High CA19-9 Level Research Articles

BMI May Be a Prognostic Factor for Local Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients Treated with Long-Term Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.

ObjectiveThis study aims to develop feasible nomograms to predict the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of the local advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients who were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and operation.MethodsA total of 243 LARC patients undergoing nCRT followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) were enrolled. Preoperative clinical features and postoperative pathological characteristics were collected. A Cox regression analysis was performed, and Cox-based nomograms were developed to predict the OS and CSS. We assessed the predictive performance of the nomogram with concordance index and calibration plots.ResultsA total of 243 patients were included with a median follow-up period of 46 months (range from 9 to 86 months). Cox regression analysis showed that low BMI (BMI < 18.5, HR= 21.739, P < 0.05), high level of preoperative CA19-9 (HR = 3.369, P = 0.036), high ypStage (HR = 19.768, P < 0.001), positive neural invasion (HR = 4.218, P = 0.026) and no adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 5.495, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of poor OS. Age ≥70 (HR = 2.284, P <0.001), low BMI (BMI < 18.5, HR = 3.906, P < 0.05), positive preoperative CA19-9 (HR = 1.920, P = 0.012), high ypStage (HR = 5.147, P <0.001) and positive neural invasion (HR = 2.873, P = 0.022) were independent predictors of poor CSS. The predictive nomograms were developed to predict the OS and CSS with a C-index of 0.837 and 0.760. Good statistical performance on internal validation was shown by calibration plots.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study demonstrated that BMI was an independent prognostic factor for OS and CSS in LARC patients treated with nCRT followed TME. A nomogram incorporating BMI, neural invasion, pre-CA19-9, ypStage, age, and adjuvant chemotherapy could be helpful to predict the OS and CSS.

Staging laparoscopy is mandatory for the treatment of pancreatic cancer to avoid missing radiologically negative metastases.

Staging laparoscopy is considered useful for determining treatment plans for advanced pancreatic cancer. However, the indications for staging laparoscopy are not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of staging laparoscopy and its usefulness for detecting distant metastases in patients with pancreatic cancer. A total of 146 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent staging laparoscopy between 2013 and 2019 were analyzed. Staging laparoscopy was performed in all pancreatic cancer patients in whom surgery was considered possible. In this cohort, 42 patients (29%) were diagnosed with malignant cells on peritoneal lavage cytology, 9 (6%) had peritoneal dissemination, and 11 (8%) had liver metastases. A total of 48 (33%) had radiologically negative metastases. On a multivariate analysis, body and tail cancer [odds ratio (OR) 5.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.15-11.6, p < 0.001], high CA19-9 level [OR 4.04, 95% CI 1.74-9.38, p = 0.001], and a resectability status of unresectable (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.03-5.20, p = 0.04) were independent risk factors for radiologically negative metastases. Staging laparoscopy can be safely performed and is useful for the diagnosis of radiologically negative metastases. Staging laparoscopy should be routinely performed for the accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer patients before pancreatectomy and/or local treatment, such as radiotherapy.

A preoperative prediction model for predicting coexisting adnexa malignancy of patients with G1/G2 endometrioid endometrial cancer

ObjectiveTo identify the predictors of coexisting adnexa malignancy (CAM) before surgery for patients with G1/G2 endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC). MethodsPatients with G1/G2 EEC who received surgery in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from 1996 to 2017 were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify the predictors for CAM, and the nomogram was constructed and evaluated the discrimination and calibration. ResultsAmong the 1511 patients in the study cohort, 66 (4.4%) coexisted adnexa malignancy (51 metastatic and 15 synchronous primaries). In the univariate logistic regression analysis, CA125 level (>35 U/ml), histologic grades, myometrial invasion depth in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), adnexal involvement in MRI/surgical exploration (SEP) were found to be significant predictors for CAM (P < .001, 0.047, 0.011, <0.001, respectively). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that high CA125 level (P < .001; OR: 2.945; 95%CI: 1.700–5.101), deep myometrial invasion (P = .011; OR: 2.194; 95%CI: 1.200–4.011), and suspected adnexal involvement in MRI/SEP (P < .001; OR: 11.524; 95%CI: 6.726–19.744) were independent predictors for CAM (AUC = 0.786). In 338 patients with MMR results, eighty-seven (25.7%) were detected MSI-high. There were 5.7% (5/87) patients diagnosed with CAM in the MSI-high group compared with 4.4% (11/251) in the MSS group. ConclusionsA nomogram with pre- and intra-operative factors was constructed to predict CAM in G1/G2 EEC patients, which may help clinicians in decision-making for ovarian preservation for these patients.

