Inhibition of ACVR1 in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Stromal signatures in CRC are correlated with poor prognosis and resistance to chemotherapy, affecting tumor progression and relapse. Although single-cell analyses have identified subpopulations of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), effective molecular targeted therapies against CAFs are lacking.

Impact of prophylactic 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic colorectal cancer surgery: a propensity score-matched analysis.

Purpose: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication of surgery. This study evaluated the efficacy of prophylactic 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist (5HT3RA) in preventing PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery.

Methods: Between April and June, 2022, 100 consecutive patients received 5HT3RA prophylaxis before anesthesia induction.

Clinical and prognostic characteristics of metastatic colorectal cancer with minor mutations.

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) presents notable therapeutic challenges. Rat sarcoma virus () mutations, including those in exon 2, are critical for treatment decisions; however, the role of minor mutations ( exons 3 and 4, and ) remains underexplored. Because these mutations are increasingly identified in routine practice due to advances in mutation testing that now routinely includes exons 3 and 4, and , clarifying their clinical relevance has become important for ensuring appropriate treatment selection.

Complete Intracorporeal Single-Stapling Technique Anastomosis Using a Novel Detachable Purse-String Instrument in Robotic Surgery With Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision for Low Rectal Cancer.

Introduction: New techniques for creating anastomoses have been evolving as colorectal surgery shifts toward more minimally invasive robotic platforms. However, robotic rectal cancer surgery still typically involves partial extracorporeal manipulation to secure the anastomotic anvil. We previously performed a simple robotic purse-string suture (RPSS) in complete intracorporeal double-stapling technique (DST) anastomosis and first reported its benefit in the surgical time and the burden on the assistant.

Safety and short-term outcomes of adjuvant nivolumab therapy at 480 mg dose every four weeks in resected esophageal cancer: a prospective cohort study.

Aim: Nivolumab, approved for adjuvant therapy in resected esophageal cancer, is typically administered at 240 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) or 480 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W). However, data on the 480 mg Q4W regimen as an initial therapy are limited. In this study, we evaluated its safety and efficacy.

Short-term outcomes of robot-assisted ultralow anterior resection and robot-assisted rectectomy with transanal anastomosis for rectal cancer in Japan: A multicenter retrospective cohort study (ROSEMARY study).

Background: The complex procedures of ultralow anterior resection and intersphincteric resection require precise manipulation at the deepest pelvis, where the advantages of robotic surgery in particular could be leveraged, despite limited reports of such procedures. We aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of robot-assisted ultralow anterior resection and robot-assisted intersphincteric resection at 31 institutions in Japan.

Methods: This multicenter retrospective study was performed by a total of 31 institutions with the largest number of robot-assisted rectal cancer surgeries based on the survey conducted by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery.

Clinical outcomes of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for postoperative recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has been the first-line treatment for metastatic or unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer. However, postoperative recurrences have not been sufficiently investigated. We investigated the clinical outcomes of pembrolizumab plus cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil (CF) therapy for postoperative recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Role of the Circadian Clock Gene in Chemosensitivity and Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer.

Background/aim: Disruptions in the circadian rhythm are linked to various diseases. The clock gene is related to the progression and recurrence of various types of cancer; however, its role in colorectal cancer has not been determined. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the significance of DEC1 expression level in colorectal cancer and its relationship with prognosis.

Short- and long-term outcomes of robotic versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for middle or lower rectal cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis.

Purpose: The potential benefits of robotic surgery (RS) for rectal cancer (RC) remain uncertain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of RS compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery (LS) for stage I-III middle or lower RC.

Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 350 consecutive patients with stage I-III middle or lower RC who underwent curative surgery from 2017 to 2021, employing propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

Survival Impact of Adjuvant Nivolumab Therapy for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Docetaxel Plus 5-Fluorouracil and Cisplatin.

Background: The efficacy of adjuvant nivolumab following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in managing locally advanced esophageal cancer remains unclear. This study evaluated the survival benefits of adjuvant nivolumab after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil, and cisplatin (DCF) regimen in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included 439 consecutive patients with locally advanced ESCC who underwent radical esophagectomy following neoadjuvant DCF chemotherapy.

Phase II Trial of Capecitabine Plus Bevacizumab for Elderly Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: OGSG 1102.

Background/aim: The combination of capecitabine and bevacizumab is a standard first-line chemotherapy regimen for vulnerable patients with unresectable colorectal cancer. However, the safety and efficacy of this regimen in Japanese patients have not been sufficiently investigated.

Patients And Methods: This phase II study included patients aged ≥76 years or those aged 65-75 years who were unsuitable for intensive chemotherapy.

Safety and feasibility of intensive endoscopic interventions for delayed perforation after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (with video).

Background And Aims: Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely performed for large superficial colorectal tumors; however, it can lead to adverse events such as delayed perforation, which may require emergency surgery. Our goal was to elucidate the clinical course of delayed perforation and the safety and feasibility of intensive endoscopic interventions.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with delayed perforation after colorectal ESD between February 2011 and April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.

