Clinical analysis of multiple primary gastrointestinal malignant tumors:A 10-year case review of a single-center

BACKGROUND Multiple primary malignant tumors(MPMTs)was first described by Billroth as early as 1889,with the first report published by Warren and Gates in 1932.Since then,numerous cases have been reported.A literature review of 1104269 patients with cancer revealed that the incidence of MPMTs ranged from 0.73 to 11.7%.In recent years,however,there has been a significant upward trend in the incidence of this phenomenon,which may be associated with many different factors,including the advancement of modern diagnostic procedures facilitating the examination and diagnosis of more MPMTs,increased exposure to chemotherapy and radiotherapy that exacerbate the risk of new malignant tumors in patients with cancer,and prolonged survival of patients with cancer allowing sufficient time for the development of new primary cancers.AIM To analyze the incidence,clinical features,treatment factors,prevalence,and prognosis of patients with MPMTs in the gastrointestinal tract treated in a single center.Additionally,we analyzed the different tumor combinations,time interval between the occurrence of tumors,and staging.METHODS This retrospective cohort study analyzed 8059 patients with pathologically confirmed gastrointestinal malignant tumors treated at the Gansu Province Hospital in Lanzhou,Gansu,China between June 2011 and June 2020.Of these,85 patients had MPMTs.The clinical features,treatment factors,prevalence,and prognosis of this latter cohort were analyzed.RESULTS The incidence of MPMTs in patients with gastrointestinal malignant tumors was 1.05%(85/8059),including 83 double primary malignant tumors and two triple primary malignant tumors of which 57(67.06%)were synchronous MPMTs(SMPMTs)and 28(32.94%)were metachronous MPMTs(MMPMTs).The most frequent associations were found between the rectum colon cancers within the SMPMT category and the gastric-colon cancers within the MMPMT category.For the MMPMTs,the median interval was 53 months.The overall 1-,3-and 5-year survival rates from diagnosis of the first primary cancer were 91.36%,65.41%,and 45.97%,respectively;those from diagnosis of the second primary cancer were 67.90%,29.90%,and 17.37%,respectively.CONCLUSION MPMTs in the gastrointestinal tract have a high incidence and poor prognosis.Thus,it is necessary to perform both gastroscopy and colonoscopy in patients with gastrointestinal tumors.Multidisciplinary comprehensive diagnosis and treatment may improve the diagnosis rate and treatment efficiency of MPMTs.

Research progress on venous thrombosis development in patients with malignant tumors

The coexistence of venous thromboembolism(VTE)within patients with cancer,known as cancer-associated thrombosis(CAT),stands as a prominent cause of mortality in this population.Over recent years,the incidence of VTE has demonstrated a steady increase across diverse tumor types,influenced by several factors such as patient management,tumor-specific risks,and treatment-related aspects.Furthermore,mutations in specific genes have been identified as potential contributors to increased CAT occurrence in particular cancer subtypes.We conducted an extensive review encompassing pivotal historical and ongoing studies on CAT.This review elucidates the risks,mechanisms,reliable markers,and risk assessment methodologies that can significantly guide effective interventions in clinical practice.

Malignant triton tumor in the abdominal wall:A case report

BACKGROUND Malignant triton tumors(MTTs)comprise a subgroup of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors(MPNSTs)that exhibits rhabdomyosarcomatous differen-tiation and follow an aggressive course.MTTs are primarily located along peripheral nerves.Cases of MTTs in the abdominal wall have not been reported.MTT has a poorer prognosis than classic MPNSTs,and accurate diagnosis necessitates a keen understanding of the clinical history and knowledge of its differential diagnosis intricacies.Treatment for MTTs mirrors that for MPNSTs and is predominantly surgical.CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old woman presented with a subcutaneous mass in her lower abdo-minal wall and a pre-existing surgical scar that had grown slowly over 3-4 months before the consultation.She had previously undergone radical hysterectomy and concurrent chemo-radiotherapy for cervical cancer approximately 5 years prior to the consultation.Abdominal computed tomography(CT)showed a 1.3 cm midline mass in the lower abdomen with infiltration into the rectus abdominis muscle.There was no sign of metastasis(T1N0M0).An incisional biopsy identified sporadic MTT of the lower abdomen.A comprehensive surgical excision with a 3 cm margin inclusive of the peritoneum was executed.Subse-quently,the general surgeon utilized an approach akin to the open peritoneal onlay mesh technique.The patient underwent additional treatment with an excision shaped as a mini-abdominoplasty for the skin defect.No complications arose,and annual follow-up CTs did not show signs of recurrence or metastasis.CONCLUSION An abdominal MTT was efficaciously treated with extensive excision and abdominal wall reconstruction,eliminating the need for postoperative radiotherapy.

