World Journal Of Gastrointestinal Oncology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Serum gastrin and infection correlate with tumor aggressiveness and prognosis in gastric cancer.
Huang JW, Lin C, Lu CJ … +2 more , Wang HS, Zou DD
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977652 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Both () infection and alterations in serum gastrin levels have been implicated in its pathogenesis. However, their associations w...
BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Both () infection and alterations in serum gastrin levels have been implicated in its pathogenesis. However, their associations with tumor characteristics and clinical outcomes require further clarification. AIM: To investigate the associations of serum gastrin and infection with pathology and prognosis in gastric cancer. METHODS: This hospital-based cohort study included 226 gastric cancer patients undergoing surgery and 100 matched controls from January 2019 to December 2023. Serum gastrin and status were assessed and compared. Gastric cancer patients were stratified by biomarker status to analyze associations with tumor-nodes-metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node metastasis, and tumor differentiation. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate disease-free and overall survival (OS). Statistical significance was set at < 0.05. RESULTS: Gastric cancer patients exhibited significantly higher serum gastrin levels and infection rates than controls ( < 0.05). Among gastrin-positive patients, the proportions of advanced TNM stage (III-IV), lymph node metastasis, and poorly differentiated tumors were significantly higher than in gastrin-negative patients ( < 0.05). In contrast, infection status showed no significant association with TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, or tumor differentiation ( > 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated no significant difference in disease-free survival between gastrin-positive and negative patients (hazard ratio = 1.516, 95% confidence interval: 0.895-2.550), but gastrin-positive patients had significantly worse OS (hazard ratio = 2.717, 95% confidence interval: 1.311-5.633). CONCLUSION: Gastric cancer patients have elevated serum gastrin and higher prevalence; elevated gastrin is associated with aggressive tumor features and poorer OS, indicating prognostic value.
Efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization with chemotherapy, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Chen X, Sun XH, Xiao Y … +5 more , Zhang D, Lu XY, Fu CL, Bi C, Wang X
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977651 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have all been shown to achieve some efficacy in treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). However, these systemic treatments have not provided optimal r...
BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have all been shown to achieve some efficacy in treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). However, these systemic treatments have not provided optimal results for some patients. Therefore, the combination of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy or other local interventional therapy methods is being considered for the treatment of liver tumors. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, with or without TACE, in patients with ICC. METHODS: We recruited 83 patients with unresectable ICC from July 2021 to December 2023 at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University. Forty-one patients received TACE combined with chemotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors (experimental group), whereas 42 patients were treated with chemotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (control group). Short-term efficacy was assessed using the modified response evaluation criterion, and the objective response rate, disease control rate, progression-free survival, and incidence of adverse events were compared between groups. RESULTS: The objective response rate in the experimental group was greater than that in the control group (39.0% 19.0%, < 0.05). The disease control rate in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the control group (75.6% 52.4%, < 0.05). The median progression-free survival times were 14.3 months in the experimental group and 12.7 months in the control group ( < 0.05). All 41 patients in the experimental group developed postembolization syndrome. Among the symptoms, fever and pain were significantly more common in the experimental group than in the control group (85.4% 11.9%, < 0.001 and 58.5% 9.5%, < 0.001). No grade 4 or 5 treatment-related adverse events were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: In patients with unresectable ICC, TACE combined with chemotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has good efficacy and high safety, indicating potential benefits for these patients.
Medical travel patterns for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment in South Korea: National Health Insurance data from 2013 to 2021.
Kim S, Kim N, Lee HS … +3 more , Kim M, Kim H, Choi Y
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977650 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant public health concern in South Korea even though the incidence rates are declining. While medical travel for cancer treatment is common, its patterns and i...
BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant public health concern in South Korea even though the incidence rates are declining. While medical travel for cancer treatment is common, its patterns and influencing factors for patients with HCC are unknown. AIM: To assess medical travel patterns and determinants and their policy implications among patients with newly diagnosed HCC in South Korea. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used the National Health Insurance Service database to identify patients with newly diagnosed HCC from 2013 to 2021. Medical travel was defined as receiving initial treatment outside one's residential region. Patient characteristics and regional trends were analyzed, and factors influencing medical travel were identified using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 64808 patients 52.4% received treatment in the capital. This proportion increased to 67.4% when including the surrounding metropolitan area. Medical travel was significantly more common among younger and wealthier patients. Patients with greater comorbidity burden or liver cirrhosis were less likely to travel. While geographic distance influenced travel patterns, high-volume academic centers in the capital attracted patients nationwide regardless of proximity. CONCLUSION: This nationwide study highlighted the centralization of HCC care in the capital. This observation indicates that regional cancer hubs should be strengthened and promoted for equitable healthcare access.
Investigation of gastrointestinal tumor symptoms and risk factors in eighty patients with Parkinson's disease.
Fu ZG, Ren ZX, Wang XH … +1 more , Wang BF
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977649 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms; however, the relationship between PD and gastrointestinal tumors remains unclear. AIM: To explore the symptom characteristics and ri...
BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms; however, the relationship between PD and gastrointestinal tumors remains unclear. AIM: To explore the symptom characteristics and risk factors of gastrointestinal tumors in patients with PD by integrating clinical, neurological, gastrointestinal, and laboratory assessments. METHODS: Eighty patients with PD who were admitted to our hospital between January 2023 and December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics and neurological status were evaluated using standardized scales, including the Mini-Mental State Examination, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Barthel Index, Non-Motor Symptoms Scale, and the Intake, Feeling nauseated, Emesis, physical Exam, Duration of symptoms (I-FEED) gastrointestinal dysfunction score. Laboratory indicators including tumor markers [carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4)] were measured. Differences between PD patients with and without gastrointestinal tumors were compared, and logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. RESULTS: Among the 80 PD patients, 16 (20.00%) had gastrointestinal tumors. The most common symptoms in the tumor group were constipation (93.75%), urgency of defecation (75.00%), and abdominal tightness (75.00%). Patients with gastrointestinal tumors had significantly higher I-FEED, CEA, CA19-9, and CA72-4 levels ( < 0.05). Logistic regression revealed that sex, disease duration, I-FEED score, and the levels of CEA, CA19-9, and CA72-4 were independently associated with the presence of gastrointestinal tumors, while Non-Motor Symptoms Scale was not significantly related. CONCLUSION: This study uniquely combines neurological symptom scales and tumor markers to evaluate gastrointestinal tumor risk in patients with PD. The findings suggest that gastrointestinal dysfunction and tumor marker elevation are key clinical indicators, and highlight the importance of comprehensive assessment in identifying high-risk PD patients for timely intervention.
Importance of the pattern of lymph node metastasis in upper and lower gastric cancer.
Regmi P, Regmi SM, Paudyal A
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977648 · Full text
The article by Yuan accessed the clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of the patterns of lymph node (LN) metastasis in upper and lower gastric cancer (GC). In this article, we will analyze both the strengths an...
The article by Yuan accessed the clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of the patterns of lymph node (LN) metastasis in upper and lower gastric cancer (GC). In this article, we will analyze both the strengths and limitations of this paper. The study's methodology seems appropriate and proper statistical analyses were applied to identify significant variables. The authors applied the Cox regression model to identify independent risk factors and Kaplan-Meier survival curves to assess prognosis. The researchers found notable differences in clinicopathologic variables between patients with upper and lower GC. Additionally, they identified specific LN stations more prone to metastasis in different Siewert classifications of GC. Despite the study's detailed analysis, it would have been beneficial to explore whether there were survival differences among upper GC patients based on the Siewert classification. Furthermore, the study should have addressed potential confounding factors that might have influenced the results. A more comprehensive analysis could have been achieved by comparing survival outcomes based on LN metastasis patterns. Overall, this article is relevant and provides valuable insights into the significance of LN metastasis patterns in upper GC patients.
Immune checkpoint molecules signal regulatory protein alpha in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Zhang X, Chen DB, Zhang R … +5 more , Chen P, She SP, Yang Y, Ren LY, Chen HS
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977647 · Full text
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignant tumor of the liver and one of the most common malignant tumors, as well as the third leading cause of cancer-related death. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibit...
