Shuisheng Zhang

Effects of alcohol drinking and smoking on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma mortality: A retrospective cohort study consisting of 1783 patients

The effects of alcohol drinking and smoking on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) mortality are contradictory. Individuals who were diagnosed as PDAC and hospitalized at the China National Cancer Center between January 1999 and January 2016 were identified and included in the study. Ultimately, 1783 consecutive patients were included in the study. Patients were categorized as never, ex-drinkers/smokers or current drinkers/smokers. Hazard ratios (HRs) of all-cause mortality and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Compared with never drinkers, the HRs were 1.25 for ever drinkers, 1.24 for current drinkers, and 1.33 for ex-drinkers (trend P = 0.031). Heavy drinking and smoking period of 30 or more years were positive prognostic factors for PDAC. For different smoking and alcohol drinking status, only subjects who are both current smokers and current drinkers (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03–2.05) were associated with reduced survival after PDAC compared to those who were never smokers and never drinkers. Patients who are alcohol drinkers and long-term smokers before diagnosis have a significantly higher risk of PDAC mortality. Compared to those who neither smoker nor drink, only patients who both smokers and drinkers were associated with reduced survival from PDAC.

Duct-to-mucosa versus invagination pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a meta-analysis

Objective We aimed to compare the two most commonly used pancreatico-jejunostomy reconstruction techniques—duct-to-mucosa and invagination. Methods Databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and several clinical trial registration centers were searched. Randomized controlled trials that compared duct-to-mucosa and invagination pancreaticojejunostomy techniques after pancreaticoduodenectomy were included and analyzed. Results In total, seven RCTs were included, involving 850 patients. The difference in postoperative pancreatic fistula rate between the duct-to-mucosa and invagination pancreaticojejunostomy was not significant (RR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.76-1.39, P = 0.86). There was no significant difference in clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula between the two groups (RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.15-3.96, P = 0.77). The overall morbidity, overall mortality, delayed gastric emptying, intra-abdominal collection, reoperation rate, and length of hospital stay between the two groups were not significantly different. Sensitivity analysis showed that the meta-analysis was stable. Further, no significant publication bias was seen. Conclusions Duct-to-mucosa and invagination pancreaticojejunostomy techniques after pancreaticoduodenectomy were comparable in terms of postoperative pancreatic fistula incidence and other parameters.

Clinicopathologic features, surgical treatments, and outcomes of small bowel tumors: A retrospective study in China

BACKGROUND Small bowel tumors are relatively rare. Accumulation of data regarding their clinical presentation, pathologic features, prognostic factors, treatment modalities, and outcome has been an issue. We summarize the clinicopathologic features and evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with small bowel tumors who underwent surgery. METHODS This is a retrospective study of medical records of 456 patients with small bowel tumors treated surgically at a Cancer Hospital between 1999 and 2016. RESULTS The study included 275 males (60.3%) and 181 females (39.7%). Small bowel tumors were difficult to diagnose because of non-specific symptoms. The most common symptoms were alimentary symptoms (56.8%) and abdominal pain (37.3%). Final histopathology revealed 241 adenocarcinomas (52.9%), 153 gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs; 33.6%), 16 neuroendocrine tumors (NETs; 3.5%), and 46 other types of tumors (10.1%). The 456 surgeries performed included 153 pancreaticoduodenectomies, 241 limited duodenum resections, 60 palliative bypass surgeries, and 2 abdominal explorations. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates for patients with small bowel tumor were 57.2% and 44.6%, respectively. Adenocarcinomas resulted in the worst overall survival compared to GISTs or NETs, and tumors with duodenal location resulted in a worse survival compared to those with non-duodenal location. CONCLUSION Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for small bowel tumors. Adenocarcinomas and duodenal involvement seem to contribute to poor outcomes.

Are Internal or External Pancreatic Duct Stents the Preferred Choice for Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy? A Meta-Analysis

The technique of pancreatic duct stenting during pancreatic anastomosis can markedly reduce the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The method of drainage includes using either an external or an internal stent; the meta-analysis result shows us that there were no differences in the rates of postoperative complications between PD using internal stents and PD using external stents; internal stents may be more favorable during postoperative management of drainage tube. What is more, internal stents could reduce the digestive fluid loss and benefit the digestive function.

Direct frequency comb optical frequency standard based on two-photon transitions of thermal atoms.

Optical clocks have been the focus of science and technology research areas due to their capability to provide highest frequency accuracy and stability to date. Their superior frequency performance promises significant advances in the fields of fundamental research as well as practical applications including satellite-based navigation and ranging. In traditional optical clocks, ultrastable optical cavities, laser cooling and particle (atoms or a single ion) trapping techniques are employed to guarantee high stability and accuracy. However, on the other hand, they make optical clocks an entire optical tableful of equipment, and cannot work continuously for a long time; as a result, they restrict optical clocks used as very convenient and compact time-keeping clocks. In this article, we proposed, and experimentally demonstrated, a novel scheme of optical frequency standard based on comb-directly-excited atomic two-photon transitions. By taking advantage of the natural properties of the comb and two-photon transitions, this frequency standard achieves a simplified structure, high robustness as well as decent frequency stability, which promise widespread applications in various scenarios.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the common bile duct: A case report.

