The IL-17A/IL-17RA Axis Is Not Related to Overall Survival and Cancer Stem Cell Modulation in Pancreatic Cancer.

(1) Background: IL-17A accelerates pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) progression. In this study, we examined whether IL-17A/IL-17RA promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) aggressiveness in terms of survival and cancer stem cell modulation. (2) Methods: In vitro, the wound-healing assay, the sphere formation assay, and flow cytometry were applied to assess cancer stem cell features.

Factors That Influence Conversion to Resectability and Survival After Resection of Metastases in RAS WT Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): Analysis of FIRE-3- AIOKRK0306.

Background: Tumor assessments after first-line therapy of RAS wild-type mCRC with cetuximab (cet) versus bevacizumab (bev) in combination with FOLFIRI were evaluated for factors influencing resectability, conversion to resectability, and survival after best response.

Methods: Conversion to resectability was defined as conversion of initially unresectable to resectable disease at best response as determined by retrospective assessment. Univariate and multivariate logistic models were fitted with resectability at best response as response variable.

Correction to: 3D vs. 4 K Display System - Influence of "State-of-the-art"-Display Technique On Surgical Performance (IDOSP-Study) in minimally invasive surgery: protocol for a randomized cross-over trial.

After publication of our article [1] the authors have notified us that one of the names has been incorrectly spelled.

Identification of targeted therapy options for gastric adenocarcinoma by comprehensive analysis of genomic data.

Background: So far only trastuzumab, pembrolizumab and ramucirumab have been approved by the FDA for targeted therapy in gastric cancer (GC). Here we report on potential targeted therapy options for gastric adenocarcinoma based on a novel analysis of "The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)" database.

Methods: One hundred two FDA-approved targeted cancer drugs were compiled and molecular targets defined.

The Effect of Postoperative Complications After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy on Long-term Survival: An International Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background: Esophagectomy is a technically challenging procedure, associated with significant morbidity. The introduction of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has reduced postoperative morbidity.

Objective: Although the short-term effect on complications is increasingly being recognized, the impact on long-term survival remains unclear.

Immune profile and immunosurveillance in treatment-naive and neoadjuvantly treated esophageal adenocarcinoma.

The outcome in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is still poor with only 20% of patients in Western populations surviving for more than 5 years. Almost nothing is known about the precise composition of immune cells and their gene expression profiles in primary resected EACs and also nothing compared to neoadjuvant treated EACs. This study analyzes and compares immune profiles of primary resected and neoadjuvant treated esophageal adenocarcinoma and unravels possible targets for immunotherapy.

Loss of the SWI/SNF-ATPase subunit members SMARCF1 (ARID1A), SMARCA2 (BRM), SMARCA4 (BRG1) and SMARCB1 (INI1) in oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Background: The SWI/SNF complex is an important chromatin remodeler, commonly dysregulated in cancer, with an estimated mutation frequency of 20%. ARID1A is the most frequently mutated subunit gene. Almost nothing is known about the other familiar members of the SWI/SNF complexes, SMARCA2 (BRM), SMARCA4 (BRG1) and SMARCB1 (INI1), in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).

Proposal for a definition of "Oligometastatic disease in pancreatic cancer".

Background: To date, patients with metastasized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC M1) are regarded as a uniform collective. We hypothesize the existence of oligometastatic disease (OMD): a state of PDAC M1 disease with better tumor biology, limited metastasis, and increased survival.

Methods: Data of 128 PDAC M1 patients treated at the University of Cologne between 2008 and 2018 was reviewed.

PIK3CA and KRAS Amplification in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and their Impact on the Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment and Prognosis.

Gene amplifications of PIK3CA or KRAS induce a downstream activation of the AKT-mTOR or RAF-ERK-pathways. Interactions of the active AKT pathway have been implicated in the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Nothing is known about these interactions or prognostic power in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).

A Long Non-coding RNA Signature to Improve Prognostic Prediction of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most aggressive solid malignant tumors worldwide. Increasing investigations demonstrate that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression is abnormally dysregulated in cancers. It is crucial to identify and predict the prognosis of patients for the selection of further therapeutic treatment.

Ultrasound-guided lymphangiography and interventional embolization of chylous leaks following esophagectomy.

