Endoscopic and surgical resection of T1a/T1b esophageal neoplasms: A systematic review

AIM: To investigate potential therapeutic recommendations for endoscopic and surgical resection of T1a/ T1b esophageal neoplasms. METHODS: A thorough search of electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane Library, from 1997 up to January 2011 was performed. An analysis was carried out, pooling the effects of outcomes of 4241 patients enrolled in 80 retrospective studies. For comparisons across studies, each reporting on only one endoscopic method, we used a random effects meta-regression of the log-odds of the outcome of treatment in each study. "Neural networks" as a data mining technique was employed in order to establish a prediction model of lymph node status in superficial submucosal esophageal carcinoma. Another data mining technique, the "feature selection and root cause analysis", was used to identify the most impor-tant predictors of local recurrence and metachronous cancer development in endoscopically resected patients, and lymph node positivity in squamous carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC) separately in surgically resected patients. RESULTS: Endoscopically resected patients: Low grade dysplasia was observed in 4% of patients, high grade dysplasia in 14.6%, carcinoma in situ in 19%, mucosal cancer in 54%, and submucosal cancer in 16% of patients. There were no significant differences between endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the following parameters: complications, patients submitted to surgery, positive margins, lymph node positivity, local recurrence and metachronous cancer. With regard to piecemeal resection, ESD performed better since the number of cases was significantly less [coefficient: -7.709438, 95%CI: (-11.03803, -4.380844), P < 0.001]; hence local recurrence rates were significantly lower [coefficient: -4.033528, 95%CI: (-6.151498, -1.915559),P < 0.01]. A higher rate of esophageal stenosis was observed following ESD [coefficient: 7.322266, 95%CI: (3.810146, 10.83439), P < 0.001]. A significantly greater number of SCC patients were submitted to surgery (log-odds, ADC: -2.1206 ± 0.6249 vs SCC: 4.1356 ± 0.4038, P < 0.05). The odds for re-classification of tumor stage after endoscopic resection were 53% and 39% for ADC and SCC, respectively. Local tumor recurrence was best predicted by grade 3 differentiation and piecemeal resection, metachronous cancer development by the carcinoma in situ component, and lymph node positivity by lymphovascular invasion. With regard to surgically resected patients: Significant differences in patients with positive lymph nodes were observed between ADC and SCC [coefficient: 1.889569, 95%CI: (0.3945146, 3.384624), P<0.01). In contrast, lymphovascular and microvascular invasion and grade 3 patients between histologic types were comparable, the respective rank order of the predictors of lymph node positivity was: Grade 3, lymphovascular invasion (L+), microvascular invasion (V+), submucosal (Sm) 3 invasion, Sm2 invasion and Sm1 invasion. Histologic type (ADC/SCC) was not included in the model. The best predictors for SCC lymph node positivity were Sm3 invasion and (V+). For ADC, the most important predictor was (L+). CONCLUSION: Local tumor recurrence is predicted by grade 3, metachronous cancer by the carcinoma insitu component, and lymph node positivity by L+. T1b cancer should be treated with surgical resection.

Treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） is the most common cause for elevated liver enzymes in the developed nations. Beyond prevention programs which are of particular interest because of the increasing number of overweight children, treatment should be focussed on the most important risk factors, obesity and insulin resistance. As a consequence of elucidating the pathomechanisms of NAFLD, the number of potential therapeutic options increased. However, many studies investigating the therapeutic effect show shortcomings in at least one of the following points： lack of a serial liver biopsy, short term of treatment and limited number of included patients. The second generation insulin sensitizer pioglitazone and rosiglitazone show the most promising improvements in NAFLD, but weight gain and potential hepatotoxidty calls for attention. In conclusion, a general recommendation for the application of specific drugs cannot be given. Besides controlled clinical trials, weight reduction and physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity in obese patients should be the priority objective.

Distinct Cytokine Profiles in Patients with Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis after <i>in</i><i>Vitro</i>Blockade of Interleukin (IL)-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oJIA) is an antigen-driven and lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune disorder with irregularity in the adaptive immune system. Auto reactive T cells, activated by cartilage-derived auto antigens, produce pro-inflammatory cytokines as IFN-γ and IL-17. Failure of regulatory T cells leads to decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production and results in the loss of immune tolerance. This activation of innate and adaptive immunity stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. Thus, inhibition of these cytokines is considered as an appropriate therapeutic strategy for oJIA. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the blockade of a single cytokine pathway in the present cytokine setting causes an unfavourable imbalance in the cytokine system or whether the blockade is sufficient to suppress the inflammatory condition. We examined the cytokine secretion after in vitro inhibition of IL-1 and TNF-α of patients with oJIA and healthy subjects. This single center cohort study consisted of oJIA affected children and control subjects. Cytokine profiles from cell culture supernatants were examined with multiplex fluorescent bead immunoassay by flow cytometry. Adalimumab prevents highly effective and very selective effect of the cytokine TNF-α. Due to its structure, the mode of action of etanercept is difficult to display. In addition, adalimumab and etanercept appear in vitro suppressive to IFN-γ. The efficiency of both substances is particularly supported by the increased secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. In contrast, anakinra unselectively inhibits the pro-inflammatory macrophage cytokines. To conclude, our observations suggest that inhibition of IL-1 or TNF-α may contribute to the unselective decline of other pro-inflammatory cytokines in oJIA patients. The selective anti-inflammatory effect of cytokine inhibitors is most likely supported by an increase of IL-4 or IL-10. It still remains to be elucidated whether the reduced IFN-γ secretion is maybe causative for the increased susceptibility to infections with opportunistic pathogens.

