• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.74-81
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• 2007

Purpose: Routine pancreatico-splenectomy with total gastrectomy should no longer be considered as the standard surgical procedure for gastric cancer because of the lack of proven surgical benefit for survival. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinicopathologic factors and the survival of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer and they had undergone combined pancreatico-splenectomy with a curative intent. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a total of 118 patients who had undergone total gastrectomy with distal pancreatico-splenectomy from 1990 to 2001. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 90 patients who were free from cancer invasion (group I), and 28 patients with histologically proven cancer invasion into the pancreas (group II). The various clinicopathologic factors that were presumed to influence survival and the survival rates were analyzed. Results: The rate of pathological pancreatic invasion was 23.7%. The tumor stage, depth of invasion, pancreas invasion, lymph node metastasis, lymph node ratio, curability and the hepatic and peritoneal metastasis were statistically significance on univariate analysis. Among these factors, the tumor stage, lymph node ratio and curability were found to be independent prognostic factor on multivariate analysis. The 5-years survival rates were 36.2% for group I and 13.9% for group II. The morbidity rate was 22.1%, and this included pancreatic fistula (5.1%), intra-abdominal abscess (4.2%) and bleeding (4.2%). The overall mortality rate was 0.8%. Conclusion: Combined distal pancreatico-splenectomy with total gastrectomy with a curative intent was selectively indicated for those patients with visible tumor invasion to the pancreas, a difficult complete lymph node dissection around the distal pancreas and spleen, and no evidence of liver metastasis or peritoneal dissemination.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.444-447
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• 2004

A 59 year-old male diagnosed as unstable angina underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery using in situ left internal mammary and right gastroepiploic artery grafts. During harvesting the right gastroepiploic artery, there was no abnormal finding in intraabdominal organs including stomach and liver. He was discharged at the 3rd postoperative day without complication. In case of using in situ right gastroepiploic artery, we recommend gastrofberscopic study at regular follow-up, The patient underwent the gastrofiberscopic study at postoperative 3rd month and diagnosed as advanced gastric cancer on the posterior wall of gastric fundus. At 5th postoperative month, total gastrectomy without intraoperative injury of the right gastroepiploic artery was performed at the department of general surgery. He was discharged at the 9th postoperative day. Follow-up coronary angiography performed at the 1st postoperative year demonstrated patent grafts including right gastroepiploic artery.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.23-28
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• 1975

Glucose tolerance, insulin and growth hormone responses following glucose or amino acids administration by means of parenteral or oral load were studied in patients with far advanced gastric cancer. Hormone responses following nutrients load showed in patients with gastric cancer were compared to those of healthy subjects. Results were as follows: 1. Blood sugar appearance following oral glucose administration was diminished in patients with far advanced gastric cancer. 2. The insulin responses of gastric cancer following oral glucose were also diminished as compared to that of normal subjects and were identical with parenteral route. 3. Parenteral administration of glucose or amino acids to patients with gastric cancer result ed in a increase of plasma growth hormone level. 4. Lower insulin response to amino acids was observed on parenteral administration in patient with gastric cancer as in healthy subjects. 5. Author discussed that the low insulin response after oral glucose administration showed in gastric cancer, and any additional insulin requirement arise when longer periods of parenteral amino acid administration are necessary, as in the patient with malnutritions.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.104-109
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• 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of surgically diagnosing early gastric cancer (EGC) and lymph node metastasis, and to determine its role for performing limited surgery for EGC. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 369 patients who underwent gastrectomy for primary gastric carcinoma. The surgical diagnosis was evaluated by determining its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, and this was compared with the preoperative examinations. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the intraoperative diagnosis for EGC were 74.5%, 95.7% and 83.7%, respectively. The predictive value for EGC according to the intraoperative diagnosis was 95.7%. The surgical diagnosis of EGC showed higher specificity and a higher predictive value than preoperative examinations, which significantly reduced the risk of underestimating advanced gastric cancer (AGC) to EGC. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for lymph node metastasis according to the surgical diagnosis were 73.2%, 78.1% and 76.4%, respectively. For 70 patients with a discrepancy in the diagnosis of EGC between the pre- and intra-operative diagnosis, the surgical diagnosis was correct in 63 (90%) patients, but the preoperative examinations were correct in only 7 (10%) patients. Conclusion: The surgical diagnosis showed better accuracy than the preoperative examinations for detecting EGC and lymph node metastasis. Our results suggest that the decision for conducting limited surgery based on the surgical diagnosis might reduce the risk of under-treatment of AGC to EGC better than the preoperative examinations.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.5 no.4 s.20
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• pp.273-280
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• 2005

