Esophagogastric Junction Cancer Research Articles

A sandwiching method that simplifies hepatic left lateral segment inversion to secure an optimal surgical view around the esophageal hiatus in laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy for upper gastric and esophagogastric junction cancers.

In laparoscopic surgery for upper gastric and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer, it is important to achieve optimal exposure of the esophageal hiatus to secure an appropriate workspace. In recent years, hepatic left lateral segment (HLLS) inversion has been used to achieve an optimal surgical field. We present a simple technique to perform a modified HLLS inversion. As a simple modified method, suturing a 2-0 straight needle to the peritoneum of the round ligament and pulling it to the outside of the abdominal cavity, the falciform, left triangular, and coronary ligaments were dissected. The HLLS was inverted by moving it to the right through the space of the transected falciform ligament. By ligating the thread through the round ligament, the HLLS was sandwiched between the rest of the liver and abdominal wall. The short-term surgical outcomes of patient who underwent simple modified HLLS inversion were retrospectively reviewed. This study investigated consecutive 24 patients who underwent laparoscopic proximal and total gastrectomies using the simple modified HLLS inversion technique between June 2021 and April 2022. This series of procedures could be completed in approximately 16 min. A Nathanson liver retractor was used in three patients due to difficulties in completing the HLLS inversion in our institution. Postoperative serum liver enzyme levels indicated there was a small effect on the liver. The simple modified HLLS inversion technique may be a safe and useful procedure and can provide an enhanced surgical field during laparoscopic surgery for upper gastric and EGJ cancers.

Thoracoscopic laparoscopy-assisted Ivor-Lewis resection of esophagogastric junction cancer

Objective: To investigate the outcome of patients with esophagogastric junction cancer undergoing thoracoscopic laparoscopy-assisted Ivor-Lewis resection. Methods: Eighty-four patients who were diagnosed with esophagogastric junction cancer and underwent Ivor-Lewis resection assisted by thoracoscopic laparoscopy at the National Cancer Center from October 2019 to April 2022 were collected. The neoadjuvant treatment mode, surgical safety and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Results: Siewert type Ⅱ (92.8%) and adenocarcinoma (95.2%) were predominant in the cases. A total of 2 774 lymph nodes were dissected in 84 patients. The average number was 33 per case, and the median was 31. Lymph node metastasis was found in 45 patients, and the lymph node metastasis rate was 53.6% (45/84). The total number of lymph node metastasis was 294, and the degree of lymph node metastasis was 10.6%(294/2 774). Among them, abdominal lymph nodes (100%, 45/45) were more likely to metastasize than thoracic lymph nodes (13.3%, 6/45). Sixty-eight patients received neoadjuvant therapy before surgery, and nine patients achieved pathological complete remission (pCR) (13.2%, 9/68). Eighty-three patients had negative surgical margins and underwent R0 resection (98.8%, 83/84). One patient, the intraoperative frozen pathology suggested resection margin was negative, while vascular tumor thrombus was seen on the postoperative pathological margin, R1 resection was performed (1.2%, 1/84). The average operation time of the 84 patients was 234.5 (199.3, 275.0) minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 90 (80, 100) ml. One case of intraoperative blood transfusion, one case of postoperative transfer to ICU ward, two cases of postoperative anastomotic leakage, one case of pleural effusion requiring catheter drainage, one case of small intestinal hernia with 12mm poke hole, no postoperative intestinal obstruction, chyle leakage and other complications were observed. The number of deaths within 30 days after surgery was 0. Number of lymph nodes dissection, operation duration, and intraoperative blood loss were not related to whether neoadjuvant therapy was performed (P>0.05). Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy or immunotherapy was not related to whether postoperative pathology achieved pCR (P>0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopic-assisted Ivor-Lewis surgery for esophagogastric junction cancer has a low incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, high safety, wide range of lymph node dissection, and sufficient margin length, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Secure Robotic Transthoracic Valvuloplastic Esophagogastrostomy by Double Flap Technique in Esophagogastric Junctional Cancer Surgery.

Valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy by the double flap technique (VPEG-DFT) after proximal gastrectomy for early proximal gastric cancer or esophagogastric junctional cancer (EGJC) is a promising procedure to prevent reflux. However, the transhiatal procedure alone for alimentary reconstruction is sometimes too complex because of the short esophageal remnant. Therefore, additional transthoracic procedures are needed in some patients with EGJC. Although additional thoracoscopic surgery has been reported, no reports to date have described robotic transthoracic VPEG-DFT after excision of EGJC. We herein describe the secure robotic techniques of transthoracic VPEG-DFT performed in 3 patients with EGJC. After completion of the abdominal procedures by robotic and extracorporeal creation of H-shaped flaps on the gastric remnant, robotic VPEG-DFT through the right thoracic approach was performed in the prone position. To accomplish VPEG-DFT in the thorax of patients in the prone position, fixation of the esophagus and stomach was performed before the rotation of the 2 organs to expose the planned anastomotic aspect. In addition, the final abdominal phase was required again to prevent a postoperative hiatal hernia. Secure techniques of right transthoracic VPEG-DFT by robotic surgery could contribute to the successful treatment of EGJC when the remnant esophagus is too short.

Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers, Version 2.2023, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

Cancers originating in the esophagus or esophagogastric junction constitute a major global health problem. Esophageal cancers are histologically classified as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma, which differ in their etiology, pathology, tumor location, therapeutics, and prognosis. In contrast to esophageal adenocarcinoma, which usually affects the lower esophagus, esophageal SCC is more likely to localize at or higher than the tracheal bifurcation. Systemic therapy can provide palliation, improved survival, and enhanced quality of life in patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. The implementation of biomarker testing, especially analysis of HER2 status, microsatellite instability status, and the expression of programmed death-ligand 1, has had a significant impact on clinical practice and patient care. Targeted therapies including trastuzumab, nivolumab, ipilimumab, and pembrolizumab have produced encouraging results in clinical trials for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Palliative management, which may include systemic therapy, chemoradiation, and/or best supportive care, is recommended for all patients with unresectable or metastatic cancer. Multidisciplinary team management is essential for all patients with locally advanced esophageal or esophagogastric junction cancers. This selection from the NCCN Guidelines for Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers focuses on the management of recurrent or metastatic disease.

Multimodal treatments for resectable esophagogastric junction cancer: A Bayesian network meta-analysis.

To comprehensively investigate the optimal multimodal treatment of resectable esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched until March 11, 2022. The outcomes were overall survival (OS), locoregional and distant recurrence, and R0 resection. Network plots, forest plots and league tables were drawn for each outcome. Rank probabilities for different treatments in each outcome were also depicted. A total of 23 studies with 18,319 EGJ participants were included. No significant differences in OS between any two of the 6 treatments. Perioperative chemoradiotherapy (pCRT) had the highest probability (36.03%) to be the optimal treatment as regards OS. Patients undergoing pCRT had a significantly lower incidence of locoregional recurrence than those undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy (aCT), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT), perioperative chemotherapy (pCT), or surgery alone (S). Patients with pCRT had the greatest likelihood (68.86%) to have the lowest incidence of locoregional recurrence. Comparable impacts of the 6 treatments on the incidence of distant recurrence, and pCRT was most likely (46.65%) to be the optimal treatment with respect to distant recurrence. Neoadjuvant CRT (nCRT) was associated with a significantly increased incidence of R0 resection compared with nCT or S, and nCRT had the highest probability (97.68%) to be the best therapy regarding R0 resection. For patients with resectable EGJ cancer, pCRT may be the optimal multimodal treatment regarding survival and recurrence.

Impacts of neoadjuvant therapy on the number of dissected lymph nodes in esophagogastric junction cancer patients