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving total pancreatectomy for the treatment of low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors:Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Function-preserving pancreatectomy can improve the long-term quality of life of patients with benign or low-grade malignant tumors,such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs)and mucinous cystic neoplasms.However,there is limited literature on laparoscopic spleen-preserving total pancreatectomy(LSpTP)due to technical difficulties.CASE SUMMARY Patient 1 was a 51-year-old male diagnosed with IPMN based on preoperative imaging,showing solid nodules in the pancreatic head and diffuse dilation of the main pancreatic duct with atrophy of the distal pancreas.We performed L-SpTP with preservation of the splenic vessels,and the postoperative pathology report revealed IPMN with invasive carcinoma.Patient 2 was a 60-year-old male with multiple cystic lesions in the pancreatic head and body.L-SpTP was performed,and intraoperatively,the splenic vein was injured and required ligation.Postoperative pathology revealed a mucinous cystic tumor of the pancreas with low-grade dysplasia.Both patients were discharged on postoperative day 7,and there were no major complications during the perioperative period.CONCLUSION We believe that L-SpTP is a safe and feasible treatment for low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors,but more case studies are needed to evaluate its safety,efficacy,and long-term outcomes.

Cost analysis of radical resection of malignant breast tumors under the China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women worldwide and poses a severe threat to their health.Therefore,this study examined patients who underwent breast cancer surgery,analyzed hospitalization costs and structure,and explored the impact of China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups(CHS-DRG)management on patient costs.It aimed to provide medical institutions with ways to reduce costs,optimize cost structures,reduce patient burden,and improve service efficiency.AIM To study the CHS-DRG payment system’s impact on breast cancer surgery costs.METHODS Using the CHS-DRG(version 1.1)grouping criteria,4073 patients,who underwent the radical resection of breast malignant tumors from January to December 2023,were included in the JA29 group;1028 patients were part of the CHS-DRG payment system,unlike the rest.Through an independent sample t-test,the length of hospital stay as well as total hospitalization,medicine and consumables,medical,nursing,medical technology,and management expenses were compared.Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to test the cost correlation.RESULTS In terms of hospitalization expenses,patients in the CHS-DRG payment group had lower medical,nursing,and management expenses than those in the diagnosis-related group(DRG)non-payment group.For patients in the DRG payment group,the factors affecting the total hospitalization cost,in descending order of relevance,were medicine and consumable costs,consumable costs,medicine costs,medical costs,medical technology costs,management costs,nursing costs,and length of hospital stay.For patients in the DRG nonpayment group,the factors affecting the total hospitalization expenses in descending order of relevance were medicines and consumable expenses,consumable expenses,medical technology expenses,the cost of medicines,medical expenses,nursing expenses,length of hospital stay,and management expenses.CONCLUSION The CHS-DRG system can help control and reduce unnecessary medical expenses by controlling medicine costs,medical consumable costs,and the length of hospital stay while ensuring medical safety.

A study of current status of acceptance and influencing factors of advance care planning for patients with malignant tumors

Objective:To assess the ACP acceptance among patients with malignant tumor in China and factors affecting adoption and timing.Methods:Quantitative study:The convenience sampling method was adopted from October 2020 to October 2021 to investigate 200 oncology patients by a general information questionnaire,patient's advance care planning acceptance questionnaire(ACPQ).Multiple linear stepwise regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of ACP acceptance.Qualitative study:A purposive sampling method was used to select 31 oncology patients and 13 clinical nurses for semi-structured interviews.The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven steps.Results:The quantitative study revealed that patients with malignancy had an upper-middle acceptance score of(66.15±7.684)for ACP,with attitude(11.26±2.064),feelings(36.64±4.208),and intention(18.25±3.275)scores.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that religious beliefs,education,monthly income,bereavement experience and notification of condition were independent risk factors for acceptance of ACP(P<0.05).The qualitative study showed that(1)oncology patients have low awareness,high demand,and low acceptability of ACP intervention;(2)they preferred to discuss ACP when medical condition or treatment plan changes;(3)family members were usually involved in ACP discussions,followed by medical personnel;(4)economy,environment,companion,and doctor-patient relationship will all influence ACP implementation.As for nurses,they(1)were unsure about the dynamic changes of ACP content and its optimal timing;(2)had limited ACP knowledge;(3)were affected by environmental factors and nurse-patient relationships;(4)were prone to have disagreements due to inadequate organization department assistance.Conclusions:clinical practitioners should discuss ACP with patients in specific conditions to increase patient acceptance.ACP development requires updated legislation,professional training,and a standardized ACP system.

