Optimal interventional treatment for liver cancer:HAIC,TACE or iTACE?

Primary liver cancer is a common and lethal malignancy in China.Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)is globally recognized as the preferred treatment modality for the non-surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),while transcatheter arterial infusion(TAI)is another effective interventional treatment for HCC.In recent years,hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)has gained increasing attention as an application-regulated modality for TAI.Owing to the current debate in the medical community regarding the use of HAIC and TACE for the treatment of HCC,the application of both approaches should be considered at a higher level,with a broader perspective and a more normative aspect.Accordingly,we aimed to define the rational combination of liver cancer TAI/HAIC with TACE as infusion transcatheter chemoembolization(iTACE),which suggests that the two interventions are not superior but lead to a mutually beneficial situation.In this review,we sought to discuss the development,specification,application,challenge and innovation,debate,and union of TAI/HAIC and TACE,and the clinical application and latest research on iTACE.We aimed to introduce new concepts of iTACE and expect new breakthroughs in the treatment of liver cancer owing to the combined use of the two major interventional tools.

Association between Meeting 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Psychological Features of Chinese Emerging Adults

Background:Emerging adulthood is a pivotal life stage,presenting significant psychological and social changes,such as decreased sociability,depression,and other mental health problems.Previous studies have associated these changes with an unhealthy lifestyle.The 24-h movement guidelines for healthy lifestyles have been developed to promote appropriate health behaviors and improve individual wellness.However,the relationship between adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines and different characteristics of Chinese emerging adults is yet to be explored.This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines and four characteristics(self-exploration,instability,possibilities,and responsibility)of Chinese emerging adults.Methods:Overall,1,510 Chinese emerging adults aged 18–29 years were included in this study.Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire that included questions on adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines(physical activity,sedentary behavior,and sleep)and the inventory of dimensions of emerging adulthood.Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the associations between adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines and each of the four characteristics.Results:The proportion of participants who adhered to the 24-h movement guidelines was 31.72%.Multiple regression analysis revealed a significantly negative relationship between adhering to more guidelines and instability(β=−0.51,p<0.001).A statistically significant association was observed between instability and meeting only sedentary behavior(β=−1.27,95%confidence interval[CI]:[−2.32,−0.24],p=0.02),sedentary behavior+sleep(β=−1.30,95%CI:[−2.24,−0.35],p<0.01),and physical activity+sedentary behavior(β=−1.08,95%CI:[1.94,−0.21],p=0.02)guidelines.Further,positive and significant associations were observed between possibilities and meeting the guidelines for only physical activity(β=0.70,95%CI:[0.14,1.27),p=0.01),only sleep(β=0.61,95%CI:[0.01,1.21],p=0.04),physical activity+sedentary behavior(β=0.56,95%CI:[0.04,1.07),p=0.01),and physical activity+sleep(β=0.76,95%CI:[0.23,1.27],p=0.01).Conclusions:These findings suggest that adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines was associated with instability in Chinese emerging adults.Future studies are warranted to verify our findings to highlight the importance of maintaining a heath lifestyle to promote health in emerging adulthood.

Current research status of transarterial therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma

With continuous advancements in interventional radiology,considerable progress has been made in transarterial therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in recent years,and an increasing number of research papers on transarterial therapies for HCC have been published.In this editorial,we comment on the article by Ma et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology:“Efficacy and predictive factors of transarterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1 inhibition for unresectable HCC”.We focus specifically on the current research status and future directions of transarterial therapies.In the future,more studies are needed to determine the optimal transarterial local treatment for HCC.With the emergence of checkpoint immunotherapy modalities,it is expected that the results of trials of transarterial local therapy combined with systemic therapy will bring new hope to HCC patients.