Purpose: Cyclin G2 has been reported to be a negative cell-cycle regulator in various cancer tissues. However, the pattern of cyclin G2 expression in gastric cancer is relatively unknown. We investigated the expression of cyclin G2 in gastric cancer tissues and evaluated the clinical significance of its expression. Materials and Methods: Well-preserved gastric cancer tissues were consecutively obtained from 172 patients who underwent gastric cancer operations at Samsung Medical Center between November 1994 and December 1997. Cyclin G2 expression in the tissues was examined immunohistochemically, and the clinicopathological features and prognostic significance according to the expression were analyzed. Results: Of the 172 gastric cancer tissues, cyclin G2 expression was positive in 43 tissues (25.0%). According to the stage, cyclin G2 expression was lower in more advanced stages (P<0.001). Negative expression of cyclin G2 was positively correlated with more advanced depth of tumor invasion (P<0.05), presence of lymph-node metastasis (P<0.05) and presence of lymphatic invasion (P<0.05). The prognosis of the cyclin G2(+) group was significantly better than that of the cyclin G2(-) group (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that T stage, lymph-node metastasis, distant metastasis, and lymphatic invasion were independent prognostic factors, but the expression of cyclin G2 was not. Conclusion: Cyclin G2 was expressed in 25% of the gastric cancer tissues, and negative expression of cyclin G2 was associated with more advanced tumor progression. Cyclin G2 may be a negative cell-cycle regulator in gastric cancer, and further studies are necessary to elucidate its exact role in the mechanism of carcinogenesis.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.47-51
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• 2005

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare clinicopathologic entity of unknown etiology with a variety of digestive symptoms. The pathogenesis is poorly understood. Diagnostic criteria include demonstration of eosinophilic infiltration of the affected bowel wall, lack of evidence of extraintestinal disease, and exclusion of various disorders that could mimic similar conditions. The disease might involve any area of the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum, but the stomach and the proximal small bowel are most commonly affected. The clinical features depend on which layer and site are involved. We report the case of a 59-year-old male patient with a 3-week history of post-prandial vomiting with malnutrition and weight loss. An abdominopelvic CT showed a gastric outlet obstruction with diffuse wall thickening, as with linitis plastica. Three gastrofiberscopic biopsies showed chronic gastritis. We carried out a radical total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection. The pathologic report revealed a mural type eosinophilic gastritis with a marked hypertrophic scar formation at the proper muscle layer. We report this case with a brief review of the literature. (J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc 2005;5:47-51)

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.193-199
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• 2007

Purpose: Combined resection of an invaded organ in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) with infiltration of adjacent organs is essential to achieve R0 resection. However, when the tumor invades the head of the pancreas or duodenum, R0 resection interferes with the lower resectability and results in a higher morbidity. Wereviewed these cases retrospectively and considered the proper extent of the surgical resection. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed cases where patients underwent surgery for gastric adenocarcinoma at the Department of Surgery, Presbyterian Medical Center, between January 1998 and December 2003. Among the 45 patients who were suspected to have pancreatic head or duodenum invasion by a primary tumor or metastatic lymph nodes based on the operative findings, we included 22 patients without incurable factors. The patients were classified into three groups: 4 patients that underwent a combined resection (PD group), 12 patients that underwent a palliative subtotal gastrectomy (STG group) and 6 patients that underwent bypass surgery only (GJ group). We analyzed the clinicopathological features, operative data and results. Results: The patients of the PD group achieved R0 resection by PD with D3 Dissection in all Patients. A pancreatic fistula was observed in one patient (morbidity 25%). There was no surgery-associated mortality (mortality 0%). All patients of the PD group were in stage IV. However, the 2-year survival rate (SR) was 75% and the 5-year SR was 50%. Six patients of the STG group underwent surgery with marginal resection and the other six patients of the STG group had a positive distal resection margin. The 2-year SR was 41.7% and the 5-year SR was 16.7%. Most of the patients of group GJ were of old age (mean age: $72.7{\pm}8.6$ years) or had chronic diseases. The 2-year SR was 0%. Conclusion: Combined resection of the pancreas and duodenum in AGC with pancreatic head invasion is relatively safe with moderate morbidity and a lower mortality. One can expect long-term survival if combined resectionis performed in cases without incurable factors.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.371-379
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• 1992