Ratios of miRNAs in Peritoneal Exosomes are Useful Biomarkers to Predict Tumor Response to Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Patients with Peritoneal Metastases from Gastric Cancer.

Repeat intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy has been successfully used for treatment of peritoneal metastases (PM) from gastric cancer (GC). Exosomes play important roles not only in tumor progression but also in chemoresistance via transfer of microRNAs (miRNAs). However, there is little evidence of an effect of miRNAs in peritoneal exosomes on chemosensitivity of peritoneal lesions. In 74 patients with advanced GC who underwent staging laparoscopy, exosomes were isolated from peritoneal fluid and expression levels of miR-21-5p, miR-223-3p, and miR-29b-3p determined using TaqMan Advanced miRNA assays. In 43 patients with PM treated with combination chemotherapy, S-1 plus Oxaliplatin together with IP Paclitaxel, the relationship between their relative expression levels and outcomes was examined. The ratios of miR-21-5p/miR-29b-3p and miR-223-3p/miR-29b-3p were significantly upregulated in patients with PM, especially in patients with high serum CA125 levels. They showed a mild association with Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) score and ascites. More impressively, the ratios were significantly higher in 16 patients with progression of PM within 1year compared with 27 patients with an excellent tumor response (miR-21-5p/miR-29b-3p: median 17.49, range 1.83-50.90 vs. median 4.64, range 0.40-38.96, p = 0.0015, miR-223-3p/miR-29b-3p: median 1.02, range 0.23-25.85 vs. median 0.21, range 0.01-50.07, p = 0.0006). Overall survival of patients with high miR-21/miR-29b or miR-223/miR-29b ratios was significantly worse than in patients with low ratios (p = 0.0117, p = 0.0021). The ratios of miRNAs in peritoneal exosome correlate with survival of the patients with PM from GC and suggest the possibility that they modify the chemosensitivity against IP chemotherapy.

Prognostic Nutrition Index and Its Significance in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

The prognostic nutrition index (PNI) had been shown to be prognostic in various gastrointestinal and head neck malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of PNI in advanced ovarian cancer with respect to clinical characteristics, treatment-related morbidity and response to platin-based chemotherapy. We prospectively investigated 286 patients who underwent primary or interval debulking surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer between August 2017 and September 2019. All patients received 6 cycles adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Pretreatment PNI was calculated as serum albumin (g/L) + 0.005 × lymphocyte count (per mm3). Optimal PNI cutoff value for disease-free survival (DFS) was identified using ROC curves. Comparisons between categorical variables were performed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, Cox regression analysis used for multivariate analyses and impact of PNI on DFS analyzed by Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. The 47.85 cutoff value divided patients into high PNI and low PNI groups. No significant correlation was found between pretreatment PNI and age of patient, FIGO stage, residual disease after surgery, chemotoxicity or platinum resistance. However, low PNI was associated with high CA-125 levels (p < 0.001) and increased rate of postoperative complications (p = 0.036). In univariate analysis, PNI was not found to be associated with DFS (p = 0.103) but in multivariate analysis, PNI was independently associated with DFS (HR = 0.960, p = 0.013). Low PNI was significantly associated with increased CA-125 levels, increased rate of postoperative complications and low DFS.