BackgroundNeoadjuvant therapy favors the prognosis of various cancers, including esophagogastric junction cancer (EGC). However, the impacts of neoadjuvant therapy on the number of dissected lymph nodes (LNs) have not yet been evaluated in EGC.MethodsWe selected EGC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2006–2017). The optimal number of resected LNs was determined using X-tile software. Overall survival (OS) curves were plotted with the Kaplan–Meier method. Prognostic factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses.ResultsNeoadjuvant radiotherapy significantly decreased the mean number of LN examination compared to the mean number of patients without neoadjuvant therapy (12.2 vs. 17.5, P = 0.003). The mean LN number of patients with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was 16.3, which was also statistically lower than 17.5 (P = 0.001). In contrast, neoadjuvant chemotherapy caused a significant increase in the number of dissected LNs (21.0, P < 0.001). For patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the optimal cutoff value was 19. Patients with > 19 LNs had a better prognosis than those with 1–19 LNs (P < 0.05). For patients with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, the optimal cutoff value was 9. Patients with > 9 LNs had a better prognosis than those with 1–9 LNs (P < 0.05).ConclusionsNeoadjuvant radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy decreased the number of dissected LNs, while neoadjuvant chemotherapy increased it in EGC patients. Hence, at least 10 LNs should be dissected for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and 20 for neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which could be applied in clinical practice.

Lymph node metastatic patterns and the development of multidisciplinary treatment for esophageal cancer.

Abundant lymphatic flow and the anatomical location of the esophagus can result in the widespread distribution of lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer from the cervical to the abdominal field. Historically, the Japan Esophageal Society and American Joint Committee on Cancer offer two different classifications of lymph node group location surrounding the esophagus. The location of sentinel lymph nodes in midthoracic esophageal cancer reflects the variety of lymphatic drainage routes. In fact, in cT1N0 esophageal cancer, pathological lymph node metastasis has been observed from the cervical to the abdominal field, and the locations were shown to be closely linked to the primary tumor location in advanced stages. While the impact of histology on the distribution of LN metastasis has been extensively debated, a recent prospective study on esophagogastric junction cancer found that metastatic patterns did not differ by histology. Thoracic duct lymph nodes were defined as one of the regional lymph node stations in the mediastinum. Although lymph node metastasis around the thoracic duct has occasionally been observed, the oncologic impact of thoracic duct lymph node dissection has not been fully elucidated. To eradicate tumors locoregionally, three-field lymph node dissection, a strategy for extended lymph node clearance, has been established. In esophagectomy, three-field lymph node dissection is defined as a procedure for complete regional cervico-thoraco-abdominal lymph node dissection. However, its therapeutic efficacy must be evaluated based on the balance between oncological outcomes and possible added surgical risk. To further improve survival, multidisciplinary treatment consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy has been established worldwide as a standard treatment for esophageal cancer. Now that neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy is the standard, adding adjuvant therapy including immunotherapy could be a promising treatment option. The ideal combination of various multidisciplinary treatment approaches and extensive LN dissection need to be established to improve the oncological outcomes for EC patients.

Thoracolaparoscopic radical resection of esophagogastric junction cancers with a NOSE-like approach to extract large specimens.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical resection of esophagogastric junction cancers using a natural orifice specimen extraction-like approach for extraction of large surgical specimens. Patients who had esophagogastric junction cancers treated with thoracolaparoscopic resection using the natural orifice specimen extraction-like approach for specimen extraction were retrospectively enrolled. A 5-cm transverse incision on the abdominal wall at the middle of the superior pubic symphysis was made for surgical specimen extraction. The clinical, surgical, complications, and follow-up data were analyzed. A total of 162 patients were enrolled, and the surgery was successful in all patients (100%). The total surgical duration ranged 165 to 270 minutes, with blood loss 20 to 150 mL, hospital stay 8 to 22 days, first flatus time 2 to 7 days, extubation time of drainage tubes 1 to 26 days, first oral feeding time 5 to 10 days, number of lymph nodes resected 15 to 39, postoperative ambulation time 1 to 2 days, and postoperative residual rate of cancerous cells at the surgical margins 0. Postoperative complications occurred in 14 (8.6%), including anastomotic leakage in 4 (2.5%), anastomotic stenosis in 3 (1.9%), hydrothorax in 4 (2.5%), and incision infection in 3 (1.9%). At follow-up (mean 12 months), all patients were alive, and the transverse incision was a linear scar concealed in the suprapubic pubic hair area. The combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery for radical resection of carcinomas at the esophagogastric junction is safe and effective, and a transverse incision at the suprapubic symphysis for specimen extraction results in improved minimal invasiveness and cosmesis.

