Publications by authors named "Chou-Chen Chen"

Aim: The tumor staging of colorectal cancer (CRC) plays a significant role in both treatment and prognosis, impacting surgical planning and adjuvant therapy decisions. Currently, the staging of CRC is based on the TNM system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. Prior studies have suggested that survival rates and recurrent rates of T4a tumors appear to be worse than that of T4b tumors, although there is currently no consensus.

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  • - Eleven compounds, including caffeic acid and various caffeoylquinic acids, were tested for their anti-inflammatory properties on mouse macrophages, focusing on their effects in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
  • - Non-toxic doses of each compound were established using a specific assay, and the levels of key inflammatory cytokines were measured to assess their effects.
  • - Results indicated that caffeic acid (CA) and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines while enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines, highlighting their potential as effective treatments for inflammation-related diseases.
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  • A multicenter study assessed the survival benefits of combining metastasectomy with first-line cetuximab-based chemotherapy in patients with wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), measuring overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) as primary endpoints.
  • Of the 758 enrolled patients, the study found that those who underwent metastasectomy had significantly better OS (54.9 months) and PFS (21.0 months) compared to those who did not, highlighting the importance of this surgical intervention in treatment outcomes.
  • The analysis also identified that patients receiving 14 or more treatment cycles had improved survival rates and higher chances of undergoing metastasectomy, suggesting this as an optimal treatment duration for maximizing outcomes in m
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  • Malnutrition is a frequent issue in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) undergoing targeted therapy and chemotherapy, leading to increased toxicity and lower survival rates.
  • This study analyzed data from 758 patients treated with cetuximab and chemotherapy, separating them into groups that did or did not receive supplemental home parenteral nutrition (HPN).
  • Results showed that the HPN group had higher rates of successful surgeries, longer treatment durations, and improved overall and progression-free survival compared to the non-HPN group, suggesting HPN may enhance treatment outcomes for certain mCRC patients.
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  • The study investigates the role of MMP-7 gene variants in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Taiwan, where HCC rates are particularly high.
  • Researchers compared MMP-7 genotypes in 298 HCC patients and 889 healthy individuals, analyzing lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking.
  • Findings showed no significant link between MMP-7 variants and HCC risk, suggesting these genotypes are not reliable markers for the disease in the Taiwanese population.
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  • * Specific age-friendly aspects, particularly housing and community support, were linked to lower loneliness, while social inclusion was tied to reduced depression.
  • * Internet use plays a critical role, as the beneficial effects of age-friendliness on mental health were primarily seen in older adults who used the internet, highlighting the need for policies that consider both age-friendliness and digital inclusion.
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  • * Nine experts in colorectal care from Taiwan reached a consensus after reviewing literature and discussing the issue, emphasizing the importance of managing malnutrition and SIR.
  • * They recommend assessing nutritional risk and SIR before and after CRC treatment, suggesting tailored nutritional and anti-inflammatory interventions based on these assessments.
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  • Recent advances in therapeutic options for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have complicated treatment decision-making despite improvements from oncology guidelines.
  • A consensus paper was developed over three years with expert discussions to fill gaps in international guidelines, focusing on real-world practices in Taiwan for better mCRC management.
  • The resulting recommendations include criteria for patient treatment plans based on fitness for treatment, molecular characteristics, and specific patient profiles, enhancing the approach to mCRC care in Taiwan.
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  • - The study compares two preoperative localization methods for minimally invasive colorectal surgery, focusing on their impact on short-term outcomes, including operative results and complications, using real-world data.
  • - It found that the group using endoscopic tattooing had better resection margins and a higher lymph node harvest compared to those using metallic clips, although both methods showed similar rates of postoperative complications and hospital stays.
  • - Overall, the study concludes that preoperative localization enhances surgical planning and outcomes, with endoscopic tattooing being particularly effective in improving lymph node retrieval and reducing the need for intraoperative colonoscopy.
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  • En bloc right hemicolectomy plus pancreaticoduodenectomy (cPD) is a surgical procedure for advanced colon cancer affecting the duodenum or pancreatic head, often performed in emergency situations where patients exhibit acute abdominal symptoms.
  • A study retrospectively evaluated 30 patients with locally advanced right colon cancer who underwent cPD, with 11 of those surgeries performed under emergency conditions due to critical issues like bowel obstruction and perforation.
  • Findings showed that while emergency surgery had a higher complication rate (63.6%) compared to non-emergency (42.1%), both groups had similar long-term outcomes without any fatalities related to the cPD procedure.
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  • The study aimed to explore the link between specific ADIPOQ gene variations and the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Taiwanese population.
  • Researchers analyzed genetic data from 362 CRC patients and 362 healthy individuals using a specific genetic analysis technique.
  • Findings indicate that the ADIPOQ rs266729 GG genotype and G allele are associated with a higher CRC risk, particularly in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 24 or higher, while no significant results were found for two other genetic variations tested.
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  • Regorafenib has shown effectiveness for treating refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but its combination with chemotherapy was previously unstudied.
  • This study involved mCRC patients who previously underwent chemotherapy and targeted therapies, comparing those on regorafenib alone to those on regorafenib with chemotherapy, focusing on overall survival.
  • Results indicated that the combination therapy had a significantly better median overall survival (20.9 months) compared to regorafenib alone (10.3 months), although both groups experienced similar adverse effects.
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  • Two female patients with familial adenomatous polyposis underwent laparoscopic surgeries: a restorative proctocolectomy and a total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis.
  • The procedures took 360 minutes and 150 minutes, respectively, with varying blood loss and both patients recovering bowel function within three days without complications.
  • This study concludes that laparoscopic surgery for these conditions is safe, effective, and offers good cosmetic results.
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