High-Risk Characteristics Associated with Advanced Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: Results from a Retrospective Surgical Cohort.

The management of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) remains controversial. We performed a retrospective study to determine characteristics associated with advanced PCLs (A-PCLs) and whether these characteristics vary in different pathological types of PCLs. The additional diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was also evaluated. Patients who underwent surgical resection for an identified PCLs by imaging modalities were included. A logistic regression model was developed to identify significant characteristics for A-PCLs. EUS data was assessed separately. Three hundred and fifty-three patients were included, and 125 patients (35.4%) were A-PCLs. The presence of main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter ≥ 10mm (odds ratio [OR], 11.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-89.2; P = 0.018), mural nodules ≥ 5mm (OR, 11.67; 95% CI, 2.3-59.05; P = 0.003), solid components within cysts (OR, 30.87; 95% CI, 7.23-131.7; P < 0.0001) and high serum CA19-9 levels (OR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.001-1.011; P = 0.02) were independently associated with the presence of A-PCLs. The presence of septa was independently associated with the presence of non-A-PCLs (OR, 0.147; 95% CI, 0.04-0.6; P = 0.008). Males who had a history of tobacco abuse (P < 0.0001) and had a greatly dilated MPD (P < 0.0001) were more common in advanced intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMC) patients. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPT) often occurred in young women (P < 0.0001), mostly asymptomatically (P < 0.0001) and with lower serum CA19-9 levels (P < 0.0001). In the 124 patients who underwent EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), five additional characteristics (4 mural nodules and 1 MPD involvement) were identified by EUS imaging and 17 patients were identified with abnormal cytological results (13 atypical cells and 4 suspicious for malignancy cells) by EUS-FNA. On the basis of a retrospective study with large sample size, the presence of MPD ≥ 10mm, mural nodules, solid components, and high serum CA19-9 levels were independently associated with the presence of A-PCLs. The high-risk characteristics may vary across different types of A-PCLs. EUS and EUS-FNA could provide additional diagnostic information for PCLs.

Multi-serum glycobiomarkers improves the diagnosis and prognostic prediction of cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundAberrant glycosylation has been reported to play important roles in progression of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and hence the aberrant expressed glycans are beneficial markers for diagnosis and prognostic prediction of CCA. MethodsFive CCA-associated glycobiomarkers—carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19-9), carbohydrate antigen-S27 (CA-S27), CCA-associated carbohydrate antigen (CCA-CA), WFA-positive MUC1 (WFA+-MUC1), and WFA-positive M2BP (WFA+-M2BP), in the sera from CCA patients (N = 138) were determined in comparison with non-CCA control subjects (N = 246). ResultsReceiver operating characteristic analysis suggested the significance of each glycobiomarker in discriminating CCA from non-CCA with area under curve of 0.580–0.777. High levels of CA19-9, CCA-CA, CA-S27, or WFA+-MUC1 were associated with poor prognosis and poor survival of CCA patients. Combination of these glycobiomarkers and graded as a GlycoBiomarker (GB)-score could increase the power of the tests in diagnosis than an individual marker with 81% of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. ConclusionsAccording to the GB-score, these glycobiomarkers not only increased diagnostic power but also discriminated survival of patients indicating the diagnostic and prognostic values of GB-score.

The Lipase/Amylase Ratio (LAR) in Peripheral Blood Might Represent a Novel Prognostic Marker in Patients with Surgically Resectable Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic enzymes might play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the lipase/amylase ratio (LAR), representing a marker previously used in the differentiation of pancreatitis, as a potential prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer. Data from 157 surgically treated patients with ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 351 patients with metastatic disease were evaluated retrospectively. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was considered the endpoint of the study. After applying Kaplan–Meier curve analysis, uni- and multivariate Cox regression models were calculated to evaluate the prognostic relevance of LAR. An elevated LAR at diagnosis of localized pancreatic cancer was significantly associated with higher CA19-9 levels (p < 0.05). In univariate analysis, we observed an increased LAR as a significant factor for lower CSS in localized pancreatic cancer patients (HR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.12–2.36; p = 0.01), but not in metastatic patients (HR = 1.12; 95% CI = 0.87–1.43; p = 0.363). In multivariate analysis, including age, gender, tumor stage, Karnofsky Performance Status, tumor grade, administration of chemotherapy and the LAR, an increased LAR was confirmed to represent an independent prognostic factor regarding CSS (HR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.17–2.77; p = 0.007) in localized pancreatic cancer patients. In conclusion, our study identified the LAR as an independent prognostic factor in surgically treated pancreatic cancer patients.