Brain Functional Network Changes in Patients with Poststroke Cognitive Impairment Following Acupuncture Therapy

Background: The mechanisms by which acupuncture affects poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) remain unclear. Objective: To investigate brain functional network (BFN) changes in patients with PSCI after acupuncture therapy. Methods: Twenty-two PSCI patients who underwent acupuncture therapy in our hospital were enrolled as research subjects. Another 14 people matched for age, sex, and education level were included in the normal control (HC) group. All the subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans;the PSCI patients underwent one scan before acupuncture therapy and another after. The network metric difference between PSCI patients and HCs was analyzed via the independent-sample t test, whereas the paired-sample t test was employed to analyze the network metric changes in PSCI patients before vs. after treatment. Results: Small-world network attributes were observed in both groups for sparsities between 0.1 and 0.28. Compared with the HC group, the PSCI group presented significantly lower values for the global topological properties (γ, Cp, and Eloc) of the brain;significantly greater values for the nodal attributes of betweenness centrality in the CUN. L and the HES. R, degree centrality in the SFGdor. L, PCG. L, IPL. L, and HES. R, and nodal local efficiency in the ORBsup. R, ORBsupmed. R, DCG. L, SMG. R, and TPOsup. L;and decreased degree centrality in the MFG. R, IFGoperc. R, and SOG. R. After treatment, PSCI patients presented increased degree centrality in the LING.L, LING.R, and IOG. L and nodal local efficiency in PHG. L, IOG. R, FFG. L, and the HES. L, and decreased betweenness centrality in the PCG. L and CUN. L, degree centrality in the ORBsupmed. R, and nodal local efficiency in ANG. R. Conclusion: Cognitive decline in PSCI patients may be related to BFN disorders;acupuncture therapy may modulate the topological properties of the BFNs of PSCI patients.

CT-based radiomics to predict development of macrovascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma:A multicenter study

Background:Macrovascular invasion(MaVI)occurs in nearly half of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients at diagnosis or during follow-up,which causes severe disease deterioration,and limits the possibility of surgical approaches.This study aimed to investigate whether computed tomography(CT)-based radiomics analysis could help predict development of MaVI in HCC.Methods:A cohort of 226 patients diagnosed with HCC was enrolled from 5 hospitals with complete MaVI and prognosis follow-ups.CT-based radiomics signature was built via multi-strategy machine learning methods.Afterwards,MaVI-related clinical factors and radiomics signature were integrated to construct the final prediction model(CRIM,clinical-radiomics integrated model)via random forest modeling.Cox-regression analysis was used to select independent risk factors to predict the time of MaVI development.Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to stratify patients according to the time of MaVI development,progression-free survival(PFS),and overall survival(OS)based on the selected risk factors.Results:The radiomics signature showed significant improvement for MaVI prediction compared with conventional clinical/radiological predictors(P<0.001).CRIM could predict MaVI with satisfactory areas under the curve(AUC)of 0.986 and 0.979 in the training(n=154)and external validation(n=72)datasets,respectively.CRIM presented with excellent generalization with AUC of 0.956,1.000,and 1.000 in each external cohort that accepted disparate CT scanning protocol/manufactory.Peel9_fos_InterquartileRange[hazard ratio(HR)=1.98;P<0.001]was selected as the independent risk factor.The cox-regression model successfully stratified patients into the high-risk and low-risk groups regarding the time of MaVI development(P<0.001),PFS(P<0.001)and OS(P=0.002).Conclusions:The CT-based quantitative radiomics analysis could enable high accuracy prediction of subsequent MaVI development in HCC with prognostic implications.