Imaging Recommendations for Diagnosis, Staging, and Management of Esophageal Cancer

AbstractEarly staging and treatment initiation affect prognosis of patients with esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer; hence, it is imperative to have knowledge of proper choice of imaging modality for staging of these patients, to effectively convey relevant imaging findings to the treating physician/surgeon. It is also essential to be aware of pertinent imaging findings that need to be conveyed to the treating physician/surgeon at staging, and after treatment, including post-therapy complications (if any), so as to provide timely management to such patients. In this article, we have provided imaging guidelines for diagnosis, staging, post-therapy response evaluation, follow-up, and assessment of post-therapy complications of esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer in a systematic manner. Besides, risk factors and clinical workup have also been elucidated. We have also attached comprehensive staging and post-therapy contrast-enhanced computed tomography and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography-based synoptic reporting formats “ECI-RADS” and “pECI-RADS,” respectively, for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer in the supplement, for effective communication of imaging findings between a radiologist and the treating physician/surgeon.

Safety and efficacy from the phase 1 SURPASS trial of ADP-A2M4CD8, a next-generation T-cell receptor T-cell therapy, in patients with advanced esophageal, esophagogastric junction, or gastric cancer.

349 Background: ADP-A2M4CD8 is a specific peptide enhanced affinity receptor mixed CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell therapy targeting the cancer testis antigen MAGE-A4 and modified with addition of a CD8α co-receptor designed to provide additional functionality to CD4+ T-cells. ADP-A2M4CD8 has demonstrated a favorable benefit to risk profile in the Phase 1 SURPASS trial (NCT04044859) in HLA A*02–eligible patients (pts) with unresectable or metastatic tumors positive for MAGE-A4 (Hong DS, et al. E-poster 540P: ESMO 2021; Virtual). Here we report updated clinical outcomes in pts with esophageal, esophagogastric junction (EGJ), or gastric cancer. Methods: SURPASS is a first-in-human trial consisting of a modified 3+3 dose-escalation design and an expansion cohort. Autologous T-cells are obtained by leukapheresis, transduced with a self-inactivating lentiviral vector expressing the MAGE-A4-specific T-cell receptor and the CD8α co-receptor, and infused back to the pts as ADP-A2M4CD8 following lymphodepleting chemotherapy. Primary and secondary objectives are safety and anti-tumor activity, respectively. Results: As September 6, 2022, 13 pts (11 male, 2 female) with esophageal (3), EGJ (8), and gastric cancer (2) received ADP-A2M4CD8 (range: 1.02–9.9x109 transduced T-cells). All pts had adenocarcinoma, median age was 55 years (range: 31–71), median MAGE-A4 expression H-score was 245 (range: 160–300), and pts received median of 2 lines of prior therapy (range 1–5). Adverse events (AEs) were consistent with those typically associated with lymphodepleting chemotherapy, cellular therapy, and/or disease. One pt had a Grade 5 (fatal) AE of pancytopenia. Overall response rate per RECIST v1.1 by investigator review was 15% (2 partial response [PR]). Disease control rate was 77% (2 PR+8 stable disease). This trial is ongoing, and additional data will be presented. Conclusions: Results indicate an acceptable benefit to risk profile and encouraging anti-tumor activity of ADP-A2M4CD8. An additional treatment cohort has been included in the updated SURPASS trial protocol to evaluate ADP-A2M4CD8 combined with nivolumab. A Phase 2, open-label trial in advanced esophageal and EGJ cancers has been initiated (SURPASS-2; NCT04752358). Clinical trial information: NCT04044859 .

Required esophageal resection length beyond the tumor boundary to ensure a negative proximal margin for gastric cancer with gross esophageal invasion or esophagogastric junction cancer.

