Clutch Cutter knife efficacy in endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric neoplasms

AIM To compare the outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) for gastric neoplasms using Clutch Cutter(ESD-C) or other knives(ESD-O).METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study. Gastric neoplasms treated by ESD between April 2016 and October 2017 at Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center were reviewed. Multivariate analyses and propensity score matching were used to reduce biases. Covariates included factors that might affect outcomes of ESD, including age, sex, underlying disease, anti-thrombotic drugs use, tumor location, tumor position, tumor size, tumor depth, tumor morphology, tumor histology, ulcer(scar), and operator skill. The treatment outcomes were compared among two groups. The primary outcome was ESD procedure time. Secondary outcomes were en bloc, complete, and curative resection rates, and adverse events rates including perforation and delayed bleeding.RESULTS A total of 155 patients were included in this study; 44 pairs were created by propensity score matching. Background characteristics were quite similar among two groups after matching. Procedure time was significantly shorter for ESD-C(median; 49 min) than for ESD-O(median; 88.5 min)(P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in treatment outcomes between ESD-C and ESD-O including en bloc resection rate(100% in both groups), complete resection rate(100% in both groups), curative resection rate(86.4% vs 88.6%, P = 0.730), delayed bleeding(2.3% vs 6.8%, P = 0.62) and perforation(0% in both groups).CONCLUSION ESD-C achieved shorter procedure time without an increase in complication risk. Therefore, ESD-C could become an effective ESD option for gastric neoplasms.

Characteristics of early gastric tumors with different differentiation and predictors of long-term outcomes after endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract,and endosco-pic submucosal dissection(ESD)is the preferred treatment for early-stage gastric cancer.The analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of gastric mucosal tumors with different differentiation degrees and the influencing factors of long-term ESD efficacy may have certain significance for revealing the development of gastric cancer and ESD.AIM To analyze the features of gastric mucosal tumors at different differentiation levels,and to explore the prognostic factors of ESD.METHODS We retrospectively studied 301 lesions in 285 patients at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from 2014 to 2021,according to the latest Japanese guidelines(sixth edition),and divided them into low-grade intrae-pithelial neoplasia(LGIN),high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(HGIN),and computed tomography at 3,6 and 12 months after ESD.We compared clinicopathologic characteristics,ESD efficacy,and complications with different degrees of differentiation,and analyzed the related factors associated with ESD.RESULTS HGIN and differentiated carcinoma patients were significantly older compared with LGIN patients(P<0.001)and accounted for more 0-IIc(P<0.001),atrophic gastritis was common(P<0.001),and irregular microvascular patterns(IMVPs)and demarcation lines(DLs)were more obvious(P<0.001).There was more infiltration in the undifferentiated carcinoma tissue(P<0.001),more abnormal folds and poorer mucosal peristalsis(P<0.001),and more obvious IMVPs,irregular microsurface patterns and DLs(P<0.05)than in the LGIN and HGIN tissues.The disease-free survival rates at 2,5,and 8 years after ESD were 95.0%,90.1%,and 86.9%,respectively.Undifferen-tiated lesions(HR 5.066),white moss(HR 7.187),incomplete resection(HR 3.658),and multiple primary cancers(HR 2.462)were significantly associated with poor prognosis.CONCLUSION Differentiations of gastric mucosal tumors have different epidemiological and endoscopic characteristics,which are closely related to the safety and efficacy of ESD.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for undifferentiated type early gastric cancer over 2 cm with R0 resection

BACKGROUND Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)for over 2 cm in size undifferentiated type(UD type)early gastric cancer(EGC)confined to the mucosa is not only challenging,but also long-term outcomes are not well known.AIM To evaluate the long-term outcomes of ESD done for UD type EGCs confined to the mucosa over 2 cm in size and compare the results with those where the lesions were less than 2 cm.METHODS 143 patients with UD type EGC confirmed on histology after ESD at a tertiary hospital were reviewed.Cases with synchronous and metachronous lesions and a case with emergency surgery after ESD were excluded.A total of 137 cases were enrolled.79 cases who underwent R0 resection were divided into 2 cm or less(group A)and over 2 cm(group B)in size.RESULTS Among 79 patients who underwent R0 resection,the number in group A and B were 51 and 28,respectively.The mean follow-up period(SD)was 79.71±45.42 months.There was a local recurrence in group A(1/51,2%)and group B(1/28,3.6%)respectively.This patient in group A underwent surgery while the patient in group B underwent repeated ESD with no further recurrences in both patients.There was no regional lymph node metastasis,distant metastasis,and deaths in both groups.With R0 resection strategy for ESD on lesions over 2 cm,20.4%(28/137)of patients were able to avoid surgery compared with expanded indication.CONCLUSION If R0 resection is achieved by ESD,UD type EGCs over 2 cm also showed good and similar clinical outcomes as compared to lesions less than 2 cm when followed for over 5 years.With R0 resection strategy,several patients can avoid surgery.

