Masaki Mori

Ubiquitin fusion proteins are overexpressed in colon cancer but not in gastric cancer

A cDNA clone (AF3) encoding the ubiquitin A gene 52 amino acid extension fusion protein (UbA52) was isolated from a subtracted cDNA library of human colorectal carcinoma minus adjacent normal mucosa. In Northern hybridization the mRNA signal for UbA52 was greater in surgical samples of colonic carcinoma (T) than in paired adjacent normal (N) tissues in 24 of 29 cases (T/N = 3.4 +/- 0.5, P < 0.01). An oligonucleotide probe specific for only the 52 amino acid extension confirmed the overexpression of UbA52. In contrast, there was no overexpression of UbA52 mRNA in gastric cancer samples (n = 7, T/N = 1.0 +/- 0.3). The mRNA of several ribosomal proteins, and of another ubiquitin A gene fusion protein, UbA80, with an 80 amino acid extension of ribosomal protein S27a, have been reported to be over-expressed in colon cancer, but not as yet at the protein level. Using rabbit antisera to the ribosomal protein component S27a we demonstrate over-expression of S27a at the protein level in colonic (n = 5), but not gastric (n = 6) carcinomas. Therefore it is likely that both UbA80 and UbA52 are overexpressed in colon cancer, but not in gastric cancer.

Two Cases of Synchronous Metastasis of Colon Cancer to the Ovary

Ovarian metastases from primary colorectal cancer are reported to be present in 6% (3-8%) of women who have undergone colorectal resection [1]. In Japan, among primary lesions that metastasize to the ovary, gastric cancer is the most frequent, followed by breast cancer and colon cancer [2]. In general, ovarian metastasis from colon cancer is more frequently simultaneous than meta-chronous. It is difficult to diagnose preoperatively, because there are no highly specific radiological features that can differentiate between primary and metastatic ovarian masses [3]. However, differentiation between primary ovarian cancer and ovarian metastasis is important in order to prevent inappropriate management and suboptimal treatment. In most cases of ovarian metastasis, the primary tumor site is indicated by histopathological examination of the ovary. Herein, we report the cases of two women with synchronous ovarian metastasis from colon cancer, which was diagnosed by histopathological examination of the resected specimens.

Efficacy of Paclitaxel and S-1 in a Patient with Advanced Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Concomitant with Gastric Cancer

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) is a rare disease characterized by disseminated intra-peritoneal implants and mucinous ascites.There is currently no standard treatment strategy for PMP. Presentation of case: We present an unusual case of advanced PMP concomitant with early gastric cancer in a 61-year-old male. In the first operation, in December 2007, the gastric cancer was unrespectable by extensive dissemination of PMP. Therefore, cytoreductive surgery for PMP and appendectomy were performed. After systemic chemotherapy with paclitaxel (Taxo, PTX) plus S-1 for almost 1year, the dissemination on the stomach and intestines disappeared, and we were able to perform a subtotal gastrectomy to remove early gastric cancer. Afterwards, with the intermittent administration of irinotecan (CPT-11) in addition to the basal use of S-1, the patient survived more than five years. To the present day, systemic therapy is still being administered, and might lead to stabilization of disease.