To obtain a pathologically negative proximal margin (PM) for gastric cancer with gross esophageal invasion (EI) or esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer, we should transect the esophagus beyond the proximal boundary of gross EI with a safety margin because of a discrepancy between the gross and pathological boundaries of cancer. However, recommendations regarding the esophageal resection length for these cancers have not been established. Patients who underwent proximal or total gastrectomy for gastric cancer with gross EI or EGJ cancer were enrolled. A parameter ΔPM, which corresponded to the length of a discrepancy between the gross and pathological proximal boundary of the tumor, was evaluated. The maximum ΔPM, which corresponded to the minimum length ensuring a pathologically negative PM, was first determined in all patients. Then subgroup analyses according to factors associated with ΔPM ≥ 10mm were performed to identify alternative maximum ΔPMs. A total of 289 patients with gastric cancer with gross EI or EGJ cancer were eligible and analyzed in this study. The maximum ΔPM was 25mm. Clinical tumor (cTumor) size and growth and pathological types were independently associated with ΔPM ≥ 10mm. In subgroup analyses, the maximum ΔPM was 15mm for cTumor size ≤ 40mm and superficial growth type. Furthermore, the maximum ΔPM was 20mm in the expansive growth type. Required esophageal resection lengths to ensure a pathologically negative PM for gastric cancer with gross EI or EGJ cancer are proposed.

Effect of PD-1 inhibition on macrophage population in human tissue cultures.

463 Background: Moderate response rates of PD-1 inhibition in gastric and esophagogastric junction cancers (GC/EGJC) urge for reliable biomarkers. To further improve treatment outcomes, patients need targeted therapy based on clinically relevant biomarkers and predictive test systems for assessing individual drug susceptibility. We have previously established patient derived tissue cultures (PDTC) as a comprehensive ex-vivo drug testing system for GC/EGJC patients. Methods: The standardized PDTC) model was developed using tissue from surgical resection specimens to investigate response to the PD-1 inhibitor Nivolumab and the macrophage depriving bisphosphonates clodronate and zoledronic acid. Resident macrophage population (CD68, CD163), tumor proliferation (Ki67) and apoptosis (cPARP), as well as bulk gene expression data (nanoString technology) were analysed after 72 hours of PD-1 inhibition. Additionally, supernatants were collected, and cytokine concentrations are measured based on Luminex technology. Results: Macrophage depletion could lead to enhanced anti-tumoral effects in PDTCs after PD-1 inhibition. Gene signatures for Interferon γ-mediated inflammation and myeloid cell activity were identified and found to be relevant indicators for tissue response upon immune checkpoint inhibition. We observed alterations in cytokine and soluble surface marker concentrations, such as IL-8, IL-17A and IL-23 or PD-L2, LAG3 and CTLA4. Conclusions: Yielding an organotypic cell composition, we were able to demonstrate individual response patterns and immunological characteristics to identify responsiveness to PD-1 inhibition in GC and EGJC tissue. PDTCs are potent to define biological marker sets ex vivo and to differentiate and predict clinical patient response as well as their inherent immune cell capacity and plasticity.

Comparison of integrin αvβ3 expression with 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT and glucose metabolism with 18F-FDG PET/CT in esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancers

BackgroundThe primary aims of this study were to compare in patients with esophageal or esophagogastric junction cancers the potential of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT with that of 18F-FDG PET/CT regarding tumoral uptake and distribution, as well as histopathologic examination.MethodsTen 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD and ten 18F-FDG PET/CT were performed in nine prospectively included participants (1 woman; aged 58 ± 8.4 y, range 40–69 y). Maximum SUV (SUVmax) and metabolic tumor volumes (MTV) were calculated. The Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman correlation analysis (ρ) were used.Results68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT detected positive uptake in 10 primary sites (8 for primary tumors and 2 for local relapse suspicion), 6 lymph nodes and 3 skeletal sites. 18F-FDG PET/CT detected positive uptake in the same sites but also in 16 additional lymph nodes and 1 adrenal gland. On a lesion-based analysis, SUVmax of 18F-FDG was significantly higher than those of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD (4.9 [3.7–11.3] vs. 3.2 [2.6–4.2] g/mL, p = 0.014). Only one participant showed a higher SUVmax in an osseous metastasis with 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD as compared to 18F-FDG (6.6 vs. 3.9 g/mL). Correlation analysis showed positive correlation between 18F-FDG and 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET parameters (ρ = 0.56, p = 0.012 for SUVmax, ρ = 0.78, p < 0.001 for lesion-to-background ratios and ρ = 0.58, p = 0.024 for MTV). We observed that 18F-FDG uptake was homogenous inside all the confirmed primary sites (n = 9). In contrast, 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET showed more heterogenous uptake in 6 out of the 9 confirmed primary sites (67%), seen mostly in the periphery of the tumor in 5 out of the 9 confirmed primary sites (56%), and showed slight extensions into perilesional structures in 5 out of the 9 confirmed primary sites (56%).ConclusionsIn conclusion, 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD has lower potential in the detection of esophageal or esophagogastric junction malignancies compared to 18F-FDG. However, the results suggest that PET imaging of integrin αvβ3 expression may provide complementary information and could aid in tumor diversity and delineation.Trial registration: Trial registration: NCT02666547. Registered January 28, 2016—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02666547.