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.

Effect of Sequential Early Enteral Nutrition on Postoperative Rehabilitation and Complications in Gastric Cancer Patients

Objective:To analyze the effect of sequential early enteral nutrition in patients with gastric cancer after surgery.Methods:A total of 139 gastric cancer patients,treated between October 2021 and October 2023,were randomly selected and divided into two groups:Group A(68 cases,receiving early enteral nutrition)and Group B(71 cases,receiving sequential early enteral nutrition),using computer randomization.The effects of the interventions on both groups were compared.Results:Seven days post-operation,the levels of nutritional indicators in Group B were significantly higher than those in Group A(P<0.05).Group B showed significantly better levels of inflammatory factors and immune factors compared to Group A seven days post-operation(P<0.05).The postoperative complication rate in Group B was 4.23%,2 significantly lower than that in Group A,which was 16.18%(χ=5.477,P=0.019).Conclusion:The utilization of sequential early enteral nutrition in gastric cancer patients after surgery demonstrated notable improvements in nutritional status and inflammation markers,along with enhanced immunity,effectively reducing postoperative complications.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions in elderly patients

BACKGROUND With advancements in the development of endoscopic technologies,the endo-scopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has been one of the gold-standard therapies for early gastric cancer.AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety ESD in the treatment of early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions in the elderly patients.METHODS Seventy-eight elderly patients with early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University were se-lected and classified into two groups according to the different surgical therapies they received between January 2021 and June 2022.Among them,39 patients treated with ESD were included in an experimental group,and 39 patients treated with endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)were included in a control group.We compared the basic intraoperative conditions,postoperative short-term recovery,long-term recovery effects and functional status of gastric mucosa between the two groups;the basic intraoperative conditions included lesion resection,intra-operative bleeding and operation time;the postoperative short-term recovery assessment indexes were length of hospital stay and incidence of surgical complic-ations;and the long-term recovery assessment indexes were the recurrence rate at 1 year postoperatively and the survival situation at 1 year and 3 years postoper-atively;and we compared the preoperative and predischarge serum pepsinogen I(PG I)and PG II levels and PG I/PG II ratio in the two groups before surgery and discharge.RESULTS The curative resection rate and the rate of en bloc resection were higher in the experimental group than in the control group.The intraoperative bleeding volume was higher in the experimental group than in the control group.The operation time was longer in the experimental group than that in the control group,and the rate for base residual focus was lower in the experimental group than that of the control group,and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05).The length of hospital stay was longer in the experi-mental group than in the control group,and the incidence of surgical complications,1-year postoperative recu-rrence rate and 3-year postoperative survival rate were lower in the experimental group than in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).However,the difference in the 1-year postoperative survival rate was not statistically significant between the two groups(P>0.05).Before discharge,PG I and PG I/PG II ratio were elevated in both groups compared with the preoperative period,and the above indexes were higher in the experimental group than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(both P<0.05).Moreover,before discharge,PG II level was lower in both groups compared with the preoperative period,and the level was lower in the experimental group than in the control group,and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with EMR,ESD surgery is more thorough.It reduces the rate of base residual focus,recurrence rate,surgical complications,and promotes the recovery of gastric cells and glandular function.It is safe and suitable for clinical application.

