Patient-Tailored Approach for Enhanced Recovery after Surgery.

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) is increasingly finding its way into clinical practice. ERAS® protocols have not been universally adopted, and they have often been criticized for being difficult to implement. So, the question for more tailor-made approaches arises.

Robot-assisted esophagectomy may improve perioperative outcome in patients with esophageal cancer - a single-center experience.

Background: Although the introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques has improved surgical outcomes in recent decades, esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is still associated with severe complications and a high mortality rate. Robot-assisted surgery is already established in certain fields and robot-assisted esophagectomy may be a possible alternative to the standard minimally invasive esophagectomy. The goal of this study was to investigate whether robot assistance in esophagectomy can improve patient outcome while maintaining good oncological control.

Prognostic value of disease-free interval in colorectal cancer: Is it time?

Background: Previous studies have outlined that the onset of synchronous colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases is associated with poor overall survival (OS) compared to patients with metachronous disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of disease-free interval with newly diagnosed CRC scheduled for primary tumor resection.

Methods: Patients who underwent primary CRC resection over an 18-year period were identified from a prospective database at a tertiary-care hospital.

Using a Reinforced Stapler Decreases the Incidence of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: There is no consensus on the pancreatic transection during distal pancreatectomy (DP) to reduce postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of a reinforced stapler on the postoperative outcomes of DP.

Methods: We systematically searched electronic databases and bibliographic reference lists in The PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library's Controlled Trials Registry and Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, and Scopus.

Differential Effects of Trp53 Alterations in Murine Colorectal Cancer.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) development is a multi-step process resulting in the accumulation of genetic alterations. Despite its high incidence, there are currently no mouse models that accurately recapitulate this process and mimic sporadic CRC. We aimed to develop and characterize a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of Apc/Kras/Trp53 mutant CRC, the most frequent genetic subtype of CRC.

[Initial experiences with the implementation of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) protocol].

Background: To further improve treatment quality and patient orientation, a multiprofessional enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) transformation program was initiated in our clinic in January 2020. The ERAS® treatment pathway for colorectal surgery was established in October 2020.

Objective: The aim of the study was to show that the perioperative treatment quality can be increased by implementing a certified ERAS® program in the setting of a fast-track pathway that has been established since 2008.

Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer.

Despite the advantages of easy applicability and cost-effectiveness, subcutaneous mouse models have severe limitations and do not accurately simulate tumor biology and tumor cell dissemination. Orthotopic mouse models have been introduced to overcome these limitations; however, such models are technically demanding, especially in hollow organs such as the large bowel. In order to produce uniform tumors which reliably grow and metastasize, standardized techniques of tumor cell preparation and injection are critical.

A Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer.

Despite the advantages of easy applicability and cost-effectiveness, colorectal cancer mouse models based on tumor cell injection have severe limitations and do not accurately simulate tumor biology and tumor cell dissemination. Genetically engineered mouse models have been introduced to overcome these limitations; however, such models are technically demanding, especially in large organs such as the colon in which only a single tumor is desired. As a result, an immunocompetent, genetically engineered mouse model of colorectal cancer was developed which develops highly uniform tumors and can be used for tumor biology studies as well as therapeutic trials.

Clinical impact of duodenal pancreatic heterotopia - Is there a need for surgical treatment?

Background: Pancreatic heterotopia (PH) is defined as ectopic pancreatic tissue outside the normal pancreas and its vasculature and duct system. Most frequently, PH is detected incidentally by histopathological examination. The aim of the present study was to analyze a large single-center series of duodenal PH with respect to the clinical presentation.

LDB1 overexpression is a negative prognostic factor in colorectal cancer.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in western countries and is driven by the Wnt signaling pathway. LIM-domain-binding protein 1 (LDB1) interacts with the Wnt signaling pathway and has been connected to malignant diseases. We therefore aimed to evaluate the role of LDB1 in CRC.

Circulating tumor cells exhibit stem cell characteristics in an orthotopic mouse model of colorectal cancer.

The prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is closely linked to the occurrence of distant metastases, which putatively develop from circulating tumor cells (CTCs) shed into circulation by the tumor. As far more CTCs are shed than eventually metastases develop, only a small subfraction of CTCs harbor full tumorigenic potential. The aim of this study was to further characterize CRC-derived CTCs to eventually identify the clinically relevant subfraction of CTCs.

Metastatic Spread Emerging From Liver Metastases of Colorectal Cancer: Does the Seed Leave the Soil Again?

Objective: To investigate whether liver metastases contribute to metastatic spread of colorectal cancer (CRC) by shedding intact tumor cells.

Background: Metastases represent the primary cause of death in CRC. Understanding the metastatic activity of metastases and which patients are at high risk for tumor cell dissemination may, therefore, have significant influence on cancer care in the future.