Therapeutic strategy for scirrhous type gastric cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: As no appropriate therapeutic strategy has yet been established in scirrhous type gastric cancer, we retrospectively analyzed the therapeutic outcomes in patients with this type of cancer. METHODOLOGY: A total of 183 patients with scirrhous type gastric cancer were enrolled in the study. 127 of them underwent resection; 61 potentially curative gastrectomy; 66 palliative resection; and 56 had no surgery. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that the number of metastatic lymph nodes and the depth of invasion influenced prognosis in curatively resected cases, whereas no factor did so after palliative resection. Multivariate analysis showed that prognosis was affected independently by peritoneal metastasis and non-regional lymph node metastasis in all resected cases, but by the number of metastatic lymph nodes in curatively resected cases. There was no significant difference in survival between patients undergoing and those not undergoing palliative gastrectomy. Prophylactic (6) and therapeutic CHPP (12) had no efficacy on peritoneal metastasis. Furthermore, left upper abdominal evisceration (LUAE) (9) did not improve long-term results in curatively resected cases. CONCLUSIONS: In scirrhous type gastric cancer, gastrectomy including extended lymph node dissection is justified only in patients with limited lymph node metastasis, and palliative gastrectomy should be not performed because it has no efficacy on survival.     

An experimental study on the fibrosis of scirrhous gastric carcinoma

9 surgical specimens of gastric carcinoma were examined for their immunoreactivity with type I procollagen antiserum. For specimens of the four Borrmann type IV carcinomas and one of Borrmann type III carcinomas, all of which exhibited abundant fibrous stroma (histologically scirrhous), the cytoplasm of the tumor cells was strongly positive. In contrast, the tumor cells of the non-scirrhous carcinoma (histologically medullary) were poorly reactive to type I procollagen antiserum. We found the cells, which were established from scirrhous carcinoma (KATO III), express type I procollagen mRNA (4.8 kb, 6.0 kb) as revealed by dot blot analysis and Northern blot hybridization. And we determined the presence of type I procollagen related antigen in the cell culture medium of KATO III using RIA and Western blotting. Administration of glucocorticoid to KATO III caused decrease of procollagen mRNA expression. It was revealed that collagen synthesis of scirrhous gastric carcinoma was regulated by glucocorticoid in the same manner of fibroblast.     

Retroperitoneal fibrosis associated with immunoglobulin G4-related disease

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disease characterized by the development of inflammation and fibrosis in the soft tissues of the retroperitoneum and other abdominal organs.Retroperitoneal fibrosis can be of 2 types:idiopathic and secondary.The recently advocated concept and diagnostic criteria of immunoglobulin G4(IgG4)-related disease,derived from research on autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP),has led to widespread recognition of retroperitoneal fibrosis as a condition caused by IgG4-related disease.We now know that previously diagnosed idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis includes IgG4-related disease;however,the actual prevalence is unclear.Conversely,some reports on AIP suggest that retroperitoneal fibrosis is concurrently found in about 10% of IgG4-related disease.Because retroperitoneal fibrosis has no specific symptoms,diagnosis is primarily based on diagnostic imaging(computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging),which is also useful in evaluating the effect of therapy.Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis can occur at different times with other lesions of IgG4-related disease including AIP.Thus,the IgG4 assay is recommended to diagnose idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.High serum IgG4 levels should be treated and monitored as a symptom of IgG4-related disease.The first line of treatment for retroperitoneal fibrosis is steroid therapy regardless of its cause.For patients with concurrent AIP,i.e.,IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis,the starting dose of steroid is usually 30-40 mg/d.The response to steroid therapy is generally favorable.In most cases,the pancreatic lesion and retroperitoneal fibrosis improve after the initial treatment.However,the epidemiology,treatment for recurring retroperitoneal fibrosis,and long-term prognosis are still largely unknown.Further analysis of such cases and research are necessary.     