Objectives: Postoperative chylothorax is a serious complication after transthoracic esophagectomy, and is associated with major morbidity due to dehydration and malnutrition. For patients with high-output fistula, re-thoracotomy with ligation of the thoracic duct is the treatment of choice. Radiologic interventional management is an innovative procedure that has the potential to replace surgery in the treatment algorithm.

True single-port cholecystectomy with ICG cholangiography through a single 15-mm trocar using the new surgical platform "symphonX": first human case study with a commercially available device.

Background: Minimally invasive single-port surgery is often associated with large incisions up to 2-3 cm, complicated handling due to the lack of triangulation, and instrument crossing. Aim of this prospective study was to perform true single-port surgery (cholecystectomy) without the use of assisting trocars using a new surgical platform that allows for triangulation incorporating robotic features, and to measure the perioperative outcome and cosmetic results.

Methods: As the first European site after FDA and CE-mark approval, the new device has been introduced to our academic center.

Anastomotic Techniques and Associated Morbidity in Total Minimally Invasive Transthoracic Esophagectomy: Results From the EsoBenchmark Database.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe anastomotic techniques used for total minimally invasive transthoracic esophagectomy (ttMIE) and to analyze the associated morbidity.

Background: ttMIE faces increasing application in surgical treatment of esophageal cancer. For esophagogastric reconstruction, different anastomotic techniques are currently used, but their effect on postoperative anastomotic leakage and morbidity has not been investigated.

A robust 6-mRNA signature for prognosis prediction of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most fatal malignancies worldwide. PDAC prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers are still being explored. The aim of this study is to establish a robust molecular signature that can improve the ability to predict PDAC prognosis.

Efficacy and feasibility of OverStitch suturing of leaks in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Background: Management of upper gastrointestinal leaks is challenging. A new potential treatment option for this complication is endoscopic suturing with the OverStitch system (Apollo Endosurgery, Texas, USA), which is today mainly used for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and feasibility of this new treatment option in patients with leaks in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Modular step-up approach to robot-assisted transthoracic esophagectomy-experience of a German high volume center.

Background: The use of robotic technology in general surgery is rapidly increasing in Europe. Aim of this study is to evaluate the introduction of new robotic technologies in a center of excellence for upper gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods: A standardized teaching protocol of a complete OR team was performed in simulation and animal models at the Center for the Future of Surgery (San Diego CA, USA) and IRCAD (Strasbourg, France) to receive certification as console surgeons.

Tumor biology and multidisciplinary strategies of oligometastasis in gastrointestinal cancers.

More than 70% of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are diagnosed with metastases, leading to poor prognosis. For some cancer patients with limited sites of metastatic tumors, the term oligometastatic disease (OMD) has been coined as opposed to systemic polymetastasis (PMD) disease. Stephan Paget first described an organ-specific pattern of metastasis in 1889, now known as the "seed and soil" theory where distinct cancer types are found to metastasize to different tumor-specific sites.

Upregulation of miR-17-92 cluster is associated with progression and lymph node metastasis in oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

The occurrence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and depth of tumour infiltration are significant prognostic factors in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC), however no reliable prognostic biomarkers have been established so far. Aim of this study was to characterize microRNAs (miRs) of OAC patients, who primarily underwent oesophagectomy, in order to identify specific alterations during tumour progression and LNM. MicroRNA array-based quantification analysis of 754 miRs, including tumour specimens of 12 patients with pT2 OAC from three different centres (detection group), was performed.

Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Inhibit Natural Killer Cell Function in Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) induce pre-metastatic niche formation to promote metastasis. We isolated EVs from a highly-metastatic pancreatic cancer cell line and patient-derived primary cancer cells by ultracentrifugation.

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Segmented Esophageal Self-Expandable Metal Stents: Innovative Test Methods Are Needed.

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) in different geometric shapes are well established treatment options in diseases of the esophagus. Mechanical properties and stent design may have an impact on patient comfort, migration rate, and removability. In this study, we evaluated mechanical properties of three segmented SEMSs (segSEMSs) for the esophagus with regard to distinct stent sections.

Elevated X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) expression uncovers detrimental prognosis in subgroups of neoadjuvant treated and T-cell rich esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Background: Molecular markers predicting survival in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are rare. Specifically, in favorable oncologic situations, e.g.