Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma Research Articles

Dissecting the Puzzling Roles of FAM46C: A Multifaceted Pan-Cancer Tumour Suppressor with Increasing Clinical Relevance.

FAM46C is a well-established tumour suppressor with a role that is not completely defined or universally accepted. Although FAM46C expression is down-modulated in several tumours, significant mutations in the FAM46C gene are only found in multiple myeloma (MM). Consequently, its tumour suppressor activity has primarily been studied in the MM context. However, emerging evidence suggests that FAM46C is involved also in other cancer types, namely colorectal, prostate and gastric cancer and squamous cell and hepatocellular carcinoma, where FAM46C expression was found to be significantly reduced in tumoural versus non-tumoural tissues and where FAM46C was shown to possess anti-proliferative properties. Accordingly, FAM46C was recently proposed to function as a pan-cancer prognostic marker, bringing FAM46C under the spotlight and attracting growing interest from the scientific community in the pathways modulated by FAM46C and in its mechanistic activity. Here, we will provide the first comprehensive review regarding FAM46C by covering (1) the intracellular pathways regulated by FAM46C, namely the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, β-catenin and TGF-β/SMAD pathways; (2) the models regarding its mode of action, specifically the poly(A) polymerase, intracellular trafficking modulator and inhibitor of centriole duplication models, focusing on connections and interdependencies; (3) the regulation of FAM46C expression in different environments by interferons, IL-4, TLR engagement or transcriptional modulators; and, lastly, (4) how FAM46C expression levels associate with increased/decreased tumour cell sensitivity to anticancer agents, such as bortezomib, dexamethasone, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, doxorubicin, melphalan, SK1-I, docetaxel and norcantharidin.

Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2)-associated benign penile lesions and squamous cell carcinomas.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common genital, ocular and gastric tumour in horses. Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) DNA has been detected in several studies in equine penile squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and precursor lesions providing evidence of a causal role of EcPV2 in equine genital SCCs. Recently, EcPV2 E6/E7 nucleic acids were also detected in equine gastric SCCs, but further studies are required to determine the role of EcPV2 infection in the pathogenesis of gastric SCC. EcPV2 nucleic acids have been rarely described in ocular SCCs and precursor lesions. To investigate the presence of EcPV2 nucleic acids with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridisation (ISH) in penile hyperplasias, papillomas and SCCs in horses and to determine whether EcPV2 nucleic acids can be detected in SCCs affecting other locations, including the stomach, ocular tissues and larynx. Twenty-one archival formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples, including 12 genital lesions comprising penile hyperplasias, papillomas and SCCs, 6 ocular SCCs, 2 gastric SCCs and 1 laryngeal SCC, were screened by PCR and ISH for EcPV2 E6/E7 DNA and mRNA. Archival FFPE tissue samples (eyelid and penile mucosa and preputium) from six horses without a diagnosis or history of neoplastic or papillomavirus-associated disease were included as controls. EcPV2 nucleic acids were detected by PCR and ISH in all genital lesions (12/12) and gastric SCCs (2/2), in two ocular SCCs (2/6) and in one laryngeal SCC (1/1). In control horses, one eyelid sample was positive in PCR but not in ISH. The remaining control samples were negative for EcPV2 E6/E7 nucleic acids in PCR and ISH. These results further support the role of EcPV2 infection in the development of equine genital SCCs and suggest that EcPV2 infection may also act as a predisposing factor for other SCCs in horses, including gastric, ocular and laryngeal SCCs.

S4135 Primary Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Once in a Lifetime Diagnosis

S4135 Primary Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Once in a Lifetime Diagnosis

Gastric squamous cell carcinoma: A rare malignancy, literature review and management recommendations (Review).

Gastric cancer serves a major role in the global cancer burden, being the fourth most frequent cause of mortality among all types of cancer. Gastric squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) is a rare histological variant accounting for 0.04-0.5% of all gastric cancer cases. Diagnostic work-up of GSCC is essential and involves multiple criteria: i) Tumour not located in the cardia, ii) no oesophageal extension of the tumour, and iii) no evidence of SCC in any other part of the body. Little is known about this rare variant in terms of pathogenesis, risk factors or evolution. Consequently, neither the European Society of Medical Oncology nor the National Comprehensive Cancer Network societies have published recommendations for GSCC. The aim of the present review is to provide an in-depth analysis of the current literature on this pathology, from pathophysiological hypothesis and clinical presentation to diagnostic work-up and treatment trends, in order to establish a possible management algorithm.

Primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma: A diagnostic dilemma

Primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma: A diagnostic dilemma

Primary Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Concurrent H. Pylori Infection and Colonic Metastasis

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An Evaluation of Fluorouracil plus Paclitaxel and Oxiliplatin as a First-Line Treatment for Advanced Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

To investigate the efficacy of fluorouracil (FU) combined with paclitaxel (PTX) and oxaliplatin (OXA) as the first-line treatment for advanced gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) and its influence on human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) expression. We collected one hundred and sixty-eight patients with advanced gastric SRCC, including 87 patients treated with FU combined with PTX and OXA as the study group (SG) and 81 patients treated with FU combined with OXA as the control group (CG). We compared indicators such as efficacy and adverse reactions after treatment between the two groups and also detected serum HER-2 expression pre- and post-treatment. The incidence of adverse reactions differed insignificantly between SG and CG (P > 0.05). SG presented a notably higher objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) than that of CG (P < 0.05). After treatment, the serum HER-2 expression level of patients in both groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and that in SG was significantly declined compared to CG (P < 0.05). HER-2 was negatively correlated with the efficacy of both SG and CG. The 1-year survival rate in SG (29.89%) was significantly higher than that in CG (16.05%) (P < 0.05). The median OS and PFS were higher in DG than that in CG (P < 0.05). FU combined with PTX and OXA can effectively improve the efficacy of first-line treatment for advanced gastric SRCC while reducing HER-2 expression, without increasing the adverse reaction rate. This treatment is worthy of clinical promotion.

Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Stomach: A Rare Entity – Case Report

Primary squamous cell carcinoma is rare malignancy as far as stomach is concerned. Less than 100 cases were reported in the literature. Patient presented in advanced stages so, in most of these cases, the prognosis is generally poor. Because stomach is lined by glandular epithelium, most common carcinoma is adenocarcinoma in stomach and squamous carcinoma is not commonly seen. There are several theories regarding the development of this tumor but pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study we confirmed a case of primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma which is rare entity. We present case of 48 yr old female with ulcerative growth at fundus of stomach.

Race and Ethnicity, Stage-Specific Mortality, and Cancer Treatment in Esophageal and Gastric Cancers: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (2000–2018)

Race and Ethnicity, Stage-Specific Mortality, and Cancer Treatment in Esophageal and Gastric Cancers: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (2000–2018)

ODP278 A rare case of Ectopic ACTH secretion associated with Primary Gastric Choriocarcinoma

