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The treatment of cancer-associated stroke is determined based on stroke etiology; however, the optimal treatment and therapeutic benefits remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of patients with cancer and acute ischemic stroke, especially focusing on patients with cryptogenic stroke. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive cancer patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke at our institution between January 2018 and December 2019. Stroke subtype, cancer treatment after stroke, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores before and at ischemic stroke, 3 months after ischemic stroke or last follow-up, and discharge destination were evaluated. We analyzed 48 cancer patients with acute ischemic stroke, including 24 with cryptogenic stroke and 24 with known stroke mechanisms. The median survival time of the patients was 62 days. Thirty-one patients (64.6%) discontinued cancer treatment after stroke. Forty patients (83.3%) and 37 (77.1%) were in poor functional states (defined as mRS score ≥ 3) at stroke onset and 3 months after stroke or last follow-up. Twenty-two patients (91.7%) with cryptogenic stroke discontinued cancer treatment after stroke, whereas 15 patients (62.5%) with known stroke mechanisms continued cancer treatment (p = 0.0004). Home or rehabilitation hospital discharge destinations were less frequently seen in patients with cryptogenic stroke (n = 7, 29.2%) than those with known stroke mechanisms (n = 15, 62.5%, p = 0.021). Stroke has a significant negative impact on patients’ functional states and cancer treatment strategy, leading to short survival times, especially in patients with cryptogenic stroke.

Background The honeycomb-like structure (HLS) is a rare cause of myocardial ischaemia characterized by multiple communicating channels divided by thin septa. The aetiology of this specific structure remains speculative. Case summary A 55-year-old man was admitted due to worsening effort angina during the previous 2 months. Diagnostic coronary angiography revealed occlusion of the distal right coronary artery (RCA) with good collateral flow from the left coronary artery. We considered this lesion as a recent total occlusion, and planned a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). At the time of PCI, 7 days after admission, an angiogram showed a spontaneous recanalization of the occlusive RCA. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) depicted a HLS at the recanalized lesion, including atherosclerotic stenosis. We managed these lesions with drug-eluting stents. Discussion A recanalized thrombus may manifest as a HLS. In this case, the patient suffered from worsening effort angina during the previous 2 months, we confirmed a spontaneous recanalization of the occluded coronary lesion by serial angiographic images, and observed HLS adjacent to the atherosclerotic attenuated plaque by using high-resolution IVUS. Recanalized organizing thrombus is considered an entity of HLS. However, all previous studies on the HLS in vivo have detected the structure in an already recanalized state. Therefore, the aetiology remained speculative and evidence has been indirect. This present case demonstrates that recanalized atherosclerotic thrombosis might be one of the causes of HLS.

Renal transplantation (RT) can improve life expectancy in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, little is known about the outcomes of renal transplant recipients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to elucidate the effect of RT on clinical outcomes after PCI. Renal transplant recipients who underwent PCI from 2002 to 2017 were enrolled. To evaluate the effectiveness of RT, we retrospectively reviewed HD patients who underwent PCI. Propensity-score matching was performed using logistic regression to control for differences in baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was the incidence of major adverse cardiac events. After propensity matching, patients were classified into the RT (n = 50) group and HD (n = 50) group. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the incidence of major adverse cardiac events was significantly lower in the RT group than in the HD group (p0.0001). Moreover, RT was associated with a lower risk for all-cause death (odds ratio 0.04; 95% confidence interval 0.002 to 0.03; p = 0.0054) and target vessel revascularization (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.79; p = 0.015). RT may improve clinical outcomes after PCI, and it is encouraged for HD patients to increase life expectancy and reduce the occurrence of adverse events after PCI. Further research would be warranted to support this finding.

Human coenurosis is caused by the larval stages of Taenia species, mainly Taenia multiceps and Taenia serialis. T. multiceps has been reported to cause human central nervous system (CNS) infections, but no CNS case caused by T. serialis has been reported. The authors report the first case of human neurocoenurosis caused by T. serialis, which was confirmed by mitochondrial DNA analysis. A 38-year-old man presented with visual disturbance and headache, and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a ring-enhancing cystic lesion in the left occipital lobe. Biopsy was performed, and the resultant histopathological diagnosis was that of low-grade B-cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy was initiated, but a subsequent MRI showed increased ring enhancement. Due to the unexpected clinical course, a surgical resection of the lesion was performed. The lesion was completely removed. Pathological examination showed multiple scolices with hooklets, suckers, and numerous calcareous corpuscles. Therefore, the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis was made. However, mitochondrial DNA analysis showed that the disease was definitively coenurosis caused by T. serialis. Albendazole was administered, with no evidence of recurrence at 12 months following the operation. In this study, we demonstrate that T. serialis can cause CNS infection and that genetic analysis is recommended to establish a definitive diagnosis.

