Early endpoints of a randomized phase II trial of preoperative chemotherapy with S-1/CDDP with or without trastuzumab followed by surgery for HER2-positive resectable gastric or esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma with extensive lymph node metastasis: Japan Clinical Oncology Group study JCOG1301C (Trigger Study).

Background: This randomized phase II study explored the superiority of trastuzumab plus S-1 plus cisplatin (SP) over SP alone as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for HER2-positive resectable gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis.

Methods: Eligible patients with HER2-positive gastric or esophagogastric junction cancer and extensive lymph node metastasis were randomized to receive three or four courses of preoperative chemotherapy with SP (arm A) or SP plus trastuzumab (arm B). Following gastrectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 was administered for 1 year in both arms.

Analysis of questionnaire survey to determine worldwide trends in prescriptions of biologics for the treatment of unresponsive chronic urticaria.

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common condition treated by allergist/immunologists, but the only FDA-approved biologic medication, omalizumab, may be underutilized globally.

Objective: This study was performed to determine the global prescription of omalizumab for treatment of CSU by allergists/immunologists.

Methods: Anonymous questionnaire surveys were distributed online to World Allergy Organization (WAO) members worldwide.

QT-Interval Prolongation Associated with Supratherapeutic Guanfacine Concentration: A Case Report.

Introduction: Guanfacine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although cardiovascular effects including hypotension and bradycardia are common adverse effects of guanfacine, the effect of guanfacine on QT intervals remains unclear. The association between the serum concentration of guanfacine and its toxicity has also not been fully investigated.

Unexpectedly Prolonged Serotonin Syndrome and Fatal Complications Following a Massive Overdose of Paroxetine Controlled-Release.

Symptoms caused by a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) overdose are often mild and can be managed with supportive care and close monitoring, even when complicated by serotonin syndrome. There are limited pharmacokinetic data regarding massive overdoses of paroxetine, and the severity of an SSRI overdose is likely to be underestimated. We describe a fatal case of severe serotonin syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following an overdose of controlled-release paroxetine.

Clinical Phase I Study of TAS102/Irinotecan/Bevacizumab Combination Therapy in Japanese Patients With Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC).

Background: In this phase I study, we aimed to examine the safety of a triple combination (TAS-102/irinotecan/bevacizumab) therapy in patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods: In the TAS-102 dose-escalation phase, we determined dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), estimated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and determined the recommended dose (RD); in the expansion phase, we evaluated safety. The RD was administered in advance for 10 patients.

Short-term outcomes of preoperative chemotherapy with docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and S-1 for gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis (JCOG1704).

Background: The prognosis for marginally resectable gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis (ELM) remains unfavorable, even after R0 resection. To assess the safety and efficacy of preoperative docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and S-1 (DOS), we conducted a multicenter phase II trial.

Methods: Eligibility criteria included histologically proven HER2-negative gastric adenocarcinoma with bulky nodal (bulky N) involvement around major branched arteries or para-aortic node (PAN) metastases.

Range of Motion and Muscle Strength Changes in Japanese Professional Pitchers During the Baseball Season.

Background: There are no studies examining changes in the physical function throughout the baseball season in Japanese professional players. We examined the range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength changes in professional baseball pitchers as the season progresses.

Materials And Methods: Five professional baseball pitchers were included.

Radiological characteristics of skeletal growth in neonates and infants with achondroplasia.

Achondroplasia (ACH) is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia characterized by a rhizomelic short stature. Radiological skeletal findings in pediatric and adult patients with ACH include short long bones, a relatively longer fibula compared to the tibia, a narrow lumbar interpedicular distance, and a hypoplastic iliac wing. Nonetheless, the characteristics of skeletal growth during the neonatal and infantile periods have scarcely been explored.

Distribution of osteoprotegerin in unruptured intracranial aneurysms in humans: association with aneurysm wall protective remodeling.

Objective: Aneurysm wall inflammation is associated with lesion instability in unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). However, most UIAs remain unruptured during lifelong follow-ups because of simultaneous protective remodeling against the inflammatory response. The protective effects of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in intracranial and abdominal aortic aneurysms have been suggested using rodent models; however, the role of this protein in UIAs in humans remains unclear.

Association between social background and implementation of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for older patients undergoing curative resection of colorectal cancers, sub-analysis of the HiSCO-04 study.

Purpose: Adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended following colorectal cancer resection based on risk of recurrence. In older patients, treatment decisions should consider recurrence rates and tolerability, as well as functional prognosis, residual disease, and social factors. This study aims to investigate factors, including social background, influencing implementation of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in older patients undergoing curative resection for colorectal cancer.

The Negative Impact of Inflammation-Related Parameters in Prostate Cancer after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study in Japan (the MSUG94 Group).

: We aimed to examine the relationship between the inflammation-related parameters, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the pathological findings and biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). : A retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with PCa who underwent RARP at 10 institutes in Japan was conducted. This study enrolled 3195 patients.

Comparison of postoperative outcomes in cases achieving sustained virological response with direct-acting antiviral and interferon therapy.

Background/purpose: The effect of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after curative hepatectomy remains uncertain. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of sustained virological response (SVR) with DAAs or interferon (IFN) therapy on recurrence and overall survival (OS) after hepatectomy.

Methods: We enrolled 593 patients who underwent curative resections between January 2010 and December 2017.

Prognostic impact of radiological tumor burden in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma treated with pembrolizumab.

Purpose: Radiological tumor burden has been reported to be prognostic in many malignancies in the immunotherapy era, yet whether it is prognostic in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) treated with pembrolizumab remains uninvestigated. We sought to assess the predictive and prognostic value of radiological tumor burden in patients with mUC.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 308 patients with mUC treated with pembrolizumab.

A Multicenter, Open-Label, Single-Arm Phase I Trial of Dual-Wield Parenchymal Transection: A New Technique of Liver Resection Using the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator and Water-Jet Scalpel Simultaneously (HiSCO-14 Trial).

Purpose: This study evaluated the safety and feasibility of a technique of liver resection named dual-wield parenchymal transection technique (DWT), using cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) and water-jet scalpel simultaneously.

Methods: This multicenter, prospective, open-label, and single-arm phase I trial included patients aged 20 years or older with hepatic tumors indicated for surgical resection and scheduled for open radical resection. This study was conducted at two institutions affiliated with the Hiroshima Surgical Study Group of Clinical Oncology (HiSCO).

Early transition to avacopan from glucocorticoids applied during induction therapy for microscopic polyangiitis with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by necrotizing inflammation of small blood vessels. Glucocorticoids (GC) in combination with rituximab or cyclophosphamide can reduce AAV-related mortality and rescue renal function. However, several side effects associated with these agents, including GC toxicity, are concerning.

Long-term conservative treatment outcomes for midshaft clavicle fractures: a 10-to-30-year follow-up.

Background: Few reports exist on the long-term outcomes of midshaft clavicle fracture conservative treatments. Therefore, this study investigated the long-term outcome of this treatment in patients with midshaft clavicle fractures.

Methods: Patients were treated conservatively for midshaft clavicle fractures with a figure-of-eight bandage between 10 and 30 years ago.