Two cases of protein-losing enteropathy induced by zolbetuximab in patients with unresectable advanced gastric cancer.

The GLOW and SPOTLIGHT trials have demonstrated the efficacy of chemotherapy plus zolbetuximab for HER2-negative, claudin-18 isoform 2 (CLDN18.2)-positive unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer (AGC)/gastroesophageal junction cancer. However, data on adverse events in real-world clinical practice are still insufficient.

A multicentre prospective single-arm clinical trial to evaluate the treatment outcomes of prophylactic laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for advanced lower rectal cancer.

Aim: There has been no prospective multicentre validation of the treatment outcomes of minimally invasive lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for lower rectal cancer; hence, this prospective study aimed to evaluate the treatment outcomes of prophylactic laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection.

Method: Between May 2018 and August 2021, 90 patients with Stage II-III rectal cancer were registered. The clearance range for lateral pelvic lymph node dissection included the lymph nodes around the internal iliac artery and the obturator lymph nodes, while the autonomic nerves were generally preserved.

Significance of mouse xenograft tumor model using patient-derived cancer organoids for clinical drug development.

Background: and preclinical examinations of cancer cell lines are performed to determine the effectiveness of new drugs before initiating clinical trials. However, there is often a significant disparity between the promising results observed in preclinical evaluations and actual outcomes in clinical trials. Therefore, we hypothesized that this inconsistency might be due to the differences between the characteristics of cell lines and actual cancers in patients.

Efficacy of the U-shaped flap technique in preventing reflux after minimally invasive proximal gastrectomy for proximal gastric and esophagogastric junction cancer.

Background: Preventing gastroesophageal reflux after proximal gastrectomy for proximal gastric and esophagogastric junction cancer remains challenging due to the lack of standardized reconstructive techniques. The double flap technique (DFT) in valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy prevents reflux esophagitis but is less effective in esophagogastric junction cancer because of negative pressure on the inferior mediastinum. We developed the U-shaped flap technique (UFT) to enhance the anti-reflux efficacy.

Robotic and laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: comparative insights into perioperative performance and three-year survival outcomes.

Background: The primary treatment for gastric cancer (GC) is surgical resection, particularly for locally advanced cases. While laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) has shown short- and long-term benefits, robotic gastrectomy (RG) offers enhanced precision and may lead to better outcomes, especially in advanced-stage disease.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 1538 patients with pathological Stage I-III GC who underwent RG or LG between 2014 and 2021.

Impact of Low Ligation on Bowel Perfusion and Anastomotic Leakage in Minimally Invasive Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Whether the level of the inferior mesenteric artery ligation affects the incidence of anastomotic leakage remains unclear.

Objective: To assess the impact of the level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation on blood flow to the anastomotic site and the incidence of anastomotic leakage using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging.

Design: A post hoc analysis of the EssentiAL trial.

Three-year follow-up outcomes of postoperative quality of life from a randomized controlled trial comparing multi-port versus single-port laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer has become widely used; minimally invasive surgery has become the mainstream of treatment. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to compare long-term quality of life (QoL) and weight loss rates in patients who underwent single-port laparoscopic gastrectomy (SLG) or multi-port laparoscopic gastrectomy (MLG) for gastric cancer.

Methods: This single-center RCT compared MLG and SLG in patients with clinical stage I gastric cancer, all of which underwent distal gastrectomy between April 2016 and September 2018.

Prognostic impact of lateral sentinel lymph node biopsy using indocyanine green on oncological outcomes for clinical stage II/III lower rectal cancer without suspected lateral lymph node metastasis.

Purpose: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can detect occult nodal metastasis. We have previously reported the safety and feasibility of indocyanine green (ICG)-guided SLNB for clinical stage II/III lower rectal cancer (RC). However, little is known about the influence of lateral pelvic SLNB using ICG on oncological outcomes.

Tolerability and Safety Assessment of Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy with S-1 after Limited Surgery for T1 or T2 Lower Rectal Cancer.

Background: The short-term outcomes of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with S-1 (a combination of tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil) following limited surgery for patients with T1 or T2 lower rectal cancer have shown encouraging results.

Objectives: This study was designed to delve deeper into the long-term outcomes of CRT with S-1 after limited surgery, with the goal of evaluating both the long-term efficacy and potential risks associated with this treatment approach in patients diagnosed with T1 or T2 lower rectal cancer.

Methods: This was conducted as a multicenter, single-arm, prospective phase II trial.

Trial Protocol of a Phase II Study of mFOLFOXIRI after Metastasectomy in Patients with Oligometastatic Colorectal Cancer (FANTASTIC Study).

Background: The survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection of oligometastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. The prognostic role of circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) was reported recently and a risk stratification strategy based on monitoring minimal/molecular residual disease (MRD) has been proposed, however, which drug regimen is most effective for ctDNA-positive patients is unknown.

Methods/design: Oligometastatic CRC patients planning to undergo surgery were registered in this study.