Validation and evaluation of clinical prediction systems for first and repeated transarterial chemoembolization in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A Chinese multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND The treatment outcome of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)varies greatly due to the clinical heterogeneity of the patients.Therefore,several prognostic systems have been proposed for risk stratification and candidate identification for first TACE and repeated TACE(re-TACE).AIM To investigate the correlations between prognostic systems and radiological response,compare the predictive abilities,and integrate them in sequence for outcome prediction.METHODS This nationwide multicenter retrospective cohort consisted of 1107 unresectable HCC patients in 15 Chinese tertiary hospitals from January 2010 to May 2016.The Hepatoma Arterial-embolization Prognostic(HAP)score system and its modified versions(mHAP,mHAP2 and mHAP3),as well as the six-and-twelve criteria were compared in terms of their correlations with radiological response and overall survival(OS)prediction for first TACE.The same analyses were conducted in 912 patients receiving re-TACE to evaluate the ART(assessment for re-treatment with TACE)and ABCR(alpha-fetoprotein,Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer,Child-Pugh and Response)systems for post re-TACE survival(PRTS).RESULTS All the prognostic systems were correlated with radiological response achieved by first TACE,and the six-and-twelve criteria exhibited the highest correlation(Spearman R=0.39,P=0.026)and consistency(Kappa=0.14,P=0.019),with optimal performance by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.71[95%confidence interval(CI):0.68-0.74].With regard to the prediction of OS,the mHAP3 system identified patients with a favorable outcome with the highest concordance(C)-index of 0.60(95%CI:0.57-0.62)and the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve at any time point during follow-up;whereas,PRTS was well-predicted by the ABCR system with a C-index of 0.61(95%CI:0.59-0.63),rather than ART.Finally,combining the mHAP3 and ABCR systems identified candidates suitable for TACE with an improved median PRTS of 36.6 mo,compared with non-candidates with a median PRTS of 20.0 mo(logrank test P<0.001).CONCLUSION Radiological response to TACE is closely associated with tumor burden,but superior prognostic prediction could be achieved with the combination of mHAP3 and ABCR in patients with unresectable liver-confined HCC.

Research Progress on the Prediction of TACE Efficacy by Lipiodol Deposition

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common and deadliest malignant tumors in the world, and most patients are diagnosed after missing the optimal treatment period. TACE (Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization) is currently the preferred treatment for advanced HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma), as it can induce local ischemic necrosis of the tumor while reducing the systemic side effects of drugs by embolizing the tumor-feeding arteries. Lipiodol, with its unique comprehensive properties of imaging, drug loading, and embolization, has become a key component in the process of TACE. Therefore, analyzing the deposition of lipiodol in hepatic tumor tissues after TACE can effectively evaluate the treatment efficacy. This article summarizes and analyzes the metabolism of lipiodol in tumors and the clinical application of lipiodol deposition status in predicting patient prognosis, aiming to provide clearer diagnostic and treatment strategies for clinical doctors.

Evaluation of Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis after TAVI with Self-Expandable vs. Balloon-Expandable Devices

Background: The introduction of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (SAS) has expanded the therapeutic possibilities for successfully managing SAS in cases with intermediate and high surgical risks. However, the complications and outcomes of new devices have not been studied enough. Hence, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the midterm results of the Core Valve and Evolute R self-expandable (SE) devices versus the Edwards SAPIEN balloon-expandable (BE) devices. Methods and Material: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted in Tehran, Iran, from May 2012 to June 2017. SAS patients who were not ideal candidates for surgery were randomly assigned to either SE or BE groups. For each patient, a questionnaire, including four sections comprised of Basic characteristics, echocardiographic, angiographic, and Computed Tomography (CT) scan data was filled. TAVI was followed by echocardiography a week later and after three months they were reevaluated by another questionnaire. Results: The total number of patients was 60. The mean ages of patients undergoing the procedure with SE or BE devices were 81.2 ± 8 and 79.8 ± 7, respectively. Mortality occurred in 20% of the patients (5 cases in the SE group and 7 cases in the BE);mortality causes were 66.6 % cardiac and 33% non-cardiac. Moderate to severe Paravalvular leakage in both groups did not differ significantly. The mortality rate was 5 (41.6%) in the SE group versus 7 (58.3%) in the BE group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the BE group did not experience fewer paravalvular leaks in comparison with the SE. Morbidity and mortality between the BE and the SE groups did not differ significantly.