Clinical Evaluation of Serum Tumor Markers in Patients With Advanced-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Palliative Chemotherapy in China.

Aim: This study aims to analyze the prognostic value of seven tumor makers and also investigate the response of palliative chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC patients with advanced disease.Methods: Medical records of 278 advanced NSCLC Chinese patients who received six cycles of palliative chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed under ethical approval (JSCH2019K-011). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed using SPSS 24 to find the clinical value of these tumor markers and to identify the factors that were associated with progression-free survival (PFS), as well as the response to palliative chemotherapy.Results: In baseline characteristic, the high levels of CEA, CA-125, CA-199, AFP, NSE, CYFRA21-1, and CA15-3 were detected in 209 (75.18%), 139 (50.0%), 62 (22.30%), 18 (6.47%), 155 (55.75%), 176 (63.30%), and 180 (64.74%) patients, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with high vs. normal levels of all tumor markers had an increased risk of poor prognosis. In the multivariable Cox regression model, the patient with (high vs. normal) CYFRA21-1 levels (HR = 1.454, P = 0.009) demonstrated an increased poor PFS. However, patients with (high vs. normal) CA19-9 levels (HR = 0.524, P < 0.0001) and NSE levels (HR = 0.584, P < 0.0001) presented a decreased risk of PFS. Also, patients receiving 3-drugs regimen had better PFS compared to those on 2-drugs regimen (P = 0.043).Conclusions: The high levels of CYFRA21-1 was correlated with a poor prognostic factor of PFS for Advanced NSCLC patients. However, the high levels of CA19-9 and NSE were associated with a better prognostic factor of PFS. Additionally, smoking habits and tumor status had a poor prognostic factor of PFS. Moreover, we found that antiangiogenic therapy has high efficacy with first-line chemotherapy and longer PFS of NSCLC patients.

Survival outcomes of neoadjuvant versus adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A subgroup analysis of the National Cancer Database.

e16777 Background: Early-stage disease is diagnosed in 10-20% of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC). The current standard of care is upfront surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). The administration of the latter may be limited due to postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to determine the subgroups of patients with early-stage PAC who derive maximum benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods: Using the National Cancer Database 2004-15, we identified 20,003 patients with clinical stage I or II PAC who had surgery and received chemotherapy in any sequence. The baseline characteristics were compared using Pearson's chi‐square test between patients who received NAC versus AC. A separate multivariate Cox-proportional Hazard regression analysis was done for each subgroup to identify patients with the maximum survival benefit from NAC. Hazard ratio (HR) &lt; 1 connotes survival benefit in favor of NAC. Results: Of the study population, 24% of the patients received NAC. The patients in the NAC group had more PAC of head (80% vs 73%), stage II disease (72% vs 53%), CA19-9 levels 50 U/ml (66% vs 59%), multiagent chemotherapy (68% vs 27%) and were treated at an academic facility (66% vs 52%) compared to the AC group. The p-value was &lt; 0.001 for all comparisons. The age and sex distribution were similar in both groups. On multivariate survival analysis in the overall population, NAC had improved survival compared to AC (HR 0.88 95%CI 0.82-0.93, p &lt; 0.001). Subgroup multivariate survival analysis is shown in the table. Conclusions: In early stage PAC, there is a trend towards survival benefit of NAC compared to AC in most subgroups. The maximum benefit is seen in younger patients with Stage II disease, high CA19-9 levels and fewer comorbidities who receive multiagent chemotherapy. This finding may partly be explained by better tolerability of preoperative compared to postoperative chemotherapy. A randomized clinical trial is needed to establish the optimal chemotherapy timing in patients with early-stage PAC who are treated with curative intent. [Table: see text]