Abstract Background Ectopic ACTH production contributes to 10-15% of cases of Cushing's syndrome. Most cases are caused by neuroendocrine tumors of the lung, pancreas, or thymus. Other rare tumors causing ectopic ACTH secretion include esophageal tumor, gastric carcinoid tumor and squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (1). We present a rare case of ectopic ACTH production causing Cushing syndrome due to primary gastric choriocarcinoma. Case Presentation A 27-year-old lady, not known to have any chronic illnesses, presented with two days history of epigastric pain. The patient also reported facial puffiness, leg swelling, generalized weakness and oligomenorrhea for the last four months. There was no history of easy bruisability or weight. She was not taking any medications. The patient did not smoke or use alcohol. Physical examination revealed conjunctival pallor, facial acne, wide striae on her thighs and hepatomegaly. The rest of the examination was normal. Lab tests showed microcytic anemia with hemoglobin of 7 gm/dl (12-15 gm/dl), hypokalemia (2.5 mmol/L; normal 3.5-5.3 mmol/L), AST 38 U/L (0-40 U/L) and ALT 45 U/L (0-41 U/L). β HCG was 1,506 mIU/mL (0 -5 mIU/ml). An abdominal ultrasound showed hepatomegaly with multiple echogenic solid mass lesions suspicious of metastatic origin. A CT abdomen showed a solid lesion in the fundal region of the stomach with multiple liver metastases and moderate ascites. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed fungating mass originating from the stomach fundus. Biopsy of the gastric mass revealed primary gastric adenocarcinoma, which was positive forCK 7, CK 19, beta hCG, CDX2 and CEA, consistent with the diagnosis of primary gastric choriocarcinoma. Due to widespread metastasis, the patient was started on palliative chemotherapy with dexamethasone 2 mg injection once daily along with capecitabine, cisplatin and pembrolizumab. In view of persistent hypokalemia and physical examination findings, a workup for Cushing's syndrome was performed. Early-morning serum cortisol was 1054 nmol/L (138–689 nmol/L), and plasma ACTH was 174 pg/ml (7.2-63.3 pg/ml) despite the patient being on intravenous 2 mg dexamethasone once daily for more than ten days. An MRI of the brain showed a normal pituitary gland. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion. Unfortunately, her hospital course was complicated by massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding from the tumor, leading to her demise. Conclusion Gastric choriocarcinoma is a rare tumor associated with ectopic ACTH secretion leading to Cushing's syndrome. Reference: Imura H, Matsukura S, Yamamoto H, Hirata Y, Nakai Y. Studies on ectopic ACTH-producing tumors. II. Clinical and biochemical features of 30 cases. Cancer. 1975 May;35(5): 1430-7 Presentation: No date and time listed

S3659 Primary Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Concurrent H. pylori Infection and Colonic Metastasis

Introduction: Primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma (PGSCC) is a rare, aggressive, malignancy that cannot be distinguished from other gastric malignancies clinically and therefore, requires EGD with biopsy and pathology. H. pylori infection is a known risk factor for gastric malignancies but, only one case has been reported with an association between the two. Case Description/Methods: 66-year-old Hispanic male, with no significant medical, family, or social history presented to the hospital with syncope. Further history revealed three weeks of melena, fatigue, exertional dyspnea, and 50 lb weight loss. Upon evaluation, the patient was found to have HGB of 3.2. CT abdomen with contrast showed a mass in the antrum of the stomach, most prominent posteriorly and around the greater curvature. EGD revealed normal esophagus and a 15 cm, oozing, fungating, and partially circumferential gastric mass. It was located in the antrum, involving the entire posterior wall with extension into the greater curvature. The gastric mass was 5 cm below the GE junction, without evidence of esophageal involvement. Biopsy of the mass revealed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and Helicobacter pylori infection. Colonoscopy then revealed a 4 cm lesion near the splenic flexure which was confirmed to also be poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was placed on triple therapy for his H. pylori infection. PET scan showed known gastric and colonic mass with multiple enlarged and hypermetabolic perigastric and retroperitoneal lymph nodes consistent with metastasis. He was seen by oncology and started on systemic chemotherapy (Figure 1). Discussion: PGSCC is a rare form of gastric malignancy accounting for roughly 0.2% of primary gastric cancer reported. Compared to the more common gastric adenocarcinoma, SCC tends to be more aggressive with poorer outcomes. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis remains obscure, making early detection difficult. Our case was associated with H. pylori infection which is one of the most significant risk factors for the development of gastric cancer due to the chronic inflammation caused by infection. Additionally, metastasis to the colon is exceptionally rare with most cases metastasizing to liver, peritoneum, lung and bone. Further investigation and studies are needed to understand this rare disease.Figure 1.: Primary gastric tumor (left panel), submucosal colonic mass (right panel).

Oncologic outcomes of patients with resectable primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.