Giant Tuberculomas Suggesting a Malignant Brain Tumor: About Two Cases

Tuberculoma is a common condition in developing countries. In some cases, it may mimic a glial lesion, making differential diagnosis challenging. The authors report two cases of giant tuberculoma in young patients aged 14 and 16. A literature review was conducted on these cases. Both patients underwent partial excision. Histology concluded tuberculoma. Anti-tubercular treatment was implemented. The evolution one year later was marked by the persistence of neurological disorders, although they had improved.

Research Progress on the Mental Toughness of Family Caregivers of Children with Malignant Solid Tumors

The physical,emotional,and caregiving quality of caregivers for children with malignant solid tumors is significantly influenced by mental toughness.The definition of mental toughness,study methods,primary influencing factors,and intervention strategies for the mental toughness of caregivers of children with malignant solid tumors will be examined in this paper.To improve the mental toughness of caregivers of children with malignant solid tumors,it is recommended that future studies enhance the number of intervention research methods and establish particular evaluation tools.

Pilot Study of Molecular Mechanism on Vasculogenic Mimicry in Bi-directional Differentiated Malignant Tumors

Objective: To investigate the role of collagen IV and PAS positive substancesecreted by tumor cells in vasculogenic mimicry (VM) and the effects of VM on tumor cells expressingVEGF. Methods: 158 cases of bi-direction differential malignant tumor specimens withparaffin-embedded were enrolled into our study and made tissue microarray which were dual-stainedwith CD31-PAS and stained with collagen IV. The difference of the areas and distribution withpattern surrounded by between CD31 and PAS positive respectively were identified via grid-counting,as well as the difference of VEGF expression with VE absent and present. Results: The basementmembrane of VM was both PAS and collagen IV positive. VEGF expression in the bi-directiondifferential malignant tumor was higher VM-absent than VM-present and the difference wasstatistically significance in malignant melanoma and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (P 【 0.05).Conclusion: PAS positive substance and collagen IV compose the wall of VE and VE could provide theoxygen and nutrition for tumor growth and progression.

Clinical Research on the Changes of Plasma TFPI and uPA System in Malignant Tumor

Objective: To investigate the expression levels and significance of TFPI, uPA, uPAR and PAI in malignant patients. Methods: The levels of TFPI, uPA and uPAR were measured by using ELISA and the level of PAI was determined by method of chromogenic substrates in 44 patients with malignant solid tumors (group A1) and 30 patients with acute leukemia (AL, group A2). Results: The levels of TFPI, uPA, and uPAR in group A1 were higher than those in normal control group (group B). TFPI, uPAR levels in group A2 were higher than those in group B, while the level of PAI in group A2 was lower than that in group B. Among the groups, TFPI was increased in the combined infection group; PAI decreased in the hemorrhage group; TFPI, uPA, uPAR and PAI increased in relapsing and metastasis group; TFPI decreased in one-week dead group, while uPA and uPAR increased. Conclusion: The patients with malignant solid tumor and AL had different anticoagulation or fibrinolysis states. TFPI, uPA, Upar and PAI can be used to evaluate the disease condition and the prognosis.

Primary Malignant Renal Tumors in Infancy and Childhood: CT Appearances

Objective： To investigate the imaging manifestation of primary malignant renal tumor with CT. Methods： Forty-three cases of surgically and pathologically confirmed primary malignant renal tumor were retrospectively reviewed. Un-contrast and contrast CT was performed in all 43 patients in which 15 patients received MRI examination. Results： The residual normal renal tissue of 29 cases out of 34 cases of Wilms＇ tumor was enhanced and manifested ＂crescent sign＂ or ＂ring sign＂. Four cases of malignant rabdoid tumor （RTK） manifested as large mass with notable necrosis and subcapsular fluid collection; Two cases of clear cell sarcoma （CCS） showed metastases to the skull which could indicate the diagnosis; Renal cell carcinoma （RCC） （n=3） showed calcification in 1 case. Conclusion： CT can precisely delineate the location, size, extent of involvement, imaging characteristics and metastases of renal tumor, which can provide information necessary to the clinical staging, therapy planning and prognosis of the tumors.

