Adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 after curative chemoradiotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Reanalysis of the ACTS-HNC study.

Background: Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has improved organ preservation or overall survival (OS) of locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer (LAHNSCC), but in clinical trials of conventional CRT, increasing CRT intensity has not been shown to improve OS. In the Adjuvant ChemoTherapy with S-1 after curative treatment in patients with Head and Neck Cancer (ACTS-HNC) phase III study, OS of curative locoregional treatments improved more with adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 (tegafur gimeracil oteracil potassium) than with tegafur/uracil (UFT). ACTS HNC study showed the significant efficacy of S-1 after curative radiotherapy in sub-analysis.

Short-term outcomes of open liver resection and laparoscopic liver resection: Secondary analysis of data from a multicenter prospective study (CSGO-HBP-004).

The aim of the present study was to compare short-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open liver resection (LLR and OLR, respectively), and we first analyzed a preoperatively enrolled and prospectively collected database. We carried out a secondary analysis using a preoperative enrolled database that included the details of 786 patients who had been enrolled in a previously carried out randomized controlled trial to assess short-term outcomes, including morbidities. Statistical analyses included logistic regression, propensity score matching (PSM) with replacement, and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analyses.

A phase I study of oral UFT/leucovorin and irinotecan, plus radiation for locally recurrent rectal cancer.

Objectives: The aim of this phase I study is to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose (RD) of CPT-11 in combination with UFT/LV and radiation in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer.

Methods: Patients with histologically proven rectal cancer with local recurrence were eligible for this study. Escalating doses of CPT-11 (30-60 mg/m) were administered on days 3, 10, 24, and 31.

Inhibiting checkpoint kinase 1 protects bone from bone resorption by mammary tumor in a mouse model.

DNA damage response plays a critical role in tumor growth, but little is known about its potential role in bone metabolism. We employed selective inhibitors of Chk1 and examined their effects on the proliferation and migration of mammary tumor cells as well as the development of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Further, using a mouse model of bone metastasis we evaluated the effects of Chk1 inhibitors on bone quality.

F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for the prediction of survival in patients with advanced esophageal cancer who have undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a promising treatment strategy for advanced esophageal cancer. However, measures of NAC response assessment and prognostic prediction have not yet been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of combined F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).

Selective identification of somatic mutations in pancreatic cancer cells through a combination of next-generation sequencing of plasma DNA using molecular barcodes and a bioinformatic variant filter.

The accuracy of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for detecting tumor-specific mutations in plasma DNA is hindered by errors introduced during PCR/sequencing, base substitutions caused by DNA damage, and pre-existing mutations in normal cells that are present at a low frequency. Here, we performed NGS of genes related to pancreatic cancer (comprising 2.8 kb of genomic DNA) in plasma DNA (average 4.

Bi-weekly eribulin therapy for metastatic breast cancer: a multicenter phase II prospective study (JUST-STUDY).

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether schedule modification is safe and effective in patients intolerant to the standard eribulin dose and schedule.

Methods: Patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treated with both anthracycline and taxane and ≤ 3 prior regimens of chemotherapy for MBC received eribulin at the standard dose and schedule (1.4 mg/m on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle) in the first cycle; change of dosing schedule (1.

Urinary dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery: Results from a randomized trial comparing mesorectal excision with and without lateral lymph node dissection for clinical stage II or III lower rectal cancer (Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study, JCOG0212).

Background: Postoperative urinary dysfunction is a major complication of rectal cancer surgery. A randomized controlled trial (JCOG0212) concluded that the noninferiority of mesorectal excision alone to mesorectal excision with lateral lymph node dissection was not confirmed in terms of relapse-free survival.

Methods: Eligibility criteria included histologically proven clinical stage II/III rectal cancer, a main lesion located in the rectum with the lower margin below the peritoneal reflection, and the absence of lateral lymph node enlargement.

Impact of endoscopic stent insertion on detection of viable circulating tumor cells from obstructive colorectal cancer.

The placement of a self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) in obstructive colorectal cancer (OCRC) is acknowledged to be a safe and effective procedure for the relief of obstruction. However, there is concern that shear forces acting on the tumor during stent expansion may release cancer cells into the circulation, resulting in a poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether colonic stent insertion increases viable circulating tumor cells (v-CTCs).

Laparoscopic Hilar Lymph Node Sampling in Patients With Biliary Tract Cancers That are Rarely Associated With Nodal Metastasis.

Purpose: Among the various types of biliary tract cancer, patients with single, small (<5 cm), peripheral intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), or small (<2 cm) gallbladder tumors (GBTs) rarely develop lymph node (LN) metastasis. We investigated a laparoscopic approach for hilar LN sampling in such cases.

Methods: Among the 176 patients with biliary tract cancer who were treated from January 2012 to March 2017, 21 (ICC, n=4; GBT, n=17) met the above indications.

Comparison of Adverse Events and Outcomes Between Patients With and Without Drain Insertion After Hepatectomy: A Propensity Score-Matched, Multicenter, Prospective Observational Cohort Study in Japan (CSGO-HBP-001).

Background: Adverse events (AEs) after hepatectomy (Hx) have decreased. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of Hx and to identify the risks and benefits of drain insertion.

Methods: From 2010 to 2012, a multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted in consecutive patients who underwent Hx.