Rationale: Sarcomatoid carcinoma is an extremely rare lesion in the common bile duct (CBD). Patient concerns: We present a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the distal CBD in a 51-year-old woman who presented with jaundice and abdominal pain. Whipples operation was performed successfully. Microscopically, the tumor was a poorly differentiated carcinoma containing a component of sarcoma-like differentiation. The tumor cells displayed spindle-shaped nuclei with occasional mitotic figures. Cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK19, CK18, and pan-CK (AE1/AE3) staining was positive on immunohistochemistry. Vimentin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) staining were also positive. Diagnoses: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the distal CBD. Interventions: The patient received three cycles of chemotherapy after surgery. Outcomes: The patient has experienced no adverse events in the 3 years post-surgery. Lessons: We present here a case report of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the distal CBD. The patient received chemotherapy after surgery, and was event-free for 3 years post-surgery, suggesting a relatively better prognosis, despite the infiltrative pattern of the tumor.

Clinicopathological features, surgical treatments, and survival outcomes of patients with small bowel adenocarcinoma

Abstract To date, because of their rarity, the clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes of small bowel adenocarcinomas (SBAs) have been insufficiently explored. We evaluated the clinicopathological features and long-term outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for SBA. This retrospective study (from 1999 to 2016) examined patients with SBA treated surgically at the China National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital. Clinicopathological features, preoperative evaluation, surgical treatment, and outcome parameters were reviewed and analyzed. Among the 241 patients studied, pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed in 51.0%, partial resection in 24.5%, palliative bypass surgery in 23.7%, and abdominal exploration in 0.8% of the patients. Majority of the patients were diagnosed at an advanced disease stage, and the duodenum was the most common tumor site. Postoperative complications occurred in 44.4% of the patients. Median overall and progression-free survival rates were 22.0 and 13.0 months, respectively. The 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates for patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma were 30.2% and 21.7%, respectively. Duodenal adenocarcinomas, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, poor differentiation, and lymphovascular invasion were associated with poor overall survival outcomes. The 3 factors associated with progression-free survival were the degree of differentiation, lymph node metastases, and distant metastases. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for SBA. A poor prognosis could be owing to the site, metastasis, differentiation, and lymphovascular invasion; however, the prognosis may improve through early diagnosis and operation.

Duodenum-Preserving Resection of the Pancreatic Head versus Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis with Enlargement of the Pancreatic Head: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The results of this meta-analysis show that DPPHR should be established as first-line treatment because of lower level of severe early postoperative complications, maintenance of endocrine pancreatic functions, shortening of postoperative hospitalization time, and increase of quality of life compared to pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Long-term results of intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy for nonmetastatic locally advanced pancreatic cancer: Retrospective cohort study, 7-year experience with 247 patients at the National Cancer Center in China.

AbstractTo assess prognostic benefits of intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy (IOERT) in patients with nonmetastatic locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and evaluate optimal adjuvant treatment after IOERT.A retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data was conducted at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China National Cancer Center.Two hundred forty-seven consecutive patients with nonmetastatic LAPC who underwent IOERT between January 2008 and May 2015 were identified and included in the study. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the day of IOERT. Prognostic factors were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year actuarial survival rates were 40%, 14%, and 7.2%, respectively, with a median OS of 9.0 months. On multivariate analysis, an IOERT applicator diameter < 6 cm (hazards ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47–0.97), no intraoperative interstitial sustained-release 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.32–0.66), and receipt of postoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by chemotherapy (HR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04–0.25) were significantly associated with improved OS. Pain relief after IOERT was achieved in 111 of the 117 patients, with complete remission in 74 and partial remission in 37. Postoperative complications rate and mortality were 14.0% and 0.4%, respectively. Nonmetastatic LAPC patients with smaller size tumors could achieve positive long-term survival outcomes with a treatment strategy incorporating IOERT and postoperative adjuvant treatment.Chemoradiotherapy followed by chemotherapy might be a recommended adjuvant treatment strategy for well-selected cases. Intraoperative interstitial sustained-release 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy should not be recommended for patients with nonmetastatic LAPC.

Clinicopathologic characteristics, laboratory parameters, treatment protocols, and outcomes of pancreatic cancer: a retrospective cohort study of 1433 patients in China

Objectives The prognosis of people with pancreatic cancer is extremely unfavorable. However, the prognostic factors remain largely undefined. We aimed to perform comprehensive analyses of clinicopathologic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment protocols for exploring their role as prognostic factors of pancreatic cancer. Methods Patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and hospitalized at the China National Cancer Center between April 2006 and May 2016 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Clinicopathologic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment protocols were compared among patients at different stages of the disease. The association between these factors and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. Results The present study included 1,433 consecutive patients with pancreatic cancer. Median OS was 10.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.8–11.3 months), with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 43.7%, 14.8%, and 8.8%, respectively. Cox multivariate analysis findings identified the following factors as independent predictors of OS: gender (female vs male, hazard ratio 0.72, 95% CI [0.54–0.95]); elevated total bilirubin (TBil; 1.82, 1.34–2.47); elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9; 1.72, 1.17–2.54); tumor being located in pancreatic body and tail (1.52, 1.10–2.10); advanced T stage (T3-4 vs T1-2, 1.62, 1.15–2.27); lymph node metastasis (1.57, 1.20–2.07); distant metastasis (1.59, 1.12–2.27); the presence of surgical resection (0.53, 0.34–0.81); and the presence of systemic chemotherapy (0.62, 0.45–0.82). Conclusions Being male, elevated TBil and carcinoembryonic antigen, tumor being located in pancreatic body and tail, advanced T stage, lymph node and distant metastasis, the absence of surgical resection, and the absence of systematic chemotherapy were associated with worse OS in patients with pancreatic cancer.