Localization of therapeutic gelatin emboli using radiolabeling--an experimental study

Transcatheter embolization has recently gained widespread acceptance in the treatment of a variety of conditions. To clarify the localization of therapeutic gelatin particles, we have described a simple and safe technique of labeling gelatin particles with 99mTc using stannous chloride solution. This technique provides satisfactory labeling efficiency and allows excellent scintigraphic images of therapeutic gelatin emboli, thus making it possible to clarify the localization of the injected embolic material in vivo.     

Esophageal lesions in intestinal Beh?et's disease

Esophageal lesions are rarely seen in patients with intestinal Beh?et's disease. Three patients with esophageal lesions (dissection of esophageal mucosa, esophageal ulcer, esophageal varices) were observed among 15 patients with intestinal Beh?et's disease or non-specific simple ulcer (1974-1984). Two-thirds of these fifteen patients had fully developed or suspected Beh?et's disease, and one-third had no symptoms typical of Beh?et's disease. They are classified as non-specific simple ulcer. The average age of the 15 patients was 43 years, all patients but one were male. The recurrence rate after surgical treatment was 70%, that of medical treatment was 90%.     

Two cases of lymph node recurrence after endoscopic mucosal resection of esophageal cancer

Here, we reported two cases of lymph node recurrence after endoscopic mucosal resection of esophageal cancer. Case 1: A patient was a 49-year-old man. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was performed to the 0-IIc type esophageal cancer in October 2005. The pathological findings were moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, pT1b-SM3, ly0, and v0. Therefore, additional therapy of definitive chemoradiation was conducted. However, he complained a difficulty in swallowing in June 2007 and computed tomography (CT) revealed a lymph node measuring 4 cm in diameter at the right side of cardia ( #1). Therefore, a radical operation to the lymph node recurrence was performed in August 2007. Pathological findings revealed metastases of cancer were not only in #1 LN but also in #8a. Unfortunately, the patient died on the 37th day after the operation due to a respiratory failure and anastomotic leakage. Case 2: A patient was a 68-year-old man. EMR was performed to the 0-IIa type esophageal cancer in August 2006. The pathological findings were poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, pT1a-MM, ly0, v0. Therefore, adjuvant chemotherapy was added. However, in February 2009, a follow-up CT showed a metastatic lymph node measuring 2 cm in diameter at the right side of cardia (#1) and a radical operation was performed in June 2009. Pathological findings revealed the metastatic lymph nodes were at the right side of cardia (#1) and middle thoracic paraesophagus (#108).     

The outcome of chemotherapy by sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

We analyzed the treatment outcome and effect of sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Nine patients were received the therapy of sorafenib between June 2009 and October 2009. The overall incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 87.5%. Grade 3 drug-related adverse events included a hand-foot skin reaction (two patients) and fatigue (one patient). Grade 2 hypertension (three patients), grade 1 diarrhea (two patients) and anorexia (four patients) occurred at this study. The response rate was 0% (CR/PR 0, SD 2, PD 6) and median overall survival length was 101 days. Now there are two patients undergoing the therapy of sorafenib. Effect of sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma was not good in this study, and drug-related adverse events had a high rate. However, the continuous treatment was possible with dose modified chemotherapy.