BackgroundPrimary gastric squamous cell carcinoma (PGSCC) is an uncommon type of gastric malignancy estimated to comprise around 0.04-0.5% of all gastric malignancies. PGSCC’s long-term survival has been quoted to range from 17-50% depending on stage, with surgery arguably representing the most useful modality for prolonging oncologic survival. Nevertheless, reliable data on its effectiveness are still lacking in the literature.MethodA systematic literature search of the Medline, Cochrane library and Scopus databases was undertaken, to identify cases of surgically managed PGSCC reporting patient-related outcomes.ResultsIn total, 23 case reports and 1 case series incorporating 38 patients were identified. Mean patient age was 61.2 years and the male/female ratio was 18:1. Most tumors were high-stage at the time of diagnosis, with the T4 stage predominating in the patient pool (n=15, 50%) along with a high percentage of lymphatic spread (N positive tumors, n=15, 47%). All patients underwent curative-intent surgical resection and were subsequently followed for an average of 30.7±14 months. Extrapolated survival data revealed a projected 3- and 5-year overall survival of 62.2% and 51.9%, respectively, while the 3-year probability for being disease-free was calculated to be 30.8%. T4 stage and lymphatic spread were found to be predictors of poor survival in univariate but not in multivariate analysis.ConclusionNotwithstanding the methodological limitations inherent to the present review, the obtained results, when superimposed on existing cross-sectional survival data, suggest significantly enhanced patient survival following surgery, solidifying its role in the management of patients with PGSCC.

Hyperthermia in Cancer Care: A Literature Review

Introduction: Hyperthermia (HT) in cancer management refers to the external application of heat to raise intratumoural temperature to between 39°C and 45°C. Locoregional hyperthermia (LRHT) is the most used and studied type of HT in cancer care. A literature search was conducted to produce a monograph to help clinicians and patients make informed choices in considering the application of this therapy.&#x0D; Methods: A search was performed in Medline and Cochrane library for LRHT and cancer in May 2020. Eligible studies were English-language clinical studies reporting on efficacy, quality of life (QoL), safety, or feasibility. Additional cursory literature scoping was performed to identify missing papers and background information. Papers were independently screened by two reviewers. Following development of a full monograph, a condensed version suitable for publication was created and is presented here.&#x0D; Results: A total of 980 articles were identified and 166 met inclusion criteria. Most were single-arm or observational. However, among the 166, there were 7 systematic reviews (including 37 RCTs) and 18 additional RCTs identified. Several mechanisms of action have been proposed for HT in cancer care including physiological changes, direct cytotoxic effects, chemosensitization and radiosensitization, and immune modulation. Locoregional HT is used primarily as an adjunct to chemotherapy and radiotherapy due to its possible synergistic effects. Various studies demonstrated improved outcomes for patients treated with LRHT and chemo-and/or-radiotherapy. The best evidence for improved disease control and survival is seen for breast cancer (locally recurrent), cervical cancer, esophageal and gastric cancers, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and high-risk soft tissue sarcoma. Research related to quality of life (QoL) is limited and often focuses on pain. Hyperthermia with modern technology and treatment planning is generally well tolerated; the most common side effects are discomfort, mild pain, local erythema, skin burns, and, less commonly, subcutaneous burns. Trial heterogeneity and methodological concerns limit the strength of conclusions.&#x0D; Conclusions: Locoregional HT is a promising adjunct treatment to chemotherapy and radiotherapy for a variety of cancer types. To determine in what situations this therapy could be best applied, more high-quality well-controlled studies are needed.

An evaluation of carcinogenicity predictors from short-term and sub chronic repeat-dose studies of agrochemicals in rats: Opportunities to refine and reduce animal use