Colonoscopy plays an important role in detecting colorectal neoplasms in patients with gastric neoplasms

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)and colorectal cancer(CRC)are the fifth and third most common cancer worldwide,respectively.Nowadays,GC is reported to have a potential predictive value for CRC,especially for advanced CRC.AIM To evaluate the necessity of colonoscopy for gastric neoplasm(GN)patients.METHODS Four databases,including PubMed,EMBASE,the Cochrane Library,and Ovid,were used to perform the search strategy on May 2,2023.The prevalence of colorectal neoplasms(CRN)and baseline characteristics were compared between the neoplasm group and the control group.Continuous variables are expressed as the mean difference and standard deviation.Relationships of categorical variables in the two groups are expressed as odds ratios(OR)and 95%confidence intervals(95%CIs).Subgroup analysis according to different kinds of GNs was conducted for more in-depth analysis.The results of this study are represented by forest plots.Publication bias was evaluated by a funnel plot.All data analyses were performed by STATA SE 16.0 software.RESULTS A total of 3018 patients with GNs and 3905 healthy controls(age and sex matched)were enrolled for analysis.After comparing the prevalence of CRNs between the two groups,CRNs were detected significantly more frequently in GN patients than in controls(OR=1.69,95%CI=1.28 to 2.23,I^(2)=85.12%,P=0.00),especially in patients with GC(OR=1.80,95%CI=1.49 to 2.18,I^(2)=25.55%,P<0.1).Moreover,other risk factors including age(OR=1.08,95%CI=1.00 to 1.17,I^(2)=90.13%,P=0.00)and male sex(OR=2.31,95%CI=1.26 to 4.22,I^(2)=87.35%,P=0.00),were related to the prevalence of CRNs.For patients in the GN group,body mass index(BMI,OR=0.88,95%CI=0.80 to 0.98,I^(2)=0.00%,P=0.92)and smoking(OR=1.03,95%CI=1.01 to 1.05,I^(2)=0.00%,P=0.57)were protective and risk factors for CRNs,respectively.CONCLUSION Patients are recommended to undergo colonoscopy when diagnosed with GNs,especially GC patients with a low BMI and a history of smoking.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer:A major challenge for the west

Gastric cancer(GC)is the 5th most common cancer and the 3rd most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide.Two main endoscopic resective techniques exist for early GC(EGC):Endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).ESD has been widely embraced in the last decade because it allows radical en bloc resections and is associated with better outcomes,as compared to EMR.However,the lack of training opportunities and flat learning curve due to low volume of EGC cases represent major obstacles to obtain proficiency on ESD in the West.As this procedure is highly efficient for the treatment of EGC,dedicated training programs with a stepwise approach and updated guidelines for ESD embracement are needed in Western countries.

Clinical characteristics of patients with early gastric prematurity cancer and analysis of complications by endoscopic resection

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer,a prevalent malignancy,poses a severe threat to the health of residents in China.Timely intervention in early stages can extend patients’survival.AIM To analyze clinical characteristics of patients with early gastric cancer and efficacy and risk of complications associated with endoscopic resection.METHODS This study included 175 patients with early gastric cancer treated at our hospital,with no restrictions on sex or age.General data,pathological information,and endoscopic biopsy results were obtained.The clinical characteristics of early gastric cancer were analyzed,and endoscopic resection was performed.Postoperative efficacy and incidence of complications were monitored.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0 software.RESULTS A total of 175 patients with early gastric cancer were included,with 75.43%(n=132)males and 24.57%(n=43)females.38.29%(n=67)and 35.43%(n=62)of patients had a history of smoking and alcohol consumption,respectively.Comorbidities included diabetes(8.57%,n=15),coronary heart disease(10.29%,n=18),and hypertension(43.43%,n=76),which was highly prevalent.A history of abdominal surgery and family history of digestive system cancer accounted for 21.14%and 17.14%,respectively.The most common lesion location was the antral part of the stomach(52.00%,n=91),followed by the gastric angle,body,and fundus.The pathological types were predominantly high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(28.00%,n=49)and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma(26.86%,n=47),followed by moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma,high-moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma,and moderate-lowly differentiated adenocarcinoma.89.14%of the patients had intestinal metaplasia and 85.14%had atrophy.After endoscopic resection,re-examination revealed that 13 patients had cancer cells at the tissue margin,with a positive margin rate of 7.43%.Postoperative complications included no cases of gastrointestinal obstruction,but incisional infection(2.86%,n=5),gastric perforation(1.14%,n=2),and gastric bleeding(4%,n=7)were present,with an overall incidence of 8.00%.CONCLUSION Analysis of the clinical characteristics indicated that early gastric cancer is more prevalent in males with a history of hypertension,with lesions most commonly occurring in the antral region of the stomach.The pathological types are often high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma,with over 85%of patients having comorbid intestinal metaplasia and atrophy.Despite endoscopic resection,a positive margin rate persisted,indicating a probability of residual cancer at the margins.Postoperative complications,such as gastrointestinal obstruction,incisional infection,gastric perforation,and gastric bleeding can occur and require timely symptomatic treatment.