Genomic characterization of biliary tract cancers identifies driver genes and predisposing mutations.

Background & Aims: Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are clinically and pathologically heterogeneous and respond poorly to treatment. Genomic profiling can offer a clearer understanding of their carcinogenesis, classification and treatment strategy. We performed large-scale genome sequencing analyses on BTCs to investigate their somatic and germline driver events and characterize their genomic landscape.

Educational gradients in the use of electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products in Japan.

Objectives: In addition to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), tobacco companies have recently begun to sell heat-not-burn tobacco products, Ploom and iQOS in Japan. Previous research has reported an inverse association between combustible cigarette smoking and educational attainment, but little is known about the association for e-cigarettes, especially heat-not-burn tobacco products. Our objective was to analyze the relationship between educational attainment and e-cigarette and heat-not-burn tobacco use.

Efficacy and safety of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy immediately after endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Background And Aims: In the treatment of patients after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), there is no consensus on the optimum time to start Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy or on whether eradication therapy improves ulcer healing rate after ESD. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of immediate eradication of H. pylori on ulcer healing after ESD in patients with early gastric neoplasms.

Conventional versus traction-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric neoplasms: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (with video).

Background And Aims: The aim of this study was to clarify whether dental floss clip (DFC) traction improves the technical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

Methods: A superiority, randomized control trial was conducted at 14 institutions across Japan. Patients with single gastric neoplasm meeting the indications of the Japanese guidelines for gastric treatment were enrolled and assigned to receive conventional ESD or DFC traction-assisted ESD (DFC-ESD).

Body-Mass Index and Pancreatic Cancer Incidence: A Pooled Analysis of Nine Population-Based Cohort Studies With More Than 340,000 Japanese Subjects.

Background: A high body mass index (BMI) has been proposed as an important risk factor for pancreatic cancer. However, this association of BMI with pancreatic cancer risk has not been confirmed in Asian populations.

Methods: We evaluated the association between BMI (either at baseline or during early adulthood) and pancreatic cancer risk by conducting a pooled analysis of nine population-based prospective cohort studies in Japan with more than 340,000 subjects.

Computer-aided diagnosis for identifying and delineating early gastric cancers in magnifying narrow-band imaging.

Background And Aims: Magnifying narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) is important in the diagnosis of early gastric cancers (EGCs) but requires expertise to master. We developed a computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) system to assist endoscopists in identifying and delineating EGCs.

Methods: We retrospectively collected and randomly selected 66 EGC M-NBI images and 60 non-cancer M-NBI images into a training set and 61 EGC M-NBI images and 20 non-cancer M-NBI images into a test set.

Adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival of patients with high-risk upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a propensity score-matched analysis.

Background: The purposes of this study were to determine whether adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) improved the prognosis of patients with high-risk upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC)and to identify the patients who benefited from AC.

Methods: Among a multi-center database of 1014 patients who underwent RNU for UTUC, 344 patients with ≥ pT3 or the presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were included. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) estimates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and groups were compared by the log-rank test.

Clinical Efficacy of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy for Unresectable Chondrosarcomas.

Background: Carbon ion radiotherapy has precise dose distribution and high biological effectiveness and is likely a promising therapy for patients with sarcomas. We evaluated the outcomes of carbon ion radiotherapy in patients with unresectable chondrosarcomas.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective analysis of 75 tumors in 73 patients treated with carbon ion radiotherapy was performed.

Unfavorable impact of cancer cachexia on activity of daily living and need for inpatient care in elderly patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in Japan: a prospective longitudinal observational study.

Background: Cancer cachexia in elderly patients may substantially impact physical function and medical dependency. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of cachexia on activity of daily living (ADL), length of hospital stay, and inpatient medical costs among elderly patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving chemotherapy.

Methods: Thirty patients aged ≥70 years with advanced NSCLC (stage III-IV) scheduled to receive first-line chemotherapy were prospectively enrolled between January 2013 and November 2014.

HLA genotyping by next-generation sequencing of complementary DNA.

Background: Genotyping of the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) is indispensable for various medical treatments. However, unambiguous genotyping is technically challenging due to high polymorphism of the corresponding genomic region. Next-generation sequencing is changing the landscape of genotyping.

Association of interleukin 1 receptor-like 1 gene polymorphisms with eosinophilic phenotype in Japanese adults with asthma.

Background: IL1RL1 (ST2) is involved in Th2 inflammation including eosinophil activation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the IL1RL1 gene are associated with asthma development and increased peripheral blood eosinophil counts. However, the association between IL1RL1 SNPs and eosinophilic phenotype among adults with asthma remains unexplored.

Results of treatment for thymic neuroendocrine tumours: multicentre clinicopathological study.

Objectives: A thymic neuroendocrine tumour (TNET) is rare, and few comprehensive reports of treatment results have been presented. To clarify the clinicopathological characteristics of TNET in affected patients, outcomes were retrospectively examined using cases accumulated in a multicentre survey.

Methods: Thirty patients (25 men and 5 women) who underwent surgical resection or biopsy procedures at 10 institutions of the Thoracic Surgery Study Group of Osaka University (TSSGO) between January 1986 and June 2015 and pathologically diagnosed with TNET were enrolled.