The aim of this study was to examine whether short term, repeat dose, rat studies provide sufficient information about potential carcinogenicity to enable predictions about the carcinogenic potential of agrochemicals to be made earlier in compound development. This study aimed to identify any correlations between toxicity findings obtained for short term rat studies (28 day and 90 day) and neoplastic findings obtained from 24 month rat carcinogenicity studies for agrochemical compounds (18 compounds) tested in Han Wistar and Sprague Dawley rats. The macroscopic pathology, microscopic pathology, hematology, biochemistry, organ weights, estrogen receptor activation and genotoxicity results were examined. Seven out of 18 non genotoxic compounds developed tumors in treated rats in the carcinogenicity study and of these, two compounds showed no preneoplastic findings in the affected tissues (false negatives). Of the remaining five true positives, correlations were noted between corneal opacity and keratitis (90 day study) as early indicators of squamous cell carcinoma and papilloma of the cornea of the eye (compound 1, a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitor) and inflammation of the stomach and kidney (90 day study) and gastric squamous cell papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma and renal tubular adenoma and carcinoma, respectively (compound 12, a fungicide with multisite activity). Minor decreases in uterine weight and increases in estradiol hydroxylation activity at 28 days were associated with endometrial adenocarcinoma (compound 18, a mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitor). Early liver weight increases and hepatocellular centrilobular hypertrophy (28 day study) were associated with thyroid follicular adenomas (compound 11, a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor) in female animals only. Hepatic centrilobular hypertrophy (28 day studies) correlated with thyroid adenomas in males in carcinogenicity studies (compound 2, a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitor). In contrast, treatment related, nasopharynx tumors (compound 3, an elongase inhibitor) and uterine adenocarcinoma (compound 9, a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor) could not be correlated with findings from the short term studies examined. Eleven compounds displayed preneoplastic findings with no tumors (false positives) and there were no compounds with no preneoplastic findings and no tumors (true negatives). This work indicates the value of examining historical, short term studies for specific, nonneoplastic findings which correlate with tumors in carcinogenicity studies, which may obviate the need for further animal carcinogenicity studies.

Gastric squamous cell carcinoma in the horse: Seven cases (2009–2019)

SummaryThis report describes gastric squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) in seven horses. It records the clinical signs, treatment and outcomes. Main clinical signs were mostly nonspecific and included weight loss, anorexia, fever, tachycardia and tachypnoea. Some more suggestive clinical signs were observed such as recurrent choke, halitosis and hypersalivation. Chronic anaemia and hypoalbuminaemia were common findings. Gastroscopy identified a gastric mass in four cases (57.1%); however, visualisation of the stomach was precluded in the other three horses due to distal oesophageal neoplastic infiltration and compression. Gastric wall thickening was noticed using abdominal ultrasonography in four horses (57.1%). Neoplastic cells could only be detected in the peritoneal fluid of 2 out of 7 horses. Endoscopic‐guided or transabdominal ultrasound‐guided biopsies allowed an ante‐mortem diagnosis in three horses (42.8%). Gastric masses were identified at post‐mortem examination and metastasis were confirmed in the liver and/or the spleen for 4/4 cases. In the cases for which palliative therapy was attempted, most of the horses were subjected to euthanasia within 4 weeks. In conclusion, GSCC is an uncommon neoplastic disease in horses. A combination of diagnostic tests is often necessary to achieve a diagnosis, which is frequently only made late in the course of the disease. As a result, GSCC is commonly associated with a poor short‐term prognosis.

Long noncoding RNA Linc00337 functions as an E2F1 co-activator and promotes cell proliferation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BackgroundLong noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Linc00337 has been implicated in lung, gastric, colorectal and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression via various mechanisms; however, its clinicopathological significance and role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression remains largely unknown.MethodsMultiple approaches such as bioinformatic analysis, Transfection, quantitative real-time-PCR, Western blotting, animal studies, RNA-immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA-pulldown and RNA-Fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) and were utilized to explore the role of Linc00337 in PDAC.ResultsHere we identified Linc00337 is an oncogenic lncRNA during PDAC progression. We found that the expression of Linc00337 is elevated in PDAC tissues and the higher Linc00337 predicts dismal prognosis. Functionally, Linc00337 promotes PDAC cell proliferation and cell cycle transition both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, Linc00337 binds to E2F1 and functions as an E2F1 coactivator to trigger the targets expression during PDAC progression.ConclusionOur results demonstrate a reciprocal regulation mechanism between Linc00337 and E2F1 in PDAC progression and report the clinical value of Linc00337 for PDAC prognosis and treatment.

