6.1)were used to analyze the immune-related genes and immune-related lncRNAs of rectal adenocarcinomas,and the differentially expressed immune-related lncRNAs were screened according to the criteria|log2FC|>1 and P<0.05.The key immune-related lncRNAs were screened using single-factor Cox regression analysis and lasso regression analysis.Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to construct an immune-related lncRNA prognostic model using the risk scores.Next,we evaluated the effectiveness of the model through Kaplan-Meier(K-M)survival analysis,ROC curve analysis,and independent prognostic analysis of clinical features.In addition,prognostic biomarkers of immune-related lncRNAs in the model were analyzed by K-M survival analysis.Results In this study,we obtained gene expression profile matrices of 89 rectal adenocarcinomas and 2 paracancerous specimens from TCGA database and applied immunologic signatures to these transcripts.Through R and Perl software analysis,we obtained 847 immune-related lncRNAs and 331 protein-encoded immune-related genes in rectal adenocarcinomas.Eight important immune-related lncRNAs related to the prognosis of rectal adenocarcinomas were identified using univariate Cox regression and lasso regression analysis.Furthermore,four immune-related lncRNAs were identified as prognostic markers of rectal adenocarcinomas via multivariate Cox regression analysis.The prognostic risk model was as follows:risk score=(-4.084)*expression LINC01871+(3.112)*expression AL158152.2+(7.616)*expression PXN-AS1+(-0.867)*expression HCP5.The independent prognostic effect of the rectal adenocarcinoma risk score model was revealed through K-M analysis,ROC curve analysis,and univariate,and multivariate Cox regression analysis(P=0.035).LINC01871(P=0.006),PXN-AS1(P=0.008),and AL158152.2(P=0.0386)were closely correlated with the prognosis of rectal adenocarcinomas through the K-M survival analysis.Conclusion We constructed a prognostic model of rectal adenocarcinomas based on four immune-related lncRNAs by analyzing the data based on TCGA database,with high prediction accuracy.We also identified two biomarkers with poor prognosis(PXN-AS1 and AL158152.2)and one biomarker with good prognosis(LINC01871).

Stereotactic body radiotherapy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Background:Stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT)in pancreatic cancer allows high delivery of radiation doses on tumors without affecting surrounding tissue.This review aimed at the SBRT application in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.Data sources:We retrieved articles published in MEDLINE/PubMed from January 2017 to December 2022.Keywords used in the search included:“pancreatic adenocarcinoma”OR“pancreatic cancer”AND“stereotactic ablative radiotherapy(SABR)”OR“stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT)”OR“chemoradiotherapy(CRT)”.English language articles with information on technical characteristics,doses and fractionation,indications,recurrence patterns,local control and toxicities of SBRT in pancreatic tumors were included.All articles were assessed for validity and relevant content.Results:Optimal doses and fractionation have not yet been defined.However,SBRT could be the standard treatment in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in addition to CRT.Furthermore,the combination of SBRT with chemotherapy may have additive or synergic effect on pancreatic adenocarcinoma.Conclusions:SBRT is an effective modality for patients with pancreatic cancer,supported by clinical practice guidelines as it has demonstrated good tolerance and good disease control.SBRT opens a possibility of improving outcomes for these patients,both in neoadjuvant treatment and with radical intent.

Early adenocarcinoma mixed with a neuroendocrine carcinoma component arising in the gastroesophageal junction: A case report

BACKGROUND Early adenocarcinoma mixed with a neuroendocrine carcinoma(NEC)component arising in the gastroesophageal junctional(GEJ)region is rare and even rarer in young patients.Here,we report such a case in a 29-year-old Chinese man.CASE SUMMARY This patient presented to our hospital with a 3-mo history of dysphagia and regurgitation.Upper endoscopy revealed an elevated nodule in the distal esophagus 1.6 cm above the GEJ line,without Barrett’s esophagus or involvement of the gastric cardia.The nodule was completely resected by endoscopic submu-cosal dissection(ESD).Pathological examination confirmed diagnosis of intra-mucosal adenocarcinoma mixed with an NEC component,measuring 1.5 cm.Immunohistochemically,both adenocarcinoma and NEC components were positive for P53 with a Ki67 index of 90%;NEC was positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin.Next-generation sequencing of 196 genes demonstrated a novel germline mutation of the ERCC3 gene in the DNA repair pathway and a germline mutation of the RNF43 gene,a common gastric cancer driver gene,in addition to pathogenic somatic mutations in P53 and CHEK2 genes.The patient was alive without evidence of the disease 36 mo after ESD.CONCLUSION Early adenocarcinoma with an NEC component arising in the distal esophageal side of the GEJ region showed evidence of gastric origin.

Applying comprehensive histologic assessment and genetic testing to synchronous multifocal lung adenocarcinomas and further survival analysis

To the Editor:The differentiation of multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas (MPLAs) from metastases is important to allow for proper clinical management and prognostic prediction.The current revised diagnostic criteria for MPLAs proposed by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) have been commonly applied since 2003.[1] However, it remains technically challenging to determine whether 2 or more lung adenocarcinomas from the same patient are homologous.Various approaches and algorithms including gene mutation analysis addressing this problem have been described.[2,3] Here, we present a cohort of 45 patients with synchronous multifocal lung adenocarcinomas.