Locoregional extension patterns of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and suggestions for clinical target volume delineation

Clinical target volume (CTV) delineation is crucial for tumor control and normal tissue protection. This study aimed to define the locoregional extension patterns of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to improve CTV delineation. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of 2366 newly diagnosed NPC patients were reviewed. According to incidence rates of tumor invasion, the anatomic sites surrounding the nasopharynx were classified into high-risk (>30%), medium-risk (5%-30%), and low-risk (<5%) groups. The lymph node (LN) level was determined according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group guidelines, which were further categorized into the upper neck (retropharyngeal region and level Ⅱ), middle neck (levels Ⅲ and Va), and lower neck (levels Ⅳ and Vb and the supraclavicular fossa). The high-risk anatomic sites were adjacent to the nasopharynx, whereas those at medium- or low-risk were separated from the nasopharynx. If the high-risk anatomic sites were involved, the rates of tumor invasion into the adjacent medium-risk sites increased; if not, the rates were significantly lower (P < 0.01). Among the 1920 (81.1%) patients with positive LN, the incidence rates of LN metastasis in the upper, middle, and lower neck were 99.6% , 30.2%, and 7.2%, respectively, and skip metastasis happened in only 1.2% of patients. In the 929 patients who had unilateral upper neck involvement, the rates of contralateral middle neck and lower neck involvement were 1.8% and 0.4%, respectively. Thus, local disease spreads stepwise from proximal sites to distal sites, and LN metastasis spreads from the upper neck to the lower neck. Individualized CTV delineation for NPC may be feasible.

Prognostic factors and failure patterns in non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma after intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Background: The prognostic values of staging parameters require continual re?assessment amid changes in diag?nostic and therapeutic methods. This study aimed to identify the prognostic factors and failure patterns of non?meta?static nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) in the intensity?modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) era.Methods: We reviewed the data from 749 patients with newly diagnosed, biopsy?proven, non?metastatic NPC in our cancer center(South China, an NPC endemic area) between January 2003 and December 2007. All patients under?went magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) before receiving IMRT. The actuarial survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and survival curves were compared using the log?rank test. Multivariate analyses with the Cox proportional hazards model were used to test for the independent prognostic factors by backward eliminating insigniicant explanatory variables.Results: The 5?year occurrence rates of local failure, regional failure, locoregional failure, and distant failure were 5.4, 3.0, 7.4, and 17.4%, respectively. The 5?year survival rates were as follows: local relapse?free survival, 94.6%; nodal relapse?free survival, 97.0%; distant metastasis?free survival, 82.6%; disease?free survival, 75.1%; and overall survival, 82.0%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that orbit involvement was the only signiicant prognostic fac?tor for local failure(P = 0.011). Parapharyngeal tumor extension, retropharyngeal lymph node involvement, and the laterality, longest diameter, and Ho's location of the cervical lymph nodes were signiicant prognostic factors for both distant failure and disease failure(all P < 0.05). Intracranial extension had signiicant prognostic value for distant failure(P = 0.040).Conclusions: The key failure pattern for NPC was distant metastasis in the IMRT era. With changes in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as treatment modalities, the signiicant prognostic parameters for local control have also been altered substantially.

A modified method for locating parapharyngeal space neoplasms on magnetic resonance images: implications for differential diagnosis

