Seitaro Hirano

Optimal management of the branch duct type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.

Goals To determine the optimal management of the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) according to the morphologic type based on distinguishing between benign and malignant diseases. Backgrounds IPMNs are increasingly recognized clinicopathologic entity. Extended pancreatic resection with radical lymph node dissection has been recommended for treatment. Study A retrospective clinicopathologic study was carried out of the 57 cases with IPMNs who were treated between 1985 and 2001. Forty-three patients with IPMNs underwent resection, and 14 patients with small IPMNs were observed without resection. Results Among the 43 resected IPMNs, 25 were benign and 18 were malignant. Malignant tumors were significantly greater in diameter than benign tumors (52.9 vs. 30.2 mm, P < 0.05). All main duct type tumors with mural nodules were malignant. All branch duct type tumors less than 30 mm in diameter and without mural nodules were benign. Twelve branch duct type IPMNs size less than 30 mm were not resected and have not progressed. Conclusion These results suggest that the branch duct type IPMNs less than 30 mm and without mural nodules is benign and might be treatable with limited resection or careful observation.

Microsatellite distribution and indication for locoregional therapy in small hepatocellular carcinoma

Intrahepatic disease recurrence is observed frequently after locoregional therapies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the indication for locoregional therapy is still unclear. To clarify the indication for locoregional therapy for small HCC tumors, the authors measured the distance of microsatellites from the main tumor and analyzed the relation between this distance and clinicopathologic factors.

Increased mRNA expression of chemokines in hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes

Background:  The infiltration of lymphocytes in tumor tissue has been associated with a good prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of the present study was to estimate the correlation between mRNA expression of chemokines and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in HCC.

Consensus interferon enhances the anti-proliferative effect of 5-fluorouracil on human hepatoma cells via downregulation of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase expression.

Abstract: Background/Aims: The effectiveness of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) treatment is influenced by the activities of pyrimidine catabolic enzymes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether interferon (IFN)‐α influences expression of 5‐FU catabolic or target‐related enzymes in human hepatoma cells.