Background Lead perforation is one of the major complications of pacemaker implantation, but cases of right ventricular (RV) lead perforation through the septum and left ventricle are rarely reported. We described a rare case of left ventricular (LV) free wall perforation by an RV lead and the management of this complication. Case summary An 84-year-old man was admitted with a dual-chamber pacemaker due to pacing failure caused by an RV lead fracture. New lead implantation was performed on the next day, but pacing failure occurred again on the second post-operative day (POD). We found the lead perforation on the fluoroscopy during temporary pacemaker insertion. Computed tomography scan and transthoracic echocardiogram showed that the added lead perforated through both the septum and LV free wall. A new lead was inserted on the fourth POD, and an off-pump open chest surgery for extraction of the penetrating lead was performed uneventfully on the 20th POD. Discussion We considered that some features of the lead (SelectSecure 3830-69, Medtronic) may be related to this complication, as the lead was very thin, had a non-retractable bare screw and was inserted with a dedicated delivery catheter. We have to be careful when performing implantation of this kind of lead to avoid such a rare complication.

2036 Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the worst prognostic cancers and there is no effective treatment after failure of bevacizumab. Eribulin is a microtubule inhibitor used for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer and liposarcoma. We previously reported that eribulin strongly inhibits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) activity of TERT protein in cancer cells, and has a strong anti-tumor effect against GBM cells with TERT promoter mutation. In this study we aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of eribulin in patients with bevacizumab-resistant recurrent GBM. Methods: This is an open-label, multicenter, single-arm phase II trial. Eligible patients aged 20-75 years with bevacizumab-resistant recurrent GBM were enrolled from 2018-2020. Patients received eribulin 1.4 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycle until disease progression or intolerable toxicity was observed. The primary endpoint was one-year overall survival rate (1yOS%). The 35 patients are needed to achieve an 80% power at a one-sided alpha of 10%, under threshold 1yOS% of 10% and expected 1yOS% of 25%. Results: Thirty-seven patients aged 26-73 (median: 54) years were treated. Twenty-six of 37 (70.3%) patients were diagnosed as IDH-wildtype GBM, 4 (10.8%) were with IDH-mutant GBM and 7 (18.9%) were GBM, NOS. Thirty-four (91.9%) patients had a Karnofsky performance status of 70 or 80 at the registration. Thirty-one (83.8%) patients received additional treatments, including 28 (75.7%) bevacizumab, 11 (29.7%) re-irradiation and 3 (8.1%) resection after failure of eribulin. Among 37 subjects, 32 surgical specimens were analyzed for TERT promoter mutation and 15 for RdRP activity. 1yOS% was 29.7% [80% CI: 20.5 to 39.5 (p < 0.0001), 95% CI: 16.1 to 44.6]. Median OS was 9.0 months [95% CI: 6.2 to 11.0] and median progression-free survival was 1.5 months [95% CI: 1.4 to 1.7]. Neither TERT nor RdRP statuses was associated with prolonged OS. Among all the target lesions evaluated, two lesions decreased more than 50% in size and the patients survived more than one year, however no obvious PR was confirmed at the final evaluation. The disease control rate was 25.7% [95% CI: 12.5 to 43.3]. Common ≥ grade 2 AEs were neutropenia (70.3%), leukopenia (56.8%), lymphopenia (27.0%), elevation of γ-GTP (13.5%), elevation of ALT (10.8%), elevation of AST (8.1%), alopecia (8.1%). Treatment-related grade 3 or 4 AEs occurred in 59.5% of subjects. There were no AEs leading to death. Conclusions: Eribulin was safely applied for the patients with recurrent GBM. This phase II study met its primary endpoint of 1yOS%, although no obvious response was observed. Further investigation to reveal the biomarkers related to longer survival is underway. Clinical trial information: UMIN000030359.

Twiddler syndrome is an uncommon complication that occurs by twisting of the generator and may cause torsion, dislodgement, and injury of the leads. We report a rare case of a twiddler syndrome associated with an abdominal permanent pacemaker. Abdominal twiddler syndrome may possess a unique mechanism, which may not be seen in chest twiddler syndrome.