Low serum exosomal miR-484 expression predicts unfavorable prognosis in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common malignancy worldwide. Emerging evidences have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in regulating the initiation and development of OC. The present study was to explore the clinical significance of serum exosomal miR-484 in OC. A total of 113 OC patients and 60 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to measure serum exosomal miR-484 levels in blood samples. Our results showed that serum exosomal miR-484 levels were significantly lower in OC patients. Serum exosomal miR-484 was able to discriminate OC cases from controls, with an area under the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.821. Combination of serum exosomal miR-484 with CA-125 showed an elevated AUC of 0.912 in identifying OC patients from controls. Moreover, decreased serum exosomal miR-484 expression was significantly associated with aggressive clinical variables as well as shorter overall survival and progression-free survival. The OC patients with simultaneously low serum exosomal miR-484 expression and high serum CA-125 levels tended to suffer the worst clinical outcomes. The multivariate analysis confirmed that low serum exosomal miR-484 level was an independent indicator. Collectively, serum exosomal miR-484 could serve as a reliable and non-invasive marker for predicting the prognosis of OC.

Enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes predict disease involvement of the upper abdomen and the outcome of primary surgical debulking in advanced ovarian cancer.

IntroductionThe outcome of ovarian cancer patients is highly dependent on the success of primary debulking surgery in terms of postoperative residual disease. This study critically evaluates the clinical impact of preoperative radiologic assessment of the cardiophrenic lymph node (CPLN) status in advanced ovarian cancer.Material and methodsBaseline CT scans of 178 stage III and IV ovarian cancer patients were retrospectively reviewed by two independent radiologists. CPLN enlargement defined at a short‐axis ≥5 mm was evaluated for its prognostic value and predictive power of upper abdominal tumor involvement and the chance of complete intra‐abdominal tumor resection at primary debulking surgery. Only patients without surgically removed CPLN were eligible for this study.ResultsEnlarged CPLNs were detected in 50% of patients and correlated with radiologically suspicious (P = .028) and histologically confirmed (P = .001) paraaortic lymph node metastases. CPLNs ≥ 5 mm were associated with high CA‐125 levels at baseline and revealed independent prognostic relevance for progression‐free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33‐3.42) and overall survival (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.16‐4.08). Noteworthy, patients with enlarged CPLNs nonetheless benefit from complete intra‐abdominal tumor debulking in terms of an improvement in progression‐free survival (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38‐0.94) and overall survival (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35‐0.82). Enlarged CPLNs correctly predicted carcinomatosis of the upper abdomen in 94.6%. A predictive score of complete tumor debulking, termed CD‐score, which integrates, beside a CPLN short axis <5 mm, an ascites volume <500 mL, and CA‐125 levels <500 U/mL at baseline, correctly predicted complete intra‐abdominal debulking in 100% of patients.ConclusionsCPLNs ≥5 mm predict upper abdominal tumor involvement. The application of the CD‐score predicted complete macroscopic tumor resection at primary surgery in all of the patients. Although, CPLN pathology suggests extra‐abdominal disease, we consistently demonstrated that patients nonetheless benefit from complete intra‐abdominal tumor resection.

Diagnostic and prognostic values of anti-helicobacter pylori antibody combined with serum CA724, CA19-9, and CEA for young patients with early gastric cancer.