Surgically treated primary malignant tumor of small bowel:A clinical analysis

AIM:To evaluate the clinical presentation,treatment and survival of patients with primary malignant tumor of small bowel(PMTSB).METHODS:Clinicopathologic data about 141 surgically treated PMTSB patients(91 males and 50 females) at the median age of 53.5 years(range 23-79 years) were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS:The most common initial clinical features of the patients were intermittent abdominal discomfort or vague abdominal pain(67.4%),abdominal mass(31.2%),bowel obstruction(24.1%),hemotochezia(21.3%),jaundice(16.3%),fever(14.2%),coexistence of bowel perforation and peritonitis(5.7%),coexistence of gastrointestinal bleeding and shock(5.0%),and intraabdominal bleeding(1.4%).Ileum was the most common site of tumor(44.7%),followed by jejunum(30.5%)and duodenum(24.8%).PMTSB had a nonspecific clinical presentation.Segmental bowel resection(n=81)was the most common surgical procedure,followed by right hemicolectomy(n=15),pancreaticoduodenectomy(n=10),and others(n=19).Twenty-seven adenocarcinoma patients and 13 malignant lymphoma patients received adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide,adriamycin,vincristine and prednisone,respectively.Information about 120 patients was obtained during the follow-up.The median survival time of PMTSB patients was 20.3 mo.The 1-,3-and 5-year survival rate was 75.0%(90/120),40.0%(48/120)and 20.8%(25/120),respectively.Adenocarcinoma was found in 73.7%(42/57),21.1%(12/57)and 15.8%(9/57)of the patients,respec-tively.Gastrointestinal stromal tumor was observed in 80.0%(20/25),72.0%(18/25)and 36.0%(9/25)of the patients,respectively.Carcinoid was detected in 100.0%(15/15),80.0%(12/15)and 46.7%(7/15)of the patients,respectively.Malignant lymphoma was demonstrated in 69.2%(9/13),30.8%(4/13)and 0%(0/13)of the patients,respectively.CONCLUSION:En bloc resection is the principal therapy for most PMTSB and chemotherapy is the important treatment modality for malignant lymphoma and other malignant tumors of small bowel which cannot be radically removed.

Structure and function of Septin 9 and its role in human malignant tumors

The treatment and prognosis of malignant tumors are closely related to the time when the tumors are diagnosed;the earlier the diagnosis of the tumor,the better the prognosis.However,most tumors are not detected in the early stages of screening and diagnosis.It is of great clinical significance to study the correlation between multiple pathogeneses of tumors and explore simple,safe,specific,and sensitive molecular indicators for early screening,diagnosis,and prognosis.The Septin 9(SEPT9)gene has been found to be associated with a variety of human diseases,and it plays a role in the development of tumors.SEPT9 is a member of the conserved family of cytoskeletal GTPase,which consists of a P-loop-based GTP-binding domain flanked by a variable N-terminal region and a C-terminal region.SEPT9 is involved in many biological processes such as cytokinesis,polarization,vesicle trafficking,membrane reconstruction,deoxyribonucleic acid repair,cell migration,and apoptosis.Several studies have shown that SEPT9 may serve as a marker for early screening,diagnosis,and prognosis of some malignant tumors,and have the potential to become a new target for anti-cancer therapy.This article reviews the progress in research on the SEPT9 gene in early screening,diagnosis,and prognosis of tumors.

A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF 22 CASES OF MULTIPLE MALIGNANT TUMORS

To get a better understanding of the location,pathophysiology,etiology and prognosis of multiple malignant tumors (MPMT),we evaluated the medical records of 22 patients with MPMT.Our results suggested that radiotherapy and chemotherapy might play an important role in the pathogenesis of MPMT and follow up is important in detecting a secondary primary malignant tumor (PMT) at an early stage.Surgical removal of tumors is the first choice therapy for MPMT.