The development of gliomas subsequent to therapeutic cranial irradiation is a rare but serious complication. The purpose of this study is to understand the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with radiation-induced glioma (RIG). Between 2001 and 2018, we identified 10 patients with RIG, which satisfied the Cahan’s criteria in our data base. There was no sex predominance (M: 5, F: 5), and the median age of the primary diseased was 13.5 years (range: 1–39). The primary diseases included 2 germinoma, 2 acute lymphoblastic lymphoma, 2 medulloblastoma, 1 diffuse astrocytoma, 1 pilocytic astrocytoma, 1 pituitary adenoma and 1 metastatic tumor from lung cancer. All the patients received cranial radiation (range: 12–60 Gy). The median latency time between primary disease and RIG was 16 years (range: 9–30 years), which was not correlated with age at the time of primary disease (r2= 0.014, p=0.74). Radiation-induced gliomas included 8 glioblastoma and 2 grade III glioma based on histological diagnosis. After surgical removal or biopsy of the RIG, 4 patients underwent chemotherapy alone (nimustine, temozolomide (TMZ), carboplatin and etoposide), and 6 received chemotherapy (nimustine, TMZ, bevacizumab) combined with radiotherapy (range: 40-66Gy). The median progression free survival and survival time from RIG were 10.1 and 27.5 months, respectively. In summary, RIG may occur many years after successful initial treatment using radiotherapy, and the outcome of our patients with RIG supports the use of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy after surgical resection.

Background/aim Severe benign cicatricial stricture (SBCS) is a major complication after definitive chemoradiation therapy (dCRT) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study was conducted to investigate risk factors of SBCS in patients with localized ESCC. Patients and methods This study included 197 patients with clinical stage (cSt) II/III ESCC with T3 primary tumor, treated with dCRT between 2000 and 2011. SBCS was defined as the inability to pass a 9-mm diameter endoscope or the presence of symptoms requiring treatment. Results Complete response was obtained in 87 patients (44%). Multivariate analysis revealed that hypoalbuminemia (hazard ratio=5.65; 95% confidence interval=1.50-21.28; p=0.010) and the inability to pass an endoscope (hazard ratio=5.90; 95% confidence interval=1.52-22.85; p=0.010) were risk factors of SBCS. Conclusion The inability to pass an endoscope and hypoalbuminemia were identified as risk factors of SBCS in patients with cSt II/III ESCC with T3 primary tumor.

Background: Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) accounts for et al. reported 1 case of brain metastasis out of 217 SBA cases, but details of the clinical course of the case were unclear. Our case might be the first report covering the full clinical course, pathological findings, and genetic data. Here, we report a very rare case of brain metastasis from poorly differentiated SBA. Case Description: A 54-year-old man who suffered from abdominal pain and melena visited a nearby hospital. This patient had no risk factors for SBA. He underwent partial resection of the jejunum with regional lymphadenectomy and combined resection of the transverse colon. Pathological diagnosis was poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, pT4N2M0 Stage IIIB (UICC-TNM: 8th edition). One month after curative surgery, liver metastasis was detected by a computed tomography (CT) scan, and then, palliative chemotherapy was started. During the third-line chemotherapy, a brain tumor on the left cerebellum was detected by the CT scan. Tumor resection was performed, and the histopathological features coincided with the primary jejunum tumor. Based on surgical, radiological, pathological, and genetic findings, this brain tumor was comprehensively diagnosed as a metastasis from poorly differentiated SBA. Conclusion: Here, we experienced a very rare case of brain metastasis from poorly differentiated SBA.

The identification of biomarkers for predicting the responsiveness to eribulin in patients with metastatic breast cancer pretreated with an anthracycline and a taxane remains an unmet need. Here, we established a serum microRNA (miRNA)-based prediction model for the emergence of new distant metastases after eribulin treatment. Serum samples were collected from metastatic breast cancer patients prior to eribulin treatment and comprehensively evaluated by miRNA microarray. The prediction model for estimating eribulin efficacy was established using the logistic LASSO regression model. Serum samples were collected from 147 patients, of which 52 developed at least one new distant metastasis after eribulin monotherapy and 95 did not develop new distant metastases. A combination of eight serum miRNAs (miR-4483, miR-8089, miR-4755-3p, miR-296-3p, miR-575, miR-4710, miR-5698 and miR-3160-5p) predicted the appearance of new distant metastases with an area under the curve of 0.79, sensitivity of 0.69 and specificity of 0.82. The serum levels of miR-8089 and miR-5698 were significantly associated with overall survival after the initiation of eribulin treatment. The present study provides evidence that serum miRNA profiling may serve as a biomarker for the responsiveness to eribulin and for predicting the development of new distant metastases in metastatic breast cancer.

Background. The instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) is an invasive coronary physiological index that is not inferior to fractional flow reserve- (FFR-) guided revascularization. The indexes of iFR and FFR are similar and closely correlated, but there are a few key differences. Previous studies suggested that patient characteristics and lesion severity could induce discordance between iFR and FFR. This study aimed to clarify the hemodynamics and lesion characteristics that influence discordance between iFR and FFR. Methods. In this retrospective study, we enrolled 225 patients (304 lesions) who underwent clinically indicated invasive coronary angiography and both iFR and FFR examinations between 2012 and 2017. We included only patients who underwent right heart catheterization and had blood pressure and heart rates recorded immediately prior to iFR and FFR. Results. Discordance (iFR ≤0.89 and FFR >0.8 or iFR >0.89 and FFR ≤0.8) was observed in 80 lesions (26.3%). The heart rate, rate-pressure product, and cardiac index tended to be higher in the iFR ≤0.89 group than in the iFR >0.89 group. These trends were not seen between the FFR ≤0.8 group and FFR >0.8 group. A multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors of iFR ≤0.89 and FFR >0.8 discordance were female sex and higher rate-pressure product. iFR >0.89 and FFR ≤0.8 discordance was rare in hemodialysis patients. Conclusion. Even if iFR is functionally significant in intermediate stenosis, additional FFR evaluations should be considered for women, especially those with a high rate-pressure product, to avoid unnecessary percutaneous coronary intervention. If iFR is not functionally significant with intermediate stenosis in hemodialysis patients, then further FFR evaluations are unnecessary.