Editorial article to:Animal experimental study on magnetic anchor technique-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric cancer

In this editorial we comment on the article published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2023;15(11):634-680.Gastric cancer(GC)remains the fifth most common malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.The overall prevalence of GC has declined,although that of proximal GC has increased over time.Thus,a significant proportion of GC cases and deaths can be avoided if preventive interventions are taken.Early GC(EGC)is defined as GC confined to the mucosa or submucosa.Endoscopic resection is considered the most appropriate treatment for precancerous gastrointestinal lesions improving patient quality of life,with reduced rates of complications,shorter hospitalization period,and lower costs when compared to surgical resection.Endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)and endoscopic sub-mucosal dissection(ESD)are representative endoscopic treatments for EGC and precancerous gastric lesions.Standard EMR implies injection of a saline solution into the sub-mucosal space,followed by excision of the lesion using a snare.Complete resection rates vary depending on the size and severity of the lesion.When using conventional EMR methods for lesions less than 1 cm in size,the complete resection rate is approximately 60%,whereas for lesions larger than 2 cm,the complete resection rate is low(20%-30%).ESD can be used to remove tumors exceeding 2 cm in diameter and lesions associated with ulcers or submucosal fibrosis.Compared with EMR,ESD has higher en bloc resection rates(90.2%vs 51.7%),higher complete resection rates(82.1 vs 42.2%),and lower recurrence rates(0.65%vs 6.05%).Thus,innovative techniques have been introduced.

Present situation of minimally invasive surgical treatment for early gastric cancer

Minimally invasive surgery is a kind of surgical operation,which is performed by using professional surgical instruments and equipment to inactivate,resect,repair or reconstruct the pathological changes,deformities and wounds in human body through micro-trauma or micro-approach,in order to achieve the goal of treatment,its surgical effect is equivalent to the traditional open surgery,while avoiding the morbidity of conventional surgical wounds.In addition,it also has the advantages of less trauma,less blood loss during operation,less psychological burden and quick recovery on patients,and these minimally invasive techniques provide unique value for the examination and treatment of gastric cancer patients.Surgical minimally invasive surgical techniques have developed rapidly and offer numerous options for the treatment of early gastric cancer(EGC):endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR),underwater EMR(UEMR),endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),endoscopic full-thickness resection(EFTR),endoscopic submu-cosal excavation(ESE),submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection,laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery(LECS);Among them,EMR,EFTR and LECS technologies have a wide range of applications and different modific-ations have been derived from their respective surgical operations,such as band-assisted EMR(BA-EMR),conven-tional EMR(CEMR),over-the-scope clip-assisted EFTR,no-touch EFTR,the inverted LECS,closed LECS,and so on.These new and improved minimally invasive surgeries are more precise,specific and effective in treating different types of EGC.

Challenges and advancing strategies of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer:The puzzle of eCura C1

In this editorial,we explore the challenges of managing noncurative resections in early gastric cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),starting from the consideration recently made by Zhu et al.Specifically,we evaluate the management of eCura C1 lesions,where decisions regarding further interventions are pivotal yet contentious.Collaboration among endoscopists,surgeons,and pathologists is underscored to refine risk assessment and personalize therapeutic management.Recent advancements in ESD techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration offer opportunities for outcome optimization in managing eCura C1 lesions.Moreover,despite needing further clinical validation,molecular biomarkers have emerged as promising tools for enhancing prognostication.This manuscript highlights the ongoing research attempts to define treatment paradigms effectively and evaluates the potential of emerging options,ultimately aiming to improve patient care and outcomes in this complex clinical scenario.