Retroperitoneal fibrosis associated with membranous nephropathy effectively treated with steroids

Corticosteroids were successfully used to treat a 66-year-old man with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) and previously diagnosed membranous nephropathy. Proteinuria was noted at the age of 51 years, and membranous nephropathy was diagnosed by renal biopsy. Ten years later, he presented with right hydronephrosis and renal dysfunction, and was diagnosed as having RPF based on the typical diagnostic imaging findings. Steroid therapy was successful, resulting in improvement of the hydronephrosis and renal function. The hydronephrosis recurred three years later, but corticosteroids were again effective in improving ureteral obstruction. This was a rare case of recurrent RPF with membranous nephropathy in which steroid therapy was effective in treating pleural effusion and hypergammaglobulinemia during the clinical course. This case suggests that an immunological disorder is involved in the pathogenesis of RPF.     

Clinicopathological features of long-term survivors of scirrhous gastric cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Prognosis of scirrhous gastric cancer remains low. To determine the clinicopathological features that are correlated with prognosis, we studied long-term survivors of scirrhous gastric cancer (survival duration more than 5 years) in comparison with patients with short survival. METHODOLOGY: Among 2719 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery at Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital, 211 cases were diagnosed as scirrhous type gastric cancer. Seventeen patients survived more than 5 years, and the rest had short survival (less than 5 years). Comparison of clinicopathological factors was done by chi 2 analysis. Multivariate analysis was done in order to focus on the prognostic factors. RESULTS: The 5-year survival of the total 211 patients was 12%. The 5-year survival of patients who underwent curative surgery (67 cases) was 30%, which was significantly higher than that of the non-curative surgery group (144 cases, 6%). Significant differences were noted in the following variables: peritoneal dissemination, hepatic metastasis, lymph node dissection, pattern of infiltrating growth, depth of invasion, histological lymph node metastasis, histological stage, and histological curability. Patients with either hepatic metastasis or peritoneal dissemination did not survive 5 years. Multivariate analysis revealed that the most significant independent prognostic factor was histological curability, followed by peritoneal dissemination. CONCLUSIONS: There is a possibility of long-term survival for patients with scirrhous gastric cancers without hepatic metastasis, peritoneal dissemination, or extensive lymph node metastasis. Curative surgery is important, suggesting that the extended operation is rational if possible.     

Retroperitoneal fibrosis

Retroperitoneal fibrosis encompasses a range of diseases characterised by the presence of a fibro-inflammatory tissue, which usually surrounds the abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries and extends into the retroperitoneum to envelop neighbouring structures--eg, ureters. Retroperitoneal fibrosis is generally idiopathic, but can also be secondary to the use of certain drugs, malignant diseases, infections, and surgery. Idiopathic disease was thought to result from a local inflammatory reaction to antigens in the atherosclerotic plaques of the abdominal aorta, but clinicolaboratory findings--namely, the presence of constitutional symptoms and the high concentrations of acute-phase reactants--and the frequent association of the disease with autoimmune diseases that involve other organs suggest that it might be a manifestation of a systemic autoimmune or inflammatory disease. Steroids are normally used to treat idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, although other options--eg, immunosuppressants, tamoxifen--are available. The outlook is usually good, but, if not appropriately diagnosed or treated, the disease can cause severe complications, such as end-stage renal failure. Here, we review the different aspects of retroperitoneal fibrosis, focusing on idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis and on the differential diagnosis associated with the secondary forms.     

Earlier diagnosis of gastric infiltrating carcinoma (scirrhous cancer)

We approached the early diagnosis of gastric infiltrating carcinoma, scirrhous cancer, by a retrospective study of 19 patients, together with a prospective study of a single patient, by reexamination and follow-up of gastric roentgenographs and endoscopic films. This study suggests that an early feature of this type of gastric cancer might be IIc- or III + IIc-like depression in the body of the stomach, probably in the fundic region of the stomach. A shallow depression or a slight stiffness of the gastric wall may be one of the earliest roentgenographic or endoscopic findings helpful in early detection of this disease.     