BackgroundTo investigate the value of anti‐helicobacter pylori (Hp) antibody, serum carbohydrate antigen (CA)‐724, CA19‐9, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of young patients with early gastric cancer.MethodsA total of 200 young patients with gastric cancer from April 2014 to December 2015 were enrolled. A total of 206 patients with gastritis and 204 healthy subjects were also selected. Gastric cancer patients were followed up for 3 years, and the number of recurrences, metastasis, and death was recorded.ResultsThe positive rate of anti‐Hp antibody, CA724, CA19‐9, and CEA in young patients with early gastric cancer were significantly higher than those in gastritis and healthy subjects (P < .05), and was positively correlated with tumor stage, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis (P < .05). The predicting model was as follows: Logit (P) = 26.433‐3.014(CA724)‐3.908(CA19‐9)‐0.303(CEA)‐2.208(anti‐Hp antibody, Positive = 1; Negative = 0). This model had a high value in identifying young patients with early gastric cancer with AUC of 0.918, and the estimated probability was .806. Compared to patients with negative anti‐Hp antibody and low serum levels of CA724, CA19‐9, and CEA, the recurrence rate, metastasis rate, and mortality of patients with positive anti‐Hp antibody, high serum levels of CA724, CA19‐9, and CEA increased significantly (P < .05).ConclusionThis study indicated that anti‐Hp antibody combined with CA724, CA19‐9, and CEA had important value in the identification of young patients with early gastric cancer and were of great value in evaluating the risk of postoperative recurrence, metastasis, and death.

Overexpression of a panel of cancer stem cell markers enhances the predictive capability of the progression and recurrence in the early stage cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundCancer recurrence is the important problem of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients, lead to a very high mortality rate. Therefore, the identification of candidate markers to predict CCA recurrence is needed in order to effectively manage the disease. This study aims to examine the predictive value of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers on the progression and recurrence of CCA patients.MethodsThe expression of 6 putative CSC markers, cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), CD44 variant 6 (CD44v6), CD44 variants 8-10 (CD44v8-10), cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1), was investigated in 178 CCA tissue samples using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and analyzed with respect to clinicopathological data and patient outcome including recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). The candidate CSC markers were also investigated in serum from CCA patients, and explored for their predictive ability on CCA recurrence.ResultsElevated protein level of CD44 and positive expression of CD44v6 and CD44v8-10 were significantly associated with short RFS and OS, while high levels of ALDH1A1 were correlated with a favorable prognosis patient. The elevated CD44v6 level was also correlated with higher tumor staging, whereas a decreasing level of ALDH1A1 was correlated with lower tumor staging. The levels of CD44, CD44v6 and CD44v8-10 were also correlated and were associated with a poor outcome. Furthermore, soluble CD44, CD44v6, CD44v8-10 and EpCAM were significantly increased in the recurrence group for early stage CCA; they also correlated with high levels of the tumor marker CA19-9. Elevated levels of CD44, CD44v6, CD44v8-10 or EpCAM alone or in combination has the potential to predict CCA recurrence.ConclusionsThe overexpression of CD44, CD44v6, CD44v8-10 and EpCAM increases predictability of post-operative CCA recurrence. Moreover, the overexpression of the panel of CSC markers combined with CA19-9 could improve our predictive ability for tumor recurrence in early stage CCA patients. This result may be beneficial for the patients in order to predict the outcome after treatment and may be useful for clinical intervention in order to improve patient survival.

An Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor with High Levels of CA-125 in Sanglah General Hospital: A Rare Case Report

<i>Background</i>: Ovarian steroid cell tumors are rare tumors of the ovary characterized by steroid cell proliferation. These sex-hormone secreting tumors raise many differential diagnoses related to hyperandrogenism. Although most of these tumors are benign and slow-growing, approximately 25 – 43% of cases are clinically malignant. <i>Case</i>: We herein report a case of 30 years old woman with ovarian steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified (NOS) with primary infertility. The patient presented with hirsutism and abdominal enlargement due to massive ascites during hospital admission. The blood test result showed significantly increased CA-125. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed a 7.81 x 4.94 cm tumor of the left adnexa. The patient underwent left salpingo-oophorectomy and responded well to the surgery. <i>Conclusion</i>: This case report presents a unique case of ovarian steroid cell tumor, NOS with findings of massive ascites, hirsutism, and a high level of CA-125. The findings were never associated with this type of tumor. The steroid cell tumor and its ascites could mechanically irritate the mesothelium that causing overexpression of CA-125. Surgery remains as the first-line treatment of this case. Adjuvant chemotherapy should be done based on the histologic type of the tumor and its surgical stage. Tumor marker decreased after surgery was done and patient remains alive and free of disease after a period of 2 years.