Distinct Cytokine Profiles in Patients with Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis after <i>in</i><i>Vitro</i>Blockade of T Cells by Cyclosporine and Abatacept

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oJIA) is an antigen-driven and lymphocyte-mediated disorder affecting the adaptive immune system. Auto reactive T cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines as IFN-γ and IL-17. Failure of regulatory T cells leads to decreased production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and results in the loss of immune tolerance. Therapeutic strategies suppress T cell dependent immune responses and consequently inhibit the process of inflammation. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of T cell suppression on the cytokine network in oJIA patients. Therefore we examined the cytokine concentration after in vitro inhibition of T cells by cyclosporine and abatacept in patients with persistent oJIA and healthy control subjects. This single center cohort study consisted of oJIA affected children and control subjects. Cytokine profiles from cell culture supernatants were examined with multiplex fluorescent bead immunoassay by flow cytometry. High amounts of IL-17 were only observed in the collective of oJIA patients after T cell stimulation. Cyclosporine suppresses its concentration effectively. IL-2 and IFN-γ are present in both groups. We found IL-6 and TNF-α in high concentrations after T cell activation. While TNF-α concentration is suppressed by both drugs, IL-6 concentration remains high in oJIA patients. Concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 were not found to be influenced in status of activation or suppression. In conclusion, the results of the present study imply that IL-17 is the crucial T cell cytokine in oligoarticular JIA. Only cyclosporine could inhibit the secretion of IL-17 effectively. IL-2 and IFN-γ are not specific for oligoarticular JIA. Both cytokines are found as well in healthy control subjects after T cell stimulation. Relevant pro-inflammatory macrophage cytokines in oligoarticular JIA are TNF-α and IL-6. T cell suppression by cyclosporine and abatacept inhibits TNF-α but not IL-6 effectively. Production of anti-inflammatory cytokines is not influenced by T cell suppression.

Percutaneous devices for left atrial appendage occlusion: A contemporary review

Patient with atrial fibrillation(AF) are at risk of developing stroke with the left atrial appendage(LAA) being the most common site for thrombus formation. If left untreated, AF is associated with 4 to 5 folds increase in the risk of ischemic stroke in all age groups. About 5% to 15% of AF patients have atrial thrombi on transesophageal echocardiography, and 91% of those thrombi are located in the LAA in patient with nonrheumatic AF. Although oral anticoagulants are the gold-standard treatment for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular AF,some patients are at high risk of bleeding and deemed not candidates for anticoagulation. Therefore, LAA occlusion(LAAO) has emerged as alternative approach for stroke prevention in those patients. Surgical LAAO is associated with high rate of unsuccessful closure and recommended only in patients with AF and undergoing cardiac surgery. Percutaneous LAAO uses transvenous access with trans-septal puncture and was first tested using the PLAATO device.Watchman is the most common and only Food and Drug Administration(FDA)approved device for LAAO. LAAO using Watchman device is non-inferior to warfarin therapy in preventing ischemic stroke/systemic thromboembolism.However, it is associated with lower rates of hemorrhagic stroke, bleeding and death. Amplatzer is another successful LAAO device that has CE mark and is waiting for FDA approval. Optimal antithrombotic therapy post LAAO is still under debate and highly patient-specific. The aim of this paper is to systematically review the current literature to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different LAAO devices.

Last line therapy with sorafenib in colorectal cancer: A retrospective analysis

AIM: To analyze the efficacy of last line sorafenib treatment in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: All patients receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer in the outpatient clinic of the University of Mainz since 2006 were retrospectively analyzed for last line sorafenib exposure. Charts of identified patients were analyzed for clinic-pathological parameters, like data on gender, age, date of initial diagnosis, UICC stage, number and kind of the pretherapies, therapy start and end of sorafenib, sorafenib mediated treatment cessation, side effects, response rates, time to progression and overall survival. RESULTS: Ten patients with a median of 3.0 prior chemotherapy lines had received a last line sorafenib therapy either alone(10%) or in combination with 5-fluorouracil derivates(90%). All patients suffered from colorectal cancer stage UICC 4 and were routinely seen in 2-wk intervals in the oncology outpatient clinic. Median duration of treatment was 142.0 d. At 8 wk 80% of patients showed stable disease but we did not observe any remissions. Median time to progression was 140.5 d(4.7 mo), while median overall survival reached 176.5 d. One patient ceased treatment due to side effects. Reason for treatment stop was bleeding complication in one case and non-specified sorafenib intolerance in another case. Due to the retrospective approach we did not further quantify side effects.CONCLUSION: This retrospective analysis encourages further investigation of sorafenib in colorectal cancer last line therapy.