The parapharyngeal space(PPS) is an inverted pyramid-shaped deep space in the head and neck region, and a variety of tumors, such as salivary gland tumors, neurogenic tumors, nasopharyngeal carcinomas with parapharyngeal invasion, and lymphomas, can be found in this space. The differential diagnosis of PPS tumors remains challenging for radiologists. This study aimed to develop and test a modified method for locating PPS tumors on magnetic resonance(MR) images to improve preoperative differential diagnosis. The new protocol divided the PPS into three compartments: a prestyloid compartment, the carotid sheath, and the areas outside the carotid sheath. PPS tumors were located in these compartments according to the displacements of the tensor veli palatini muscle and the styloid process, with or without blood vessel separations and medial pterygoid invasion. This protocol, as well as a more conventional protocol that is based on displacements of the internal carotid artery(ICA), was used to assess MR images captured from a series of 58 PPS tumors. The consequent distributions of PPS tumor locations determined by both methods were compared. Of all 58 tumors, our new method determined that 57 could be assigned to precise PPS compartments. Nearly all(13/14; 93%) tumors that were located in the pre-styloid compartment were salivary gland tumors. All 15 tumors within the carotid sheath were neurogenic tumors. The vast majority(18/20; 90%) of trans-spatial lesions were malignancies. However, according to the ICA-based method, 28 tumors were located in the pre-styloid compartment, and 24 were located in the post-styloid compartment, leaving 6 tumors that were difficult to locate. Lesions located in both the pre-styloid and the post-styloid compartments comprised various types of tumors. Compared with the conventional ICA-based method, our new method can help radiologists to narrow the differential diagnosis of PPS tumors to specific compartments.

Long-term outcome and late toxicities of simultaneous integrated boost-intensity modulated radiotherapy in pediatric and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The application of simultaneous integrated boost-intensity modulated radiotherapy(SIB-IMRT)in pediatric and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is underevaluated.This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcome and late toxicities in pediatric and adolescent NPC after SIB-IMRT combined with chemotherapy.Thirty-four patients(aged 8–20 years)with histologically proven,non-disseminated NPC treated with SIB-IMRT were enrolled in this retrospective study.The disease stage distribution was as follows:stage I,1(2.9%);stage III,14(41.2%);and stage IV,19(55.9%).All patients underwent SIBIMRT and 30 patients also underwent cisplatin-based chemotherapy.The prescribed dose of IMRT was64–68 Gy in 29–31 fractions to the nasopharyngeal gross target volume.Within the median follow-up of 52months(range,9–111 months),1 patient(2.9%)experienced local recurrence and 4(11.8%)developed distant metastasis(to the lung in 3 cases and to multiple organs in 1 case).Four patients(11.8%)died due to recurrence or metastasis.The 5-year locoregional relapse–free survival,distant metastasis–free survival,disease-free survival,and overall survival rates were 97.1%,88.2%,85.3%,and 88.2%,respectively.The most common acute toxicities were grades 3–4 hematologic toxicities and stomatitis.Of the 24 patients who survived for more than 2 years,16(66.7%)and 15(62.5%)developed grades 1–2 xerostomia and ototoxicity,respectively.Two patients(8.3%)developed grade 3 ototoxicity;no grade 4 toxicities were observed.SIB-IMRT combined with chemotherapy achieves excellent long-term locoregional control in pediatric and adolescent NPC,with mild incidence of late toxicities.Distant metastasis is the predominant mode of failure.

Prognostic scoring system for locoregional control among the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated by intensity-modulated radiotherapy

The prognostic value of T category for locoregional control in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)has decreased with the extensive use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT).We aimed to develop a prognostic scoring system(PSS)that incorporated tumor extension and clinical characteristics for locoregional control in NPC patients treated with IMRT.The magnetic resonance imaging scans and medical records of 717 patients with nonmetastatic NPC treated with IMRT at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 2003 and January 2008 were reviewed.Age,pathologic classification,primary tumor extension,primary gross tumor volume(GTV-p),T and N categories,and baseline lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)level were analyzed.Hierarchical cluster analysis as well as univariate and multivariate analyses were used to develop the PSS.Independent prognostic factors for locoregional relapse included N2–3 stage,GTV-p≥26.8 mL,and involvement of one or more structures within cluster3.We calculated a risk score derived from the regression coefficient of each factor and classified patients into four groups:low risk(score 0),intermediate risk(score>0 and≤1),high risk(score>1 and≤2),and extremely high risk(score>2).The 5-year locoregional control rates for these groups were 97.4%,93.6%,85.2%,and 78.6%,respectively(P<0.001).We have developed a PSS that can help identify NPC patients who are at high risk for locoregional relapse and can guide individualized treatments for NPC patients.

Nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma: magnetic resonance imaging features in ten cases

Nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (NACC) is a rare malignancy with high local invasiveness. To date, there is no consensus on the imaging characteristics of NACC. To address this, we retrospectively reviewed 10 cases of NACC and summarized the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. MR images of 10 patients with histologically validated NACC were reviewed by two experienced radiologists. The location, shape, margin, signal intensity, lesion texture, contrast enhancement patterns, local invasion, and cervical lymphadenopathy of all tumors were evaluated. Clinical and pathologic records were also reviewed. No patients were positive for antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The imaging patterns of primary tumors were classified into two types as determined by location, shape, and margin. Of all patients, 7 had tumors with a type 1 imaging pattern and 3 had tumors with a type 2 imaging pattern. The 4 tubular NACCs were all homogeneous tumors, whereas 3 (60%) of 5 cribriform NACCs and the sole solid NACC were heterogeneous tumors with separations or central necrosis on MR images. Five patients had perineural infiltration and intracranial involvement, and only 2 had cervical lymphadenopathy. Based on these results, we conclude that NACC is a local, aggressive neoplasm that is often negative for EBV infection and associated with a low incidence of cervical lymphadenopathy. Furthermore, MRI features of NACC vary in locations and histological subtypes.

Solid neuroendocrine breast carcinoma:mammographic and sonographic features in thirteen cases

This study aimed to determine and quantitate the mammographic and sonographic characteristics in 13 cases of solid neuroendocrine breast carcinoma(NEBC) and to analyze the association of radiological findings with the clinical and histopathologic findings.The clinical data and imaging findings of 13 female patients with histologically confirmed solid NEBC were reviewed.Imaging data were evaluated by two radiologists for a consensual diagnosis.All patients presented with one palpable mass;only 1 experienced occasional breast pain,and 5 complained of fluid discharge.In 7 patients,the masses were firm and mobile.Regional lymph node metastasis was noted in only 1 patient.For the 10 patients who underwent mammography,6 had a mass,1 had clustered small nodules with clustered punctuate microcalcifications,2 had asymmetric focal density,and 1 had solitary punctuate calcification.Most of the masses had irregular shape with indistinct or microlobulated margins.For the 9 patients who underwent ultrasonography(US),9 masses were depicted,all of which were hypoechoic,mostly with irregular shape and without acoustic phenomena.Different types of acoustic phenomena were also identified.One patient had developed distant metastases during follow-up.NEBC has a variety of presentations,but it is mostly observed on mammograms as a dense,irregular mass with indistinct or microlobulated margins.Sonographically,it typically presents as an irregular,heterogeneously hypoechoic mass with normal sound transmission.Histories of nipple discharge and calcification observed using imaging are not rare.