Yonsei Criteria, a Potential Linkage to Intratumoral Foxp3⁺/CD8⁺ Ratio for the Prediction of Oncologic Outcomes in Resected Left-Sided Pancreatic Cancer.

PurposeThis study sought to investigate associations among Yonsei criteria (tumor confined to the pancreas, intact fascia layer between the distal pancreas and the left adrenal gland and kidney, and tumor located more than 1–2 cm from the celiac axis) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in pancreatic cancer.Materials and MethodsPatients who underwent curative distal pancreatectomy due to left-sided pancreatic cancer from January 2000 to December 2011 were enrolled. Follow-up was completed September 30, 2015.ResultsFifty patients were enrolled. Having ≥ two metastatic lymph nodes (LNs, p=0.002), intraoperative transfusion (p=0.011), low levels of tumor infiltrating CD8+ T-cells (p=0.001), and a high Foxp3+/CD8+ ratio (p=0.009) were independent risk factors for disease-free survival. Not satisfying the Yonsei criteria (p=0.021), having ≥ two metastatic LNs (p=0.032), low levels of tumor infiltrating CD8+ T-cells (p=0.040) and a high Foxp3+/CD8+ ratio (p=0.032) were associated with unfavorable overall survival. High levels of CA19-9 and not satisfying the Yonsei criteria were significantly associated with a high Foxp3+/CD8+ ratio [Exp(β)=3.558; 95% confidence inverval: 1.000–12.658; p=0.050].ConclusionYonsei criteria may be clinically detectable biologic marker with which to predict immunologic status and survival in pancreatic cancer patients.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for Patients with High Levels of Serum CEA and CA19-9

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for Patients with High Levels of Serum CEA and CA19-9

Clinical evaluation of carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 125, carbohydrate antigen 199 and neuron-specific enolase in locally advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients with adjuvant chemotherapy

Background: Response markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125, CA19-9 and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) constitute the common modulated parameters in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Objective: This study evaluated the pivotal role of biomarkers CEA, CA125, CA19-9 and NSE in the diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC in both Stage IIIA and IIIB patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.Materials and Methods: We adapted a retrospective design to review 1875 lung cancer patients' medical records from Jiangsu Province Cancer Hospital, Respiratory Department, from 2012 to 2017 who underwent surgery and were currently diagnosed with NSCLC. In total, 168 patients were eligible for final analysis. Blood samples from these patients were taken for CEA, CA125, CA19-9 and NSE analysis before and after each cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy.Results: A high level of CEA, CA125, CA19 9 and NSE was detected in 99 (58.92%), 87 (51.78%), 42 (25%) and 50 (29.76%) cases, respectively. Progression occurred in 56 of 168 patients, and their overall progression free survival (PFS) was 4–6 months. Patients with CEA level elevated and normal had a median PFS of 4 versus 8. Similarly, CA125, CA19 9 and NSE had a median PFS of 4 versus 6 (P = 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression model, treatment (2 vs. 3 drugs), metastasis (yes vs. no), CEA (≤3.5 ng/ml vs. >3.5 ng/ml) and CA125 (≤35 U/ml vs. >35 U/ml) (P = 0.01, P = 0.05, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.001, respectively) were found independent prognostic factors for PFS of NSCLC, and patients using three drug therapy showed prolonged PFS compared to those using two drug therapy (P = 0.001).Conclusions: Conclusively, we found that high pre-treatment levels CEA and CA125 correlated with poor prognosis and progression of the disease also occurred. In addition, in adjuvant chemotherapy, the use of bevacizumab with platinum-based chemotherapy showed a high efficacy in lowering tumour markers level and improved PFS.