Modern endoscopy in the diagnosis of early esophago-gastric junction cancer

The problem of endoscopic diagnosis of early esophago-gastric junction cancer is one of the most important in modern endoscopy and oncology, since most malignant tumors of the esophagogastric junction are detected at late stage. The 5-year survival rate of such patients remains low. Definition of early esophagogastric junction cancer, resectability criteria, features of the course of the disease at early stage will be considered in this article. It has been proven that NBI-ME and NBI Dual Focus in combination with endosonography are the most accurate in the diagnosis of early esophagogastric junction cancer. The most typical endoscopic features of early esophagogastric junction cancer are discussed in this review. All these methods are applied to the patient in Herzen Moscow Cancer Research Institute, branch of National Medical Research Radiology Center.

Comparing intracorporeal mechanical anastomosis vs. hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy after total laparoscopic gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer: a single-center study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effects of continuous hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy with barbed suture and mechanical anastomosis in total laparoscopic gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer.Materials and methodsThe clinical data of 60 patients who underwent total laparoscopic total gastrectomy from January 2020 to October 2021 were collected retrospectively. Baseline data and short-term surgical results of patients in the hand-sewn anastomosis (n = 30) and mechanical anastomosis (n = 30) groups were analyzed.ResultsNo significant differences were detected in the baseline data between groups. Meanwhile, the hand-sewn group had a shorter anastomosis time (21.2 ± 4.9 min vs. 27.9 ± 6.9 min, p < 0.001) and a decreased operation cost (CNY 70608.3 ± 8106.7 vs. CNY 76485.6 ± 3149.9, p = 0.001). The tumor margin distance in the hand-sewn group was longer than in the mechanical group (2.7 ± 0.4 cm vs. 2.2 ± 0.75 cm, p = 0.002). In esophagojejunostomy anastomosis, the distance between the jejunal opening and jejunal stump in the hand-sewn group was significantly shorter than that in the mechanical group (2.2 ± 0.54 cm vs. 5.7 ± 0.6 cm, p < 0.001). No significant difference was detected in the incidence of postoperative anastomotic complications.ConclusionThe continuous hand-sewn anastomosis with barbed suture in total laparoscopic gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer is practical, safe, and cost-effective. It is also an effective supplementary technique for mechanical anastomosis.

Laparoscopic Function-Preserving Gastrectomy for Proximal Gastric Cancer or Esophagogastric Junction Cancer: A Narrative Review.