Malignant glomus tumor of the intestinal ileum with multiorgan metastases:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Glomus tumors(GTs)are rare mesenchymal neoplastic lesions derived from cells of the glomus body.GTs rarely occurs in the visceral organs,where there may be few or no glomus bodies,and the majority of GTs are benign,rarely demonstrating aggressive or malignant behavior and histological features.CASE SUMMARY We report a patient with malignant GTs of the intestinal ileum with multiorgan metastases who was admitted due to moderate anemia.Capsule endoscopy revealed a bleeding mass in the intestinal ileum,and the patient underwent segmental ileal resection through laparoscopic surgery.The histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnoses were consistent with malignant GT.Longterm follow-up showed that the GT had metastasized to multiple organs such as the colon,brain,and possibly the lung.CONCLUSION This case was characterized by the highest degree of malignancy and by multiorgan metastases,and it was the first case of intestinal GT uncovered by capsule endoscopy.

Characteristics of Chinese Families in Which Children and Both Parents Are Diagnosed with Malignant Tumors:A Retrospective Study

Objective To characterize Chinese families in which both parents and at least one child are diagnosed with malignant diseases and provide reference for cancer screening or early detection in people whose both parents are diagnosed with cancer.Methods Medical records of all clients to the center of cancer screening and prevention of the National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital between January 2008 and February 2018 were screened to select families in which both parents and at least one child were diagnosed with malignant diseases.The cancer profiles of fathers,mothers,sons and daughters,their age distribution at diagnosis,and similarity of cancers between two generations were analyzed.The proportions of each cancer in males and females of the cohort were compared with corresponding data from the National Cancer Center Registry of China(NCCRC)in 2013.Results Totally 13S families were identified from records of 33200 clients.Proportion of lung cancer in fathers(40/135,29.6%)and in mothers(38/135,28.1%)were higher than the national data(23.9%in males and 14.9%in females,respectively).The proportion of breast cancer in daughters(35/109,32.1%)was higher than that of mothers(14/135,10.4%)and the national data(17.1%),In 71 father-son pairs of cancer,46.5%(33/71)were of the same systematic disease,and 16.9%(12/71)were of the same cancer.These two indexes were 31.2%(n=34)and 10.1%(n=l 1),respectively in the 109 father-daughter pairs of cancer,36.6%(n=26)and 8.5%(n=6)respectively in the 71 mother-son pairs of cancer,and 31.2%(n=34)and 20.2%(n=20)respectively in the 109 mother-daughter pairs of cancer.Sons were more likely to suffer from cancers originated from the same system as father s cancer than daughters(χ^(2)=4.299,P<0.05),and daughters were more likely to suffer from the same cancer as their mother's cancer than sons(χ^(2)=4.506,P<0.05).The age(mean±standard deviation)of the daughters(52.4±12.7)and the sons(59.4±10.9)at diagnosis were significantly younger than the fathers(65.5±12.2)and the mothers(65.7±12.5)(all P<0.001)・Conclusions For people whose both parents are diagnosed as cancer,screening or early detection examinations should cover a full range of cancers rather than the cancers their father and mother have suffered,or cancers stemmed from the same system as their parents cancers.We suggest screening or early detection program for these special population start earlier than that for the general population,with emphasis on cancers derived from digestive system for males and women-specific cancers,i.e.,breast cancer,ovarian cancer,cervical cancer and uterine cancer for females.

High incidence combination of multiple primary malignant tumors of the digestive system

