Periostin secreted by activated fibroblasts in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis promotes tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) show poor prognosis. Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein highly expressed in the lung tissues of IPF. This study aimed to investigate the possibility that periostin secreted by fibroblasts derived from IPF lung might affect proliferation of NSCLC cells.

Three-Dimensional Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Model Using a Layer-by-Layer Cell Coating Technique.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe health problem characterized by progressive fibroblast proliferation and aberrant vascular remodeling. However, the lack of a suitable model that replicates cell-specific changes in IPF tissue is a crucial issue. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures allow the mimicking of cell-specific functions, facilitating development of novel antifibrosis drugs.

Salvage surgery for stage IVa thymic carcinoma combined with aortic arch resection - case report.

Background: Although complete surgical resection of thymic carcinoma is a prognostic factor, extended surgery combined with a major blood vessel procedure remains controversial because of the increased risk of mortality. We report a case of Stage IVa thymic carcinoma successfully resected with a pneumonectomy along with aortic arch replacement after chemotherapy.

Case Presentation: A 45-year-old male was diagnosed with thymic carcinoma invasion to the aortic arch and left pulmonary artery.

[Clinical Significance of Placing a PEG during Chemoradiotherapy for Advanced Esophageal Cancer].

Background: Unresectable advanced esophageal cancer is often treated with chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy(CRT). Nutritional disorders caused by dysphagia may lead to a poor prognosis. Placing a PEG before starting CRT for advanced esophageal cancer may maintain better nutritional status.

[A case of synchronous sigmoid cancer and ureter cancer].

A 78-year-old-man visited a nearby doctor for treatment of hepatitis C and high blood pressure.He was diagnosed with right hydronephrosis by abdominal echography conducted in follow-up of hepatitis C treatment in November 2011; he was then introduced to our hospital for close inspection and medical treatment.We observed wall hyperplasia and narrowing of the lumen in the central sigmoid part by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT).

Synchronous primary lung cancer presenting with small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Multiple synchronous primary lung cancers presenting with different histologic types are uncommon. Among reported cases with different histologic findings, only a few had small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and adenocarcinoma. This unusual combination of lung cancers has not been well reported.

[A long-term survivor of a rectal carcinoid treated by use of repeat TACE for multiple intrahepatic recurrences after liver resection and MCT].

A woman between 50 and 60 years of age was diagnosed with a rectal carcinoid tumor and synchronal multiple liver metastases. We performed a transanal local resection of the rectal tumor, which was 10mm in diameter. During surgery, ultrasonography revealed 8 hypoechoic masses in the liver, and we performed a partial hepatectomy (S5/6, S8) and administered microwave coagulation therapy.

[Occurrence of squamous cell lung carcinoma in the irradiated field after radiotherapy for breast cancer].

Radiotherapy for breast cancer reduces the incidence of disease recurrence and breast cancer mortality.However, it has also been associated with an increased risk of developing secondary cancers in exposed sites.Recently, we observed a 64-year-old woman who developed squamous cell lung carcinoma in the field irradiated with a total dose of 55 Gy after conservative breast surgery for left breast cancer 16 years previously.

Successful Removal of Giant Intrapericardial Paraganglioma via Posterolateral Thoracotomy.

Intrapericardial paraganglioma remains a surgical challenge because of its hypervascular nature and firm adhesion to adjacent mediastinal structures. Here, we describe a 63-year-old female with a giant nonfunctioning intrapericardial paraganglioma tightly adhered to the left atrium. Marginal but complete resection of the tumor was achieved via right posterolateral thoracotomy.