Function-preserving procedures to maintain postoperative quality of life are an important aspect of treatment for early gastric cancer. Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with a small remnant stomach, namely laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy (LsTG), are alternative function-preserving procedures for laparoscopic total gastrectomy of early proximal gastric cancer. In LPG, esophagogastrostomy with techniques to prevent reflux and double-tract and jejunal interposition including esophagojejunostomy is usually chosen for reconstruction. The double-flap technique is currently a preferred reconstruction technique in Japan as an esophagogastrostomy approach to prevent reflux esophagitis. However, standardized reconstruction methods after LPG have not yet been established. In LsTG, preservation of the esophagogastric junction and the fundus prevents reflux and malnutrition, which may maintain quality of life. However, whether LsTG is an oncologically and nutritionally acceptable procedure compared with laparoscopic total gastrectomy or LPG is a concern. In this review, we summarize the status of reconstruction in LPG and the oncological and nutritional aspects of LsTG as a function-preserving gastrectomy for early proximal gastric or esophagogastric junction cancer.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio and Histological Response Correlate With Prognosis of Gastric Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for advanced gastric cancer (GC) and esophagogastric junction cancer (EGC) is expected to effectively control the tumor; however, histological tumor response and immune function markers as prognostic factors for NAC remain unknown. This study assessed the prognostic significance of histological response and immune function markers in patients undergoing NAC for GC and EGC. Forty-two patients who underwent NAC followed by surgical resection for operable advanced GC or EGC from January 2007 to December 2019 were divided into two groups based on histological response. Overall survival (OS), tumor response, and immune function markers, such as the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), were the outcomes analyzed. The 5-year OS for Grade 2b-3 (n=10, responder group) according to the Japanese Gastric Cancer Classification was 72.0% with a favorable prognosis, compared with 33.3% for Grade 0-1a (n=18), and 46.8% for Grade 1b-2a (n=14) in the non-responder group. There was no significant difference in the background between the two groups regarding clinical status or immune function markers. In a multivariate analysis of immune function markers, the NLR value before NAC was significantly associated with prognosis (p=0.048). Patients with an NLR value <3.4 had a favorable OS (p=0.03). Histological response scores for Grade 2b or higher may help predict a favorable prognosis for patients undergoing NAC for advanced GC and EGC. The outcomes may be further improved by considering NLR values.

Nutrition management by a multidisciplinary team for prevention of nutritional deficits and morbidity following esophagectomy

This study evaluated the effects of perioperative nutrition management by a multidisciplinary team on nutrition and postoperative complications of patients with esophageal cancer. A total of 239 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy and gastric conduit reconstruction for esophageal or esophagogastric junction cancer between February 2019 and February 2020 were included in the study. They were divided into the experimental group (120 patients) and the control group (119 patients) using the random number table method. Control group patients received routine diet management and experimental group patients received perioperative nutrition management by a multidisciplinary team. The differences of nutriture and postoperative complications between the two groups were compared. At 3 and 7 days after surgery, the experimental group patients had higher total protein and albumin levels (P<0.05), shorter postoperative anal exhaust time (P<0.05), lower incidence of postoperative gastrointestinal adverse reactions, pneumonia, anastomotic fistula, hypoproteinemia (P<0.05), and lower hospitalization costs (P<0.05) than the control group. Nutrition management by a multidisciplinary team effectively improved the nutriture of patients, promoted the rapid recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function, reduced postoperative complications, and reduced hospitalization costs.

Robot-assisted esophagectomy with robot-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis (Ivor Lewis): surgical technique and early results.

Esophagectomy is the selected treatment for nonmetastatic esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer, although high perioperative morbidity and mortality incur. Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) effectively reduces cardiopulmonary complications compared to open esophagectomy and offers a technical advantage, especially for lymph node dissection and intrathoracic anastomosis. This article aims at describing our initial experience of Ivor Lewis RAMIE, focusing on the technique's main steps and robotic-sewn esophagogastrostomy. Prospectively collected data from all consecutive patients who underwent Ivor Lewis RAMIE for cancer was reviewed. Reconstruction was performed with a gastric conduit pull-up and a robotic-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded as prescribed by the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG). Thirty patients underwent Ivor Lewis RAMIE with complete mediastinal lymph node dissection and robot-sewn anastomosis. No intraoperative complications nor conversion occurred. Pulmonary complications totaled 26.7%. Anastomotic leakage (ECCG, type III) and conduit necrosis (ECCG, type III) both occurred in one patient (3.3%). Chylothorax appeared in 2 patients (6.7%) (ECCG, Type IIA). Anastomotic stricture, successfully treated with endoscopic dilatations, occurred in 8 cases (26.7%). Median overall postoperative stay was 11days (range, 6-51days). 30day and 90day mortality was 0%. R0 resection was performed in 96.7% of patients with a median number of 47 retrieved lymph nodes. RAMIE with robot-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis appears to be feasible, safe and effective, with favorable perioperative results. Nevertheless, further high-quality studies are needed to define the best anastomotic technique for Ivor Lewis RAMIE.

Effectiveness of additional antireflux surgery after resection of oesophagogastric junction cancer: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionGastro-oesophageal reflux is common in patients with oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) cancer following radical surgery. We aim to conduct a systematic review to investigate the effectiveness and clinical value of additional...