A temporary self-expanding metallic stent for malignant colorectal obstruction

AIM:To investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of a temporary self-expanding metallic stent(SEMS) for malignant colorectal obstruction.METHODS:From September 2007 to June 2012,33 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction were treated with a temporary SEMS.The stent had a tubular configuration with a retrieval lasso attached inside the proximal end of the stent to facilitate its removal.The SEMS was removed one week after placement.Clinical examination,abdominal X-ray and a contrast study were prospectively performed and both initial and follow-up data before and at 1 d,1 wk,and 1 mo,3 mo,6 mo and 12 mo after stent placement were obtained.Data collected on the technical and clinical success of the procedures,complications,need for reinsertion and survival were analyzed.RESULTS:Stent placement and removal were technically successful in all patients with no procedurerelated complications.Post-procedural complications included stent migration(n = 2) and anal pain(n = 2).Clinical success was achieved in 31(93.9%) of 33 patients with resolution of bowel obstruction within 3 d of stent removal.Eleven of the 33 patients died 73.81 ± 23.66 d(range 42-121 d) after removal of the stent without colonic re-obstruction.Clinical success was achieved in another 8 patients without symptoms of obstruction during the follow-up period.Reinsertion of the stent was performed in the remaining 12 patients with re-obstruction after 84.33 ± 51.80 d of follow-up.The mean and median periods of relief of obstructive symptoms were 97.25 ± 9.56 d and 105 ± 17.43 d,respectively,using Kaplan-Meier analysis.CONCLUSION:Temporary SEMS is a safe and effective approach in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction due to low complication rates and good medium-term outcomes.

Experimental study of destruction to porcine spleen in vivo by microwave ablation

AIM: To discuss the safety, feasibility and regularity of destruction to porcine spleen in vivo with congestion and tumescence by microwave ablation (MWA). METHODS: Ligation of the splenic vein was used to induce congestion and tumescence in vivo in five porcine spleens, and microwave ablation was performed 2-4 h later. A total of 56 ablation points were ablated and the ablation powers were 30-100 W. The ablation time (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 min) was performed at a power of 60 W. After ablation, the ablation size was measured in pigs A, C, D and E and spleen resection. In pig B, the ablation size was measuredand 2 ablation points were sent for pathology analysis and all tissues were sutured following ablation. Pig B was killed 1 wk later and the ablation points were sent for pathology analysis. Bleeding, tissue carbonization surrounding electrodes, and pathological changes were observed, and the effect on destruction volume relative to different ablation powers, times and positions was analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of bleeding (only small amounts, < 20 mL) in the course of ablation was 5.4% (3/56) and was attributed to tissue carbonization surrounding electrodes, which also exhibited an incidence of 5.4% (3/56). The destruction volume was influenced by different ablation powers, times and points. It showed that the ablation lesion size increased with increased ablation time, from 1 to 10 min, when the ablation power was 60 W. Also, the ablation lesion size increased with the increase of ablation power, ranging from 30 to 100 W when the ablation time was set to 3 min. A direct correlation was seen between the destruction volume and ablation time by the power of 60 W (r = 0.97542, P < 0.0001, and also between the destruction volume and ablation powers at an ablation time of 3 min (r = 0.98258, P < 0.0001). The destruction volume of zone Ⅱ (the extra-2/3 part of the spleen, relative to the fi rst or second class vascular branches), which was near the hilum of the spleen, was noteably larger than the destruction volume of zoneⅠ(the intra-1/3 part of the spleen) which was distal from the hilum of the spleen (P = 0.0015). Pathological changes of ablation occurring immediately and 1 wk after MWA showed large areas of coagulation. Immediately following ablation, intact spleen tissues were observed in the areas of coagulation necrosis, mainly around arterioles, and there were no obvious signs of hydropsia and inflammation, while 1 wk following the ablation, the coagulation necrosis was well distributed and complete, as many nuclear fragmentations were detected, and there were obvious signs of hydropsia and inflammation.CONCLUSION: In vivo treatment of congestion and tumescence in the spleen using microwave ablation of water-cooled antenna is a safe and feasible method that is minimally invasive.

