The incidence of mismatch repair gene defects in colorectal liver metastases.

Knowledge of the molecular biology of primary colorectal cancer (CRC) has improved in recent years, and one reason for this is the identification of microsatellite instability (MSI), which occurs in up to 15% of sporadic CRC. However, less is known regarding the processes involved in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Increasing numbers of patients with CRLM are suitable for curative resection, so the identification of molecular markers may improve patient selection.

Portal vein embolization prior to major liver resection.

Background: Portal vein embolization (PVE) induces compensatory hypertrophy of the future liver remnant volume (FLRV) to improve the safety of major liver surgery by reducing the risk of post-operative liver failure. The aim was to describe our experience of PVE for patients with large or multifocal malignant liver tumours who initially were deemed unresectable.

Methods: Perioperative data were retrieved from a prospective database and computed tomographic scans were retrospectively reviewed to calculate volume changes and the degree of liver hypertrophy following PVE.

Expression of S100A2 calcium-binding protein predicts response to pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer.

Background & Aims: Current methods of preoperative staging and predicting outcome following pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer (PC) are inadequate. We evaluated the utility of multiple biomarkers from distinct biologic pathways as potential predictive markers of response to pancreatectomy and patient survival.

Methods: We assessed the relationship of candidate biomarkers known, or suspected, to be aberrantly expressed in PC, with disease-specific survival and response to therapy in a cohort of 601 patients.

The role of the promontory stimulation test in cochlear implantation.

To date, 290 adults have been implanted in the cochlear implant programme in Sydney (Australia), where the promontory stimulation test (PST) is routinely used to assess implant candidacy. There has been much controversy over the exact role and value of this test. Pre- and postoperative speech comprehension tests of 150 implantees were analysed, and scores were compared with preoperative PST performances.

Sporadic pancreatic polypeptide secreting tumors (PPomas) of the pancreas.

Background: Sporadic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, which predominantly secrete pancreatic polypeptide (PPoma), are rare and have not been associated with a clinical syndrome. A wider understanding of their pathological features and behavior is needed.

Methods: Four PPoma patients who presented with nonspecific abdominal pain are described.