Reticular pattern around superior mesenteric artery in computed tomography imaging predicting poor prognosis of pancreatic head cancer.

Some patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) demonstrate a reticular pattern around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in computed tomography scans. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of the reticular pattern in pancreatic head cancer. A total of 91 patients with pancreatic head cancer, who underwent upfront pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2004 and 2017, were included. Patients without reticular pattern (Non-group, n =39); with reticular pattern around SMA (Ret-group, n =39); and with soft tissue contact (Soft-group, n =13) were compared. Median overall survival (OS) of patients in the Ret-group was significantly worse than that in the Non-group (21.3 vs. 57.0months; P<0.001) and equivalent to that in the Soft-group. In the multivariate analysis, reticular pattern and high CA19-9 levels were identified as independent predictors of OS. Microscopically, only fibrotic thickenings were identified corresponding to the reticular pattern areas, and no difference in the frequency of early local recurrence was noted between the Non and Ret-groups. Lymphovascular invasion was significantly different between the two groups; furthermore, early distant recurrence was more frequent in the Ret-group. The reticular pattern around SMA is an important prognostic factor related to frequent distant recurrence in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Abstract B34: The impact of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic head cancer after curative surgery

Abstract Introduction: The outcome of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BR PDAC) remains dismal even if the patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical resection. Pancreatic resection is highly invasive and sometimes fatal; thus, useful preoperative indicators for favorable prognosis of patients with PDAC are needed. Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) is a systemic inflammatory response marker associated with cancer outcome. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical significance of LMR for BR head-PDAC patients. Materials and Methods: Consecutive 67 borderline resectable (BR) head-PDAC patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from Jan. 2008 to Dec. 2017 at Chiba University Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The levels of LMR were calculated by simply dividing the absolute lymphocyte count by the monocyte count from routine preoperative blood sample, and the cut-off value of LMR was determined by receiver operating curve analysis. All the participants were divided into two groups (High/Low) based on the level of LMR. Among the clinicopathologic factors, we analyzed the clinical significance of preoperative LMR using the Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional regression model. Results: The characteristics of participants were as follows: median age: 67 (interquartile range (IQR) 61-72) years old, sex M/F: 49/18, resectability based on NCCN 2018.2 (BR-PV/BR-A): 38/29, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (done/none): 36/31, adjuvant chemotherapy (done/none): 59/8, R0/1 resection: 51/16, respectively. The median level of preoperative LMR was 4.17 (IQR 2.51-6.09). The cut-off value of LMR was calculated to be 5.63 by applying Youden Index. All PDAC patients were classified into high LMR group (n=20) and low LMR group (n=47). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the outcome of patients in high LMR group was significantly better compared to that in low LMR group (P=0.029 log-rank test). The median overall survival time after surgery was 17.6 months in low LMR group versus 38.1 months in high LMR group. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that high LMR (P=0.012) and low preoperative CA19-9 level (P=0.012) were identified as independent prognostic factors of favorable outcomes in patients with BR head-PDAC. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated both LMR and preoperative CA19-9 were independent prognostic factors in patients with BR head-PDAC. Because these markers can be obtained preoperatively, they will contribute to determination of the strategy for treatment of BR PDAC patients. Citation Format: Yoji Miyahara, Shigetsugu Takano, Hideyuki Yoshitomi, Shingo Kagawa, Katsunori Furukawa, Tsukasa Takayashiki, Satoshi Kuboki, Daisuke Suzuki, Nozomu Sakai, Takashi Mishima, Eri Nakadai, Masayuki Ohtsuka. The impact of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic head cancer after curative surgery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2019 Sept 6-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(24 Suppl):Abstract nr B34.