Retroperitoneal fibrosis

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is characterised by inflammatory fibrotic processes affecting the retroperitoneal structures. Its prevalence of 1 - 2/200,000 makes it a rare disease. To date, there are no guidelines for the diagnosis of or therapy for the disease. If untreated, the disease may be fatal. In 2006, the Department of Urology of the HELIOS Klinikum Wuppertal undertook to establish a nationwide patient registry, which would facilitate prospective therapy trials and the drafting of recommendations for diagnostic procedures. The pathogenesis of the disease is still unclear. Since some RPF-patients present with associated autoimmune diseases, autoimmune processes are suspected to play a role in causing the disease. The presence of autoantibodies and histological similarities with vasculitis support this hypothesis. Following initial general symptoms, patients display localised symptoms (flank pain, leg oedema, abdominal discomfort), caused by the displacing effect of the fibrotic plaques. Laboratory tests show elevated ESR and C-reactive protein and in some cases a moderate anaemia. Histological examinations should be undertaken to rule out the presence of malignant tumours. Radiological diagnostics (excretory urography, CT, MRI) show a retroperitoneal mass which blocks, compresses and displaces, completely or in part, the large vessels and the ureter. Initial therapy aims at restoring the function of the affected hollow organs through the application of (ureteric) stents, followed by immunosuppressive therapy. If drug therapy is unsuccessful, surgical procedures will follow to protect the ureter from compression. In some cases, ureteral replacement or an autotransplant of the kidney may be necessary. Life-long observation of the patients is necessary, as the disease may be chronic and relapsing. Interdisciplinary and nationwide cooperation is of crucial importance to further investigate this disease.     

Retroperitoneal fibrosis

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is an uncommon collagen vascular disease of unclear aetiology. It is characterised by a chronic non-specific inflammation of the retroperitoneum, which can entrap and obstruct retroperitoneal structures, notably the ureters. Because of the protean manifestations of RPF, awareness of the disease is important. It is still not uncommon to detect RPF only after severe renal failure is present. This comprehensive review deals with the various aspects of RPF and tries to provide a framework for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of this intriguing condition. Although it may have various causes, chronic periaortitis appears to be an increasingly encountered form of secondary RPF in patients with advanced atherosclerosis. Irrespective of its cause, most cases of non-malignant RPF - if in the active 'cellular' stage - will respond to treatment with corticosteroids, thereby obviating the need for surgical treatment. The clinical and radiographic improvement seen after starting steroid therapy is often impressive and reassuring as to the diagnosis. Treatment with corticosteroids may also make aneurysmectomy, if indicated, feasible in the patient who presents with perianeurysmal fibrosis and renal failure. Accumulating data suggest alternative treatment strategies for steroid-resistant cases (i.e. intensive immunosuppression) or when steroids are not feasible (i.e. other forms of immunosuppression or hormonal treatment, particularly tamoxifen). Although early diagnosis and treatment provide excellent renal and patient outcome, long-term follow-up is mandatory in all cases.     

Crohn's disease associated with gastric cancer

Received: May 15, 2000 / Accepted: November 10, 2000     

Retroperitoneal fibrosis associated with neuritis symptomatology due to external iliac artery stent subadventitial migration

The occurrence of a neuritis of the ischiatic nerve and the genito-femoral nerve due to the implant of three stents in the iliac artery, is an extremely rare complication, especially if associated with retroperitoneal fibrosis which caused a nevritis symptomatology. A case of stent migration in the subadventitial space which caused 4 years from angioplasty and stents implant, a nevritis symptomatology. Retroperitoneal fibrosis has been considered as a consequence of the stents presence and of their chronic irritational activity, especially for what concerns the stent migrated in the subadventitial space; the procedure personally performed in this case is reported.