A Comprehensive Study on the digestive Endoscopic Technique and Narrow-Band Imaging for Early Gastric Cancer Screening

Objective:To explore the implementation of gastrointestinal endoscopy technology and endoscopic narrow-band imaging(NBI)in the early screening of gastric cancer and to observe and study their application effects.Methods:During the period from March 2023 to August 2023,312 patients who received gastroscopy in the Kunming Guandu District People’s Hospital were selected,and they underwent both conventional gastroscopy and endoscopic NBI,with clinicopathological tissue biopsy serving as the gold standard.The application value for early screening of gastric cancer was observed and analyzed.Results:The scoring data showed that the clarity of gastric mucosal glandular tube structure,microvascular structure clarity,and lesion contour scoring data of conventional gastroscopy were lower than those of the NBI technology(P<0.05).The screening rate of pathological biopsy in 312 patients was 18.59%(58 cases).Conventional gastroscopy showed a screening rate of 11.53%(36 cases),while NBI technology examined a screening rate of 17.63%(55 cases),and the two-by-two comparison of the screening rate data of the three groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of conventional gastroscopy appeared to be lower than those of NBI technology(P<0.05).Conclusion:In the early screening of gastric cancer,endoscopic NBI technology can be applied to patients.Compared with conventional gastroscopy,it provides a clearer visualization of the structure of the gastric mucosal glandular structure and microvascular structure,with a certain screening rate.Additionally,its sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value are higher,demonstrating outstanding effectiveness.

Metastatic bone cancer as a recurrence of early gastric cancer - characteristics and possible mechanisms

The surgical outcome of most early gastric cancer （EGC） is usually satisfactory. Some cases show bone metastasis even though the depth of cancer invasion is confined to the mucosa. The most frequent site for recurrence of EGC is the liver. Cases of EGC with bone metastasis are reviewed to clarify the clinicopathological characteristics of EGC giving rise to bone metastasis. Possible mechanisms and risk factors underlying this rare condition are proposed. Forty-six cases of bone metastasis from EGC are reviewed from published reports and meeting proceedings in Japan. This investigation suggests that risk factors for bone metastasis from EGC include depressed-type signet-ring cell carcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma, and/or the likely involvement of lymph node metastasis, even though the cancer is confined to the gastric mucosa. The risk factors do not include recurrence of EGC in the liver. We speculate that the mechanism of bone metastasis from EGC is via lymphatic channels and systemic circulation. Postoperative follow-up of cases should consider the development of bone metastasis from EGC. We propose the use of elevated alkaline phosphatase levels for the detection of bone metastasis and recommend bone scintigraphy in positive cases. 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Feasibility study on expanded indication for endoscopic submucosal dissection of intramucosal poorly differentiated early gastric cancer

AIM: To identify clinicopathological factors predictive of lymph node metastasis(LNM) in intramucosal poorly differentiated early gastric cancer(EGC), and further to expand the possibility of using endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) for the treatment of intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC.METHODS: Data for 81 surgically treated patients with intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC were collected, and the association between the clinicopathological factors and the presence of LNM was retrospectively analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Odds ratios(ORs) with 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were calculated. Several clinicopathologic factors were investigated to identify predictive factors for lymph nodes metastasis, including gender, age, family history of gastric cancer, number of tumors, tumor location, ulceration, tumor size, macroscopic type, lymphatic vessel involvement, and signet-ring-cell component.RESULTS: Tumor size(OR = 7.273, 95%CI: 1.246-29.918, P = 0.042), lymphatic vessel involvement(OR = 42.219, 95%CI: 1.923-97.052, P = 0.018) and signet-ring-cell component(OR = 17.513, 95%CI: 1.647-77.469, P = 0.034) that were significantly associated with LNM by univariate analysis, were found to be significant and independent risk factors for LNM by multivariate analysis. However, gender, age, family history of gastric cancer, number, location, ulceration and macroscopic type of tumor were found not to be associated with LNM. Of these 81 patients diagnosed with intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC, 7(8.6%) had LNM. The LNM rates were 9.1%, 22.2% and 57.1%, respectively, in cases with one, two and three of the risk factors. There was no LNM in 54 patients without the three risk clinicopathological factors.CONCLUSION: Tumor size, lymphatic vessel involvement and signet-ring-cell component are independently associated with the presence of LNM in intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC. Thus, these three risk factors may be used as a simple criterion to expand the possibility of using ESD for the treatment of intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC.