S3046 Gastrocolic Fistula Secondary to Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION: This is a case of a 77-year-old African American female developing a gastrocolic fistula (GCF) secondary to gastric squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC); both digestive diseases are very rare. Complaints were inconsistent with GCF as she denied diarrhea and admitted to constipation, weight loss, and vomiting. This case highlights the variable nature of fistulizing lesions and contributes to the limited literature on the presentation of GSCC. Final diagnosis was reached with an enema study and biopsy results. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: This patient presented with intractable nausea and vomiting, a weight loss of 28 pounds and worsening constipation. She denied worsening abdominal pain, fever, chills, and diarrhea. Upper endoscopy revealed a large gastric mass with severe gastric stasis containing feculent material, suggesting a GCF. An enema study demonstrated a fistulous communication of the proximal descending colon and stomach. Exhaustive staining identified poorly differentiated SCC. There was no evidence of primary esophageal SCC on two separate endoscopies. Complete work up for SCC outside of the stomach was negative. Due to age, co-morbidities, and malnutrition, the patient was deemed a poor surgical candidate and was discharged home on hospice. DISCUSSION: This is the first case in medical literature showing a GSCC fistulizing with the colon. Gastric carcinoma is relatively rare in the United States with GSCC comprising only 0.2–2%1 of all gastric cancers. GCF are also rare with an incidence of 0.3–0.4%2. The majority of GCF originate from malignancies in the colon3. This case is presented to alert providers of the possible correlation of these two rare diseases. Early diagnosis of one of these two diseases should lead future providers to consider the other and explore a possible relation between them.Figure 1.: Gastrocolic fistulas seen on Barium enema. Patient complained of reflux-like symptoms while undergoing barium enema procedure.Figure 2.: Large mass with 600cc of feculent gastric fluid.Figure 3.: Hematoxylin and eosin stain of squamous cell carcinoma with accompanying p40 and CK5. Exhaustive staining revealed neoplastic changes consistent with SCC. Image demonstrates the diffuse infiltration of cancer cells into the glandular tissue of the gastric body. A second biopsy and repeat stains were required to identify the lesion and make the diagnosis. Additional staining and imaging confirmed the absence of satellite cancer.

Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) in co-occurring vulvar and gastric lesions of a pony

In horses, squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are the most common malignant tumors developing on non-pigmented skin, muco-cutaneous areas, like external genitalia, and, less frequently, in the stomach. Growing evidence suggests Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) as causative agent of genital SCCs. Our case report describes a 20-year-old, female, mixed-breed pony with co-occurring vulvar papilloma and in situ carcinoma and gastric SCC. Both lesions were positive for the same EcPV2, as confirmed by DNA sequencing. E6 mRNA expression was observed both in vulvar lesions and gastric SCC, while L1 mRNA was expressed in the vulvar tumor. To the best of the Authors' knowledge, this is the first report of an association between EcPV2 and equine gastric squamous cell carcinoma, with co-occurring EcPV2-positive genital lesions. Further studies are required to assess the real prevalence and the possible role of this viral type in these equine tumors.

A Subset of Equine Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinomas Is Associated With Equus Caballus Papillomavirus-2 Infection.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common neoplasm of the equine stomach. However, the mechanisms underlying malignant transformation are unknown. As Equus caballus papillomavirus-2 (EcPV-2) is a likely cause of some genital SCCs, we hypothesized that EcPV-2 is associated with a subset of equine gastric SCCs. To this aim, we performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) for EcPV-2 E6/ E7 oncogenes on 11 gastric SCCs and on gastric samples from 15 control horses with no SCC. PCR for EcPV-2 was positive in 7/11 (64%) gastric SCCs; non-SCC gastric samples were all negative. Intense hybridization signals for EcPV-2 E6/E7 nucleic acid were detected by ISH within tumor cells in 5/11 (45%) gastric SCCs, including distant metastases. No hybridization signals were detected within any of the non-SCC gastric cases. This study provides support for a potential association between EcPV-2 infection and a subset of equine gastric SCC.

Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Stomach: A Rare Presentation

Primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma is a very rare presentation. Its pathogenesis is obscure, and the treatment strategy is largely unknown and controversial. We report a case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach with liver metastases in a 66-year-old man. The patient presented with a 2-month history of abdominal pain, vomiting, hematemesis, and weight loss. Endoscopic examination revealed large ulceroproliferative growth in body of stomach. Integrated PET CT (positron emission tomography computed tomography) scan revealed metabolically active nodular wall thickening involving body of stomach with liver metastases. Multiple biopsies of the lesions revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach. The patient was started on palliative chemotherapy and is presently in partial response to treatment. He is tolerating treatment with no major side effects.