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Accurate diagnosis of the localization of prostate cancer (PCa) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains a challenge. We aimed to assess discrepancy between the location of PCa pathologically diagnosed using surgical specimens and lesions indicated as possible PCa by the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System on MRI. The primary endpoint was the concordance rate between the site of probable clinically significant PCa (csPCa) identified using biparametric MRI (bpMRI) and location of PCa in the surgical specimen obtained using robot-assisted total prostatectomy. Among 85 lesions identified in 30 patients; 42 (49.4%) were identified as possible PCa on MRI. The 85 PCa lesions were divided into positive and negative groups based on the bpMRI results. None of the patients had missed csPCa. Although the diagnostic accuracy of bpMRI was relatively high for PCas located in the middle of the prostate (p = 0.029), it was relatively low for PCa located at the base of the prostate, all of which were csPCas. Although current modalities can accurately diagnose PCa, the possibility that PCa is present with multiple lesions in the prostate should be considered, even if MRI does not detect PCa.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a cancer with a poor prognosis due to difficulties in diagnosis and limited treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for new targeted therapies. In a clinical setting, we found that leukotriene levels in bile were higher than in serum. Immunohistochemical analysis of surgically resected samples also revealed that CysLT receptor 1 (CysLTR1) was more highly expressed in CCA than in normal bile duct tissue, prompting us to investigate leukotriene as a potential therapeutic target in CCA. In vitro studies using CCA cell lines expressing CysLTR1 showed that leukotriene D4, a major ligand of CysLTR1, promoted cell proliferation, with increased phosphorylation of AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Additionally, treatment with two clinically available anti-allergic drugs—zileuton, an inhibitor of CysLT formation, and montelukast, a CysLTR1 inhibitor—had inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and migratory capacity, accompanied by the reduced phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2. Furthermore, the simultaneous administration of both drugs synergistically enhanced the inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Our study suggests that use of these drugs may represent a novel approach to treat CCA through drug repositioning.

Histological evidence is essential for diagnosing malignant biliary strictures. However, conventional brush cytology remains the primary method used worldwide, despite its low diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy, as it is technically easy, rapid, and cost-effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a recently introduced endoscopic scraper, the simplicity of which is comparable to that of a conventional brush, by comparing diagnostic yields and the number of collected cells. The sensitivity of the endoscopic scraper when using the cell block technique was significantly higher than when using brush cytology or a brush with the cell block technique (53.6% vs. 30.9%, p < 0.001; 53.6% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.024, respectively). Quantitative digital image analysis of cell block sections revealed that the median number of cells obtained with the endoscopic scraper was significantly higher than when using the brush (1917 vs. 1014 cells, p = 0.042). Furthermore, seven cases (8.3%; 7/84) were diagnosed by immunohistochemical analysis of the cell block section obtained from the endoscopic scraper. Given its simplicity and greater capacity for sample acquisition, use of the endoscopic scraper in conjunction with the cell block technique could replace brush cytology for the histological diagnosis of malignant biliary strictures.

Overweight is believed to be associated with colorectal cancer risk. Adipose tissue is loose connective tissue composed of adipocytes. It is now recognized as a major endocrine organ, secreting humoral factors collectively called adipokines. Aberrant hormonal systems consisting of modulated adipokines and their receptors are thought to play a role in colorectal carcinogenesis and cancer progression in obese conditions. However, it is still unclear whether and how each adipokine relates to colorectal carcinogenesis. Notably, a couple of molecules that were initially proposed to be obesity-related adipokines were disqualified by subsequent studies. The adipokines, adiponectin, and intelectin-1 (also known as omentin-1), whose levels are decreased in obesity, act as tumor suppressor factors in various cancers. Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between the insufficient expression and function of adiponectin and its receptor, T-cadherin, in colorectal carcinogenesis. Moreover, our recent study indicated that loss of TMEM207, which is critical for the proper processing of intelectin-1 in the colon mucosa, leads to insufficient intelectin-1 production, thus participating in colorectal carcinogenesis. Here, we discuss the recent understanding of the role of adipokines in colorectal carcinogenesis and subsequently describe the potent tumor suppressor roles of intelectin-1 and TMEM207 in colorectal cancer.