MLH1 Deficiency Down-Regulates TLR4 Expression in Sporadic Colorectal Cancer.

Patients with mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient colorectal cancer (CRC) have a more favorable prognosis than patients with tumors with intact MMR. In order to obtain further insights on the reasons for this different outcome, we investigated the interplay between MMR genes and TLR4/MyD88 signaling. The cancer genome atlas (TCGA) databases were selected to predict the differential expression of TLR4 in colon cancer and its correlation with MMR genes.

Colorectal cancer in the young: a possible role for immune surveillance?

Background: Younger patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) generally have better survival in spite of worse clinical and pathological features.

Methods: Twenty-six patients under 50 years operated for primary CRC were enrolled and matched 1:2:2 according to stage, tumor site and gender with 52 patients from 50 to 70 years and 52 patients over 70 years old.

Results: Patients under 50 years had a significantly longer overall, cancer specific and disease free survival (p = .

Synchronous polyps predict metachronous colorectal lesions after curative resection of colorectal cancer.

Background: The principal aim of endoscopic follow-up programs after curative resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is to improve survival and identify local recurrence and metachronous CRC. The aim of our study was to identify the possible predictors of metachronous colorectal lesions.

Methods: The records of 348 consecutive patients with CRC and who completed at least 1 year of endoscopic follow-up after surgery were analyzed.

Mismatch repair gene defects in sporadic colorectal cancer enhance immune surveillance.

Background: There is evidence that colorectal cancers (CRC) with DNA mismatch repair deficiency (MMR-D) are associated with a better prognosis than the generality of large bowel malignancies. Since an active immune surveillance process has been demonstrated to influence CRC outcome, we investigated whether MMR-D can enhance the immune response in CRC.

Patients And Methods: A group of 113 consecutive patients operated for CRC (42 stage I or II and 71 with stage III or IV) was retrospectively analyzed.

Obesity is a risk factor for multifocal disease and recurrence after colorectal cancer surgery: a case-control study.

Background: Several studies have demonstrated that obesity is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), but few data are available regarding its role in multifocal disease and postoperative recurrence. The present study aimed to assess the role of obesity as a risk factor for multifocal disease and postoperative recurrence in patients with CRC.

Patients And Methods: The records of 940 consecutive patients with CRC admitted to three surgical centres between January 2006 and January 2011 were retrospectively analysed.

Acute appendicitis: what is the gold standard of treatment?

McBurney's procedure represented the gold-standard for acute appendicitis until 1981, but nowadays the number of laparoscopic appendectomies has progressively increased since it has been demonstrated to be a safe procedure, with excellent cosmetic results and it also allows a shorter hospitalization, a quicker and less painful postoperative recovery. The aim of this editorial was to perform a review of the literature in order to address controversial issues in the treatment of acute appendicitis.