BACKGROUND Clinical reports of multiple primary malignant tumors(MPMTs)in the digestive system are increasing.In China,although the survival rate of patients with MPMTs is increasing,the quality of life is very low.Many patients have reached the advanced stage when the second primary tumor is found,resulting in no early intervention and treatment.This is due to the misunderstanding of MPMTs by clinicians,who treat such tumors as metastases.Therefore,before a patient has a second primary tumor,doctors should understand some common combinations of digestive system MPMTs to provide clinical guidance to the patient.AIM To explore the high incidence combination of digestive system MPMTs under heterochronism and synchronization.METHODS A total of 1902 patients with MPMTs at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were analyzed retrospectively.They were divided into metachronous MPMT and synchronous MPMT groups,and then the high incidence combinations of the first primary cancer and the second primary cancer in metachronous cancer and synchronous cancer were sorted.Sex and age differences between metachronous and synchronous tumors were tested by the chi square test and t test,respectively.A P value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant,and SPSS version 26.0(SPSS Inc.,Chicago,Illinois,United States)was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS Among the 1902 patients with MPMTs confirmed by pathology,1811(95.2%)cases were secondary primary cancers,89(4.7%)cases were tertiary primary cancers,and 2(0.1%)cases were quaternary primary cancers.Most(88.2%)of the secondary primary cancers were identified as metachronous multiple primary cancers six months after diagnosis of the first primary cancer.The top ten most common MPMTs in the first primary cancer group ranged from high to low as follows:Breast cancer,thyroid cancer,nonuterine cancer,lung cancer,colon cancer,kidney cancer,uterine cancer,bladder cancer,rectal cancer,and gastric cancer.The highest incidence rate of the first primary cancer in male metachronous cancer was lung cancer(11.6%),the highest incidence rate of the second primary cancer was still lung cancer(24.9%),the highest incidence rate of the first primary cancer in female metachronous cancer was breast cancer(32.7%),and the highest incidence rate of the second primary cancer was lung cancer(20.8%).Among them,breast cancer,nonuterine cancer and uterine cancer were female-specific malignant tumor types,and thyroid cancer also accounted for 79.6%of female patients.The top five metachronous cancer combinations,independent of female-specific malignant tumor types and thyroid cancer,were colon cancer and lung cancer(26 cases),kidney cancer and lung cancer(25 cases),rectal cancer and lung cancer(20 cases),gastric cancer and lung cancer(17 cases),and bladder cancer and lung cancer(17 cases).The most common synchronous cancer combination was colon cancer and rectal cancer(15 cases).CONCLUSION Screening for lung cancer should be performed six months after the detection of colon cancer while rectal cancer screening should be performed within six months.

Giant malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Recurrence and effects of treatment with STI-571

AIM: Malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)are rare. Tumors larger than 10 cm tend to recur earlier:the larger the volume of the tumor, the worse the prognosis.We hypothesized that treatment with imatinib mesylate (Gleevec; STI-571), a c-kittyrosine kinase inhibitor, as palliative therapy would prolong the survival of patients with recurrent giant malignant GISTs after resection.METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the effects of resection on patients with giant GISTs (＞10 cm in diameter) to determine the overall survival and recurrence rates. Twenty-three patients diagnosed with giant GISTs were included from June 1996 to December 2003. STI571 was not available until January 2000. After that time,9 patients received this drug. The factors of age, sex, tumor location, histological surgical margin, and STI-571, tumor size changes and drug side effects were reviewed. We compared the survival rate to determine the prognostic factors and the effects of STI-571 on patients with recurrent malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumor.RESULTS: The positive surgical margin group had a significantly higher recurrence rate than the negative margin group (P = 0.012). A negative surgical margin and palliative treatment with STI-571 were significant prognostic variables (Log-rank test,P＜0.05). Age, sex and tumor location were not significant prognostic variables. The 5-year survival rate of the surgical margin free patients was 80%and the 2-year survival rate of the surgical margin positive patients was 28%. The 5-year survival rate was 80% for the patients given STI-571 and 30% for the patients not given STI-571. The use of STI-571 gave a significant tumor shrinkage (6/9) rate in patients with giant GIST recurrence after resection.CONCLUSION: A negative surgical margin and the use of STI-571 after surgical resection were good prognostic indicators. Achieving a tumor-free surgical margin is still the best primary treatment for patients with such tumors.If STI-571 is used immediately when the surgical margin is positive and the tumor recurs after resection, then the prognosis of patients with giant GISTs can be improved.

Role of tumor-associated macrophages in common digestive system malignant tumors

Many digestive system malignant tumors are characterized by high incidence and mortality rate.Increasing evidence has revealed that the tumor microenvironment(TME)is involved in cancer initiation and tumor progression.Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)are a predominant constituent of the TME,and participate in the regulation of various biological behaviors and influence the prognosis of digestive system cancer.TAMs can be mainly classified into the antitumor M1 phenotype and protumor M2 phenotype.The latter especially are crucial drivers of tumor invasion,growth,angiogenesis,metastasis,immunosuppression,and resistance to therapy.TAMs are of importance in the occurrence,development,diagnosis,prognosis,and treatment of common digestive system malignant tumors.In this review,we summarize the role of TAMs in common digestive system malignant tumors,including esophageal,gastric,colorectal,pancreatic and liver cancers.How TAMs promote the development of tumors,and how they act as potential therapeutic targets and their clinical applications are also described.