Risk clinicopathological factors for lymph node metastasis in poorly differentiated early gastric cancer and their impact on laparoscopic wedge resection

AIM:To investigate the predictive factors of lymph node metastasis(LNM) in poorly differentiated early gastric cancer(EGC),and enlarge the possibility of using laparoscopic wedge resection(LWR).METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed 85 patients with poorly differentiated EGC who underwent surgical resection between January 1992 and December 2010.The association between the clinicopathological factors and the presence of LNM was retrospectively analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Odds ratios(OR) with 95%CI were calculated.We further examined the relationship between the positive number of the three significant predictive factors and the LNM rate.RESULTS:In the univariate analysis,tumor size(P = 0.011),depth of invasion(P = 0.007) and lymphatic vessel involvement(P < 0.001) were significantly associated with a higher rate of LNM.In the multivariate model,tumor size(OR = 7.125,95%CI:1.251-38.218,P = 0.041),depth of invasion(OR = 16.624,95%CI:1.571-82.134,P = 0.036) and lymphatic vessel involvement(OR = 39.112,95%CI:1.745-123.671,P = 0.011) were found to be independently risk clinicopathological factors for LNM.Of the 85 patients diagnosed with poorly differentiated EGC,12(14.1%) had LNM.The LNM rates were 5.7%,42.9% and 57.1%,respectively in cases with one,two and three of the risk factors respectively in poorly differentiated EGC.There was no LNM in 29 patients without the three risk clinicopathological factors.CONCLUSION:LWR alone may be sufficient treatment for intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC if the tumor is less than or equal to 2.0 cm in size,and when lymphatic vessel involvement is absent at postoperative histological examination.

Machine learning-based gray-level co-occurrence matrix signature for predicting lymph node metastasis in undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The most important consideration in determining treatment strategies for undifferentiated early gastric cancer(UEGC)is the risk of lymph node metastasis(LNM).Therefore,identifying a potential biomarker that predicts LNM is quite useful in determining treatment.AIM To develop a machine learning(ML)-based integral procedure to construct the LNM gray-level co-occurrence matrix(GLCM)prediction model.METHODS We retrospectively selected 526 cases of UEGC confirmed through pathological examination after radical gastrectomy without endoscopic treatment in four tertiary hospitals between January 2015 to December 2021.We extracted GLCM-based features from grayscale images and applied ML to the classification of candidate predictive variables.The robustness and clinical utility of each model were evaluated based on the following factors:Receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC),decision curve analysis,and clinical impact curve.RESULTS GLCM-based feature extraction significantly correlated with LNM.The top 7 GLCM-based factors included inertia value 0°(IV_0),inertia value 45°(IV_45),inverse gap 0°(IG_0),inverse gap 45°(IG_45),inverse gap full angle(IG_all),Haralick 30°(Haralick_30),Haralick full angle(Haralick_all),and Entropy.The areas under the ROC curve(AUCs)of the random forest classifier(RFC)model,support vector machine,eXtreme gradient boosting,artificial neural network,and decision tree ranged from 0.805[95%confidence interval(CI):0.258-1.352]to 0.925(95%CI:0.378-1.472)in the training set and from 0.794(95%CI:0.237-1.351)to 0.912(95%CI:0.355-1.469)in the testing set,respectively.The RFC(training set:AUC:0.925,95%CI:0.378-1.472;testing set:AUC:0.912,95%CI:0.355-1.469)model that incorporates Entropy,Haralick_all,Haralick_30,IG_all,IG_45,IG_0,and IV_45 had the highest predictive accuracy.CONCLUSION The evaluation results indicate that the method of selecting radiological and textural features becomes more effective in the LNM discrimination against UEGC patients.Additionally,the MLbased prediction model developed using the RFC can be used to derive treatment options and identify LNM,which can hence improve clinical outcomes.

Controversies in the diagnosis and management of early gastric cancer

Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to improving the prognosis of gastric cancer. The past decades have wimessed the rapid advances in the diagnosis and management of early gastric cancer （EGC）： endoscopy has played an increasingly important role, whereas laparoscopic techniques have also been introduced for EGC treatment. In China, the proportion of EGC is gradually increasing, and this condition will soon become a hot research topic. In this article, we will elucidate some major controversies in the diagnosis and management of EGC.

Differential gene expression profiling of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia and early-stage adenocarcinoma

AIM: To investigate the differentiated whole genome expression profiling of gastric high- and low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and early-stage adenocarcinoma.

Predictive factors of lymph node metastasis in intramucosal poorly differentiated early gastric cancer and their impact on the laparoscopic surgery

Objective The aim of this study was to identify clinicopathological factors predictive of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in intramucosal poorly differentiated early gastric cancer (EGC), and further to expand the possibility of using laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of intramucosal poorly differentiated EGC.