Pathological tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

Surgery is the standard therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC).After the dramatic decline of operative mortality over the past decades,the indications for pancreas resections have been continuously extended:currently resections of the portal/superior mesenteric vein are considered standard by many centers,and even arterial resections are under debate.Following these changes,different expert groups have defined resectability criteria containing a grey zone(“borderline resectable disease”)of tumors,which may be technically resectable with appropriate surgical expertise,but resection inherits an increased risk of an R1-resection[1].

Microvascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma predicts microvascular invasion of its recurrence: potential implications for salvage liver transplantation?

Background:Microvascular invasion(MVI)can only be assessed on a full surgical specimen.We aimed at evaluating,whether the histology of the primary tumor is predictive of MVI in a hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)recurrence.Methods:Patients,who underwent liver resection or orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT)for recurrent HCC from January 2001 until June 2018 were eligible for this retrospective analysis.Resected specimens were evaluated for HCC subtype/morphology,vessels encapsulating tumor clusters(VETC)-pattern and MVI.Dichotomous parameters were analyzed using χ^(2)-test andϕ-values,with P values<0.05 being considered significant.Results:Of 230 HCC recurrences,37(16.1%)underwent repeated liver resection(n=22)or OLT(n=15).Of these,67.6%initially exceeded the Milan criteria.MVI correlated Milan criteria(P=0.005),tumor size(P=0.015)and VETC-pattern(P=0.034)in the primary specimen.The recurrences shared many features of the primary HCC such as tumor grade(P=0.002),VETC-pattern(P=0.035),and MVI(P=0.046).In recurrences,however,only the concordance with the Milan criteria correlated with MVI(P=0.018).No patient without MVI in the primary HCC revealed MVI on early recurrence(<2 years)(P=0.035).Conclusions:HCC recurrences share many biological features of the primary tumor.Moreover,early recurrences of MVI-negative HCC never revealed MVI.This finding offers novel concepts,e.g.,patient selection for salvage OLT.

The current role of liver surgery in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases

Since the establishment of a survival benefit for patientswith colorectal cancer liver metastases(CRLM)undergoingliver resection,perioperative outcome has continuouslyimproved,and surgery for CRLM is currently offered witha mortality below 1%in specialized centers(1).

TFIIA transcriptional activity is controlled by a ＇cleave-and-run＇ Exportin-1/Taspase 1-switc

Transcription factor TFIIA is controlled by complex regulatory networks including proteolysis by the protease Taspase 1, though the full impact of cleavage remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that in contrast to the general assumption, de novo produced TFIIA is rapidly confined to the cytoplasm via an evolutionary conserved nuclear export signal （NES, amino acids ^21VINDVRDIFL^30）, interacting with the nuclear export receptor Exportin-1/chromosomal region maintenance 1 （Crml）. Chemical export inhibition or genetic inactivation of the NES not only promotes TFIIA＇s nuclear localization but also affects its transcrip- tional activity. Notably, Taspase 1 processing promotes TFIIA＇s nuclear accumulation by NES masking, and modulates its tran- scriptional activity. Moreover, TFIIA complex formation with the TATA box binding protein （TBP） is cooperatively enhanced by inhibition of proteolysis and nuclear export, leading to an increase of the ceil cycle inhibitor p16INK, which is counteracted by pre- vention of TBP binding. We here identified a novel mechanism how proteolysis and nuclear transport cooperatively fine-tune tran- scriptional programs.

Why surgeons care about systemic chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PDAC)has become the seventh most frequent cause of cancer death in the world with increasing incidence independent of patient sex and age with smoking and alcohol consumption being the most important risk factors(1).The high mortality rate is mainly attributed to the biological characteristics of this disease:even small tumors reveal perineural invasion or local spread into lymph and blood vessels resulting in systemic disease.The estimated risk of occult distant metastasis at the time of surgery is 28%and 94%for tumors with a diameter of 1 and 3 cm,respectively(2).Consequently,many patients present with disseminated or locally advanced disease and are at high risk for early tumor recurrence(3).

Neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma—real effects or patient selection?

Surgery is the only treatment with curative potential for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Unfortunately, the majority of patients do not qualify for curative resection due to locally advanced or metastatic disease at presentation.