악성종양의 진단 및 치료에 있어서 특정 종양에 대한 항체를 이용하는 연구가 활발히 진행되고 있다. 단세포군항체를 이용한 방사면역신티그라피로 암의 조기 진단 및 영상화가 가능하고 나아가 방사면역치료는 암의 선택적 치료에 도움이 될 수 있다. 위암은 우리나라에서 가장 흔한 악성종양으로 방사면역신티그라피와 방사면역치료법이 새로운 방법으로 모색되고 있다. 이러한 진단 및 치료법의 성공여부를 결정하는 중요한 인자의 하나가 종양조직내에서 종양관련 항원의 농도와 분포이다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 단세포군 항체를 이용한 방사면역학적 방법의 임상 이용을 위한 기초 연구의 일환으로 in vitro quantitative autoradiography를 이용하여 종양 관련항원인 TAG-72와 CEA의 위암조직내 농도 및 분포를 측정하였다. 33예의 위암조직에서 얻은 동결절편을 $1.3\sim83.3$ nmol/liter의 $^{125}I$ 표지 항 TAG-72 단세포군 항체 B-72.3과 항 CEA 단세포군 항체 CEA-79로 반응시킨 후 이 표본들의 자가방사법 디지탈 영상을 H & E 염색과 immunoperoxidase염색 표본과 비교하였으며, 특정 단세포군 항체의 결합에 대한 컴퓨터 분석으로 조직내 항원의 농도와 분포를 측정하였다. TAG-72는 25예(75.7%)의 조직에서 검출되었으며 그 농도는 $8.4\sim525.3$ pmol/gram이었고, CEA는 32예 (96.9%)에서 검출되었으며 그 농도는 $8.8\sim592.9$ pmol/gram 이었다. CEA의 위암 조직내 발현농도는 중앙치가 101.7 pmol/gram 으로 TAG-72의 중앙치인 27.9 pmol/gram 보다 높았다. TAG-72의 조직내 분포는 41.4%에서 병변 부위의 암세포 분포와 일치하였고, CEA의 분포는 병변 부위의 80.5%에서 암세포와 일치하는 소견을 나타내었다. TAG-72의 농도는 점액성 선종(mucinous adenocarcinoma)과 점액함유 선종(mucin containing adenocarcinoma)에서 다른 선종보다 더 높았다. CEA의 농도는 위암의 병리학적 종류에 따른 유의한 차이가 없었다. 이상의 결과로 위암조직에서 TAG-72와 CEA항원이 다양하게 발현됨을 알 수 있었고 CEA는 TAG-72 보다 더 빈번하게 균일한 분포로 발현하는 것으로 나타났다.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.70-78
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• 2008

Purpose: VEGF-C and VEGF-D are angiogenetic factors, and abnormal expression of E-cadherin hasa role in the progression of gastric carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the expression of E-cadherin, VEGF-C and VEGF-D with the presence of lymph node metastases (LNM) using cytokeratin 18 in early gastric cancer (EGC). Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin, VEGF-C and VEGF-D was performed in 49 EGC patients from March 1997 to December 2002. To evaluate the real extent of LNM, 1,562 lymph nodes from 49 patients were re-examined with the use of cytokeratin 18. Results: Eleven (0.7%) LNM were newly found in 12.2% (n=6) of patients. The real LNM rate was 3.6% in mucosal invasive (m) cancer and 38.1% in submucosal invasive (sm). Stage migration was seen in three patients (6.1%). Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was detected in 36.7% of the patients and expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D was detected in 16.3% and 36.7% of the patients, respectively. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation (P=0.0103) and Lauren classification (P<0.0001). There was no positive relationship of VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression with the clinicopathological findings for EGC including LNM. However, the frequency of lymph node metastases was significantly higher in patients that demonstrated abnormal expression of E-cadherin with positive immunoreactivity of VEGF-C or VEGF-D (P=0.031). Conclusion: In present study, we could not demonstrate a relationship between the presence of LNM and expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in EGC. However, VEGF-C or VEGF-D expression, in addition to the abnormal expression of E-cadherin, was correlated with the real extent of LNM in EGC.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.35-39
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• 2006

A 77-year-old female presented panperitonitis due to advanced gastric ranter during palliative care. In the case of panperitonitis following obstruction or perforation, surgical treatment is vital to avoid fatal sepsis and dehydration. However, the risk of surgery and the residual life of a patient must be carefully considered because of high mortality and complication rate in those patients with advanced disease due to the poor condition. The therapeutic value of aggressive hydration, nasogastric tube insertion, and the use of antibiotics is also questionable. Palliative surgery was not performed on this case, and she passed away peacefully in the presence of family after 4 days of palliative medical care. Here is the appropriate management for this kind of patients we would like to recommend through review of relevant references and long discussions. Firstly, we need to predict survival time using clinical variables. Secondly, considering patient status and risk of surgery, non surgical palliative care such as pain control, transient nasogastric tube insertion, and parenteral hydration is recommended. Minimal use of fluid is desirable to minimize complications such as edema and dyspnea if massive hydration in the beginning of treatment is not proved to be effective. Even though started earlier in the course of disease, discontinuation of antibiotics could be discussed with patients and their caregiver if patient status is not improved.