PURPOSE In 2018,Optune (TTF) became available covered by public insurance for patients with glioblastoma,based on the effectiveness of the US EF-14 study (TTF + TMZ (temozolomide) vs. TMZ). There are problems such as use of at least 18 hours a day,behavior restrictions,expensive medical expenses,etc. From the initial use experience of optune in our hospital,we examined the problems of effectiveness and treatment of TTF. METHOD We examined patient approval rate of TTF use and treatment problems in patients with glioblastoma who started treatment in our department from 2017.11 when TTF became covered by insurance. RESULT There were 41 patients with primary glioblastoma during the study period (male: female = 25: 16,median age 60 years (22–77)). There are 10 patients with KPS DISCUSSION The consent rate for TTF use was about 40% as expected,and 80% of patients with an average wearing rate of 75% or more. TTF can generally continue once the patient is convinced and begins to use,but seems to be severely restricted in behavior in patients with paralysis. There is no profound data on TTF in Japan,and it is necessary to collect data at multiple facilities and clarify the effectiveness and safety in the future.

BACKGROUND Despite aggressive treatment with surgery and chemo-radiation therapy, it is difficult to cure patients with glioblastoma (GBM). The end-of-life (EOL) phase of patients with GBM, and related problems, have not yet been adequately studied. Most cancer patients died in the hospital (84%) in 2017, but the Japanese government has recommended palliative home-care and the number of deaths at home has recently been increasing. This study explores the current situation of EOL care for GBM patients in our hospital. METHODS We retrospectively examined the clinical course and EOL phase of 166 consecutive patients who were treated in our hospital between 2010 and 2017. RESULT In total, 107 patients died; 28 (26%) at home, 25 (23%) in hospice care, 9(9%) in nursing homes, 21(20%) in long-term care hospitals (LTCH), 13(12%) in our hospital, and 11(10%) in other neurosurgical hospitals. The median survival time and length of EOL phase for patients who died at home were 596 and 77 days; 469 and 103 days in hospice care; 528 days and 149 days in LTCH; 388 days and 52 days in our hospital; 802 and 91 days in other neurosurgical hospital; and 565 days and 55 days in nursing homes, respectively. The KPS of patients who transferred to LTCH or was started palliative care in other neurological hospital was 60. That of other patients was 50.The patients who died at home entered deep coma in the last 3.5 days (n=24) of life and could not take oral feeds for 7 days (n=26). CONCLUSION According to cancer patient study, the home-based palliative time of longer prognosis group were 59 days. EOL phase of GBM may be longer than other cancer. We must consider the problems of the EOL phase and improve the quality of EOL care.

PURPOSE Measurement of quality of life (QOL) of patients with brain tumors is a challenge, because parameters of the established QOL scales for cancer patients are easily affected by the focal neurological deficits. Thus, simpler QOL scales which are feasible for evaluation of QOL with severe neurological deficits are required. We compared the results of four QOL scales in patients with brain tumors. METHODS From 2015 to 2018, we prospectively performed EORTC QLQ-C30/BN20 (C30/BN20), KPS, EQ-5D and “Distress and Impact Thermometer (DIT)” every three months. RESULTS 2150 QOL evaluations from 710 patients were analyzed. The median age was 54 years (range 14–97). 319 glioma, 93 meningioma, 165 brain metastases and 133 other brain tumors were included. Global health status of C30/BN20 strongly correlated with QOL scores calculated by EQ-5D and DIT; it also showed correlation with KPS (correlation coefficients: 0.632, -0.675, -0.622, 0.412, respectively (p CONCLUSION QOL scores can be used as an alternative for C30/BN20, and QOL time course of glioma can be adequately evaluated with it. KPS and DIT can also be alternative scales. These two scales should desirably be used in combination in patients with low KPS. Evaluations of feasibility and validity of these QOL scales in patients who cannot answer C30/BN20 are warranted.

Renal transplantation (RTx) is one of the great options for hemodialysis (HD) patients to improve their life expectancy, however, little is known about outcomes of renal transplantation patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The purpose of the present study was to elucidate