C-arm Lipiodol CT in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for small hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the value of C-arm Lipiodol computed tomography(CT) for intra-procedural hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) lesion detection during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE).METHODS:Forty patients(37 male,3 female;mean age,52.6 ± 12.5 years,age range:25-82 years) diagnosed with HCC were enrolled in this study.All patients underwent 64-slice CT 1-2 wk before TACE.During the procedure,hepatic angiography was performed first.Following diagnostic embolization with Lipiodol injected into the hepatic artery,a C-arm CT scan was immediately conducted(C-arm Lipiodol CT).If new HCC lesions were confirmed,gelfoam particles were super-selectively injected into the tumor-nourishing blood vessel.A Lipiodol CT scan was performed 7-14 d after TACE.All images acquired from 64-slice CT,digital subtraction angiography(DSA),C-arm Lipiodol CT and Lipiodol CT were retrospectively reviewed by four radiologists and the number of detected lesions in each examination was counted,respectively.The results of Lipiodol CT were taken as the diagnostic reference.Alpha-fetoprotein values were examined both before and after TACE.This study only takes into account the lesions that were not found or were considered suspicious on 64-slice CT before TACE.RESULTS:Preprocedural 64-slice CT detected a total of 13 suspicious lesions in the 40 patients.DSA detected ten definite and four suspicious lesions.C-arm Lipiodol CT detected 71 lesions in total and Lipiodol CT confirmed 67 lesions with a diameter range of 3-12 mm.Four false-positive lesions,which were detected by C-arm Lipiodol CT,were considered to be hepatic artery-portal vein fistulas.The average alpha-fetoprotein values before and after TACE were significantly different(452.3 ± 192.6 ng/m L vs 223.8 ± 93.2 ng/m L;P = 0.039).CONCLUSION:C-arm Lipiodol CT has a higher diagnostic sensitivity for small HCC lesions.This technique may help physicians make intraproceduraldecisions to provide patients with earlier treatment.

Association of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 with radiotherapy response and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Insulin?like growth factor?binding protein?3(IGFBP?3) is suggested to predict the radiosensitivity and/or prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC). The present study was designed to investi?gate the clinical and prognostic efects of IGFBP?3 on ESCC.Methods: IGFBP?3 was detected by immunohistochemistry in parain?embedded tissues from 70 ESCC patients treated with radiotherapy alone and further examined by western blotting analysis in 10 pairs of fresh ESCC tissues and adjacent non?malignant esophageal specimens. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis was used to determine cut?of scores for tumor positivity and to evaluate patient survival status. The χ2 test was performed to analyze the association of IGFBP?3 expression with clinical characteristics and radiotherapy response. Associations between prognostic outcomes and IGFBP?3 expression were investigated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model.Results: The threshold for IGFBP?3 positivity was set to greater than 65% [area under the ROC curve(AUC)(45.7%) were deined as having high IGFBP?3 expression= 0.690, P < 0.019]. Of the 70 ESCC patient tissues tested, 32. The levels of IGFBP?3 protein expression were decreased in 70.0%(7 of 10) of ESCC tissues compared with adjacent non?malignant esophageal tissue. In addition, IGFBP?3 expression was associated with pathologic classiication(P < 0.05 for T, N, and M categories and clinical stage). Patients with elevated protein level of IGFBP?3 in the tumor had an improved radiotherapy response and prolonged overall survival(P < 0.001).Conclusions: High level of IGFBP?3 expression in ESCC associates with early clinical stages and are predictive for favorable survival of the patients treated with radiotherapy.

Percutaneous needle decompression in treatment of malignant small bowel obstruction

AIM:To investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous needle decompression in the treatment ofmalignant small bowel obstruction(MSBO).METHODS:A prospective analysis of the clinical data of 52 MSBO patients undergoing percutaneous needle decompression was performed.RESULTS:Percutaneous needle decompression was successful in all 52 patients.Statistically significant differences were observed in symptoms such as vomiting,abdominal distension and abdominal pain before and after treatment(81.6%vs 26.5%,100%vs 8.2%,and 85.7%vs 46.9%,respectively;all P<0.05).The overall significantly improved rate was 19.2%(11/52)and the response rate was 94.2%(49/52)using decompression combined with nasal tube placement,local arterial infusion of chemotherapy and nutritional support.During the one-month follow-up period,puncture-related complications were acceptable.CONCLUSION:Percutaneous needle intestinal decompression is a safe and effective palliative treatment for MSBO.