Prognostic significance of grade of malignancy based on histopathological differentiation and Ki-67 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Objective:Tumor cell malignancy is indicated by histopathological differentiation and cell proliferation.Ki-67,an indicator of cellular proliferation,has been used for tumor grading and classification in breast cancer and neuroendocrine tumors.However,its prognostic significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)remains uncertain.Methods:Patients who underwent radical pancreatectomy for PDAC were retrospectively enrolled,and relevant prognostic factors were examined.Grade of malignancy(GOM),a novel index based on histopathological differentiation and Ki-67,is proposed,and its clinical significance was evaluated.Results:The optimal threshold for Ki-67 was determined to be 30%.Patients with a Ki-67 expression level>30%rather than≤30%had significantly shorter 5-year overall survival(OS)and recurrence-free survival(RFS).In multivariate analysis,both histopathological differentiation and Ki-67 were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS and RFS.The GOM was used to independently stratify OS and RFS into 3 tiers,regardless of TNM stage and other established prognostic factors.The tumor-nodemetastasis-GOM stage was used to stratify survival into 5 distinct tiers,and surpassed the predictive performance of TNM stage for OS and RFS.Conclusions:Ki-67 is a valuable prognostic indicator for PDAC.Inclusion of the GOM in the TNM staging system may potentially enhance prognostic accuracy for PDAC.

Effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy vs chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant therapy is an essential modality for reducing the clinical stage of esophageal cancer;however,the superiority of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(nCT)or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(nCRT)is unclear.Therefore,a discussion of these two modalities is necessary.AIM To investigate the benefits and complications of neoadjuvant modalities.METHODS To address this concern,predefined criteria were established using the PICO protocol.Two independent authors performed comprehensive searches using predetermined keywords.Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences between groups.Potential publication bias was visualized using funnel plots.The quality of the data was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Tool 2(RoB2)and the GRADE approach.RESULTS Ten articles,including 1928 patients,were included for the analysis.Significant difference was detected in pathological complete response(pCR)[P<0.001;odds ratio(OR):0.27;95%CI:0.16-0.46],30-d mortality(P=0.015;OR:0.4;95%CI:0.22-0.71)favoring the nCRT,and renal failure(P=0.039;OR:1.04;95%CI:0.66-1.64)favoring the nCT.No significant differences were observed in terms of survival,local or distal recurrence,or other clinical or surgical complications.The result of RoB2 was moderate,and that of the GRADE approach was low or very low in almost all cases.CONCLUSION Although nCRT may have a higher pCR rate,it does not translate to greater long-term survival.Moreover,nCRT is associated with higher 30-d mortality,although the specific cause for postoperative complications could not be identified.In the case of nCT,toxic side effects are suspected,which can reduce the quality of life.Given the quality of available studies,further randomized trials are required.

Novel lactylation-related signature to predict prognosis for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Lactate,previously considered a metabolic byproduct,is pivotal in cancer progression and maintaining the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.Further investigations confirmed that lactate is a primary regulator,introducing recently described post-translational modifications of histone and non-histone proteins,termed lysine lactylation.Pancreatic adenocarcinomas are characterized by increased glycolysis and lactate accumulation.However,our understanding of lactylation-related genes in pancreatic adenocarcinomas remains limited.AIM To construct a novel lactylation-related gene signature to predict the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer.METHODS RNA-seq and clinical data of pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PDAC)were obtained from the GTEx(Genotype-Tissue Expression)and TCGA(The Cancer Genome Atlas)databases via Xena Explorer,and GSE62452 datasets from GEO.Data on lactylation-related genes were obtained from publicly available sources.Differential expressed genes(DEGs)were acquired by using R package“DESeq2”in R.Univariate COX regression analysis,LASSO Cox and multivariate Cox regressions were produced to construct the lactylation-related prognostic model.Further analyses,including functional enrichment,ESTIMATE,and CIBERSORT,were performed to analyze immune status and treatment responses in patients with pancreatic cancer.PDAC and normal human cell lines were subjected to western blot analysis under lactic acid intervention;two PDAC cell lines with the most pronounced lactylation were selected.Subsequently,RT-PCR was employed to assess the expression of LRGs genes;SLC16A1,which showed the highest expression,was selected for further investigation.SLC16A1-mediated lactylation was analyzed by immunofluorescence,lactate production analysis,colony formation,transwell,and wound healing assays to investigate its role in promoting the proliferation and migration of PDAC cells.In vivo validation was performed using an established tumor model.RESULTS In this study,we successfully identified 10 differentially expressed lactylation-related genes(LRGs)with prognostic value.Subsequently,a lactylation-related signature was developed based on five OS-related lactylationrelated genes(SLC16A1,HLA-DRB1,KCNN4,KIF23,and HPDL)using Lasso Cox hazard regression analysis.Subsequently,we evaluated the clinical significance of the lactylation-related genes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.A comprehensive examination of infiltrating immune cells and tumor mutation burden was conducted across different subgroups.Furthermore,we demonstrated that SLC16A1 modulates lactylation in pancreatic cancer cells through lactate transport.Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that decreasing SLC16A1 Level and its lactylation significantly inhibited tumor progression,indicating the potential of targeting the SLC16A1/Lactylation-associated signaling pathway as a therapeutic strategy against pancreatic adenocarcinoma.CONCLUSION We constructed a novel lactylation-related prognostic signature to predict OS,immune status,and treatment response of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma,providing new strategic directions and antitumor immunotherapies.