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignant tumor of the liver and one of the most common malignant tumors, as well as the third leading cause of cancer-related death. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a key strategy in cancer treatment. However, anti-programmed cell death 1/programmed death ligand 1 therapies, one of the main immunotherapeutic approaches, only elicit a response in only approximately 20% of advanced HCC. This suggests that there may be other immune checkpoints playing important roles in HCC immunotherapy. Recent studies have highlighted Signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) is a phagocytic checkpoint in macrophages and other immune cells, as a promising novel therapeutic target in tumor immunotherapy. This review summarizes current progress on SIRPα in HCC and identifies key challenges for future related research.
Relationship between uric acid and colon cancer risk: Dose-response analysis and mechanisms.
Sun TF, Fan KX, Luo YX … +3 more , Song J, Han ZX, Zhang XL
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977646 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Uric acid (UA), a key antioxidant metabolite, demonstrates dual roles in cancer. Unfortunately, studies on its role in colon cancer risk are uncommon, and the limited results are inconsistent. AIM: To elucida...
BACKGROUND: Uric acid (UA), a key antioxidant metabolite, demonstrates dual roles in cancer. Unfortunately, studies on its role in colon cancer risk are uncommon, and the limited results are inconsistent. AIM: To elucidate the association between UA and colon cancer risk and its mechanisms. METHODS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated the association between UA levels and colon cancer risk. Non-linear relationships were illustrated using restricted cubic splines. The threshold effect was performed to identify cut-off points. Human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and HT29) were exposed to UA for 48 hours. Cell viability was assessed the cell counting kit-8 assay. The evaluation of cell migration involved wound healing and transwell migration assays. HCT-116 cells were exposed to 4 mg/dL UA for 48 hours. The impact of the subsequent treatment with a phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) agonist and UA was assessed. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, an inverse association was observed between UA and colon cancer risk (odds ratio = 0.65, < 0.05). A non-linear relationship was identified, with a 4.79 mg/dL cut-off point ( < 0.05). UA inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation and migration. These effects were mediated by the induction of reactive oxygen species and the suppression of the PI3K/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. CONCLUSION: UA acts as a protective agent against colon cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration through increased reactive oxygen species production and modulation of the PI3K/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.
Transcription factor 3 enhances hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by upregulating matrix metalloproteinase-11.
Tian HP, Wu TH, Zhang GJ … +1 more , Li SJ
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977645 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Transcription factor 3 (TCF3) has a vital role in tumor occurrence and progression. However, the specific functions and underlying mechanisms of dysregulated TCF3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not be...
BACKGROUND: Transcription factor 3 (TCF3) has a vital role in tumor occurrence and progression. However, the specific functions and underlying mechanisms of dysregulated TCF3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been not thoroughly characterized. Thus, we explored the roles of TCF3 in HCC. AIM: To explore the roles of TCF3 in HCC. METHODS: TCF3 knockdown and overexpression models were developed lentiviral vectors in HCC cells. Transwell and metastasis experiments were performed to measure the effects of TCF3 on HCC cell metastasis. Then, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, serial deletion, western blotting, site-directed mutagenesis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were done to determine the pathomechanisms. RESULTS: TCF3 levels were markedly elevated in HCC samples and correlated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, overexpression of TCF3 promoted HCC cell invasion as well as migration, while TCF3 knockdown repressed HCC cell growth. In addition, TCF3 interacted with the promoter region of matrix metalloproteinase-11 (MMP11), facilitating the transcriptional activation of MMP11 mRNA, which consequently enhanced the expression of MMP11. MMP11 knockdown repressed TCF3-associated HCC cell migration and invasion, while its overexpression attenuated the TCF3 knockdown-mediated repression of HCC growth. In human-derived HCC samples, TCF3 was positively correlated with MMP11 expression levels. CONCLUSION: TCF3 was significantly upregulated in HCC. TCF3 overexpression enhanced HCC cell invasion and metastasis through transactivation of MMP11 expression. TCF3 could be a prognostic biomarker and regulator of HCC metastasis.
Misdiagnosis of gastric oxyntic gland adenoma as hyperplastic polyp: A case report.
Xue RX, Lu XY, Deng P … +2 more , Wang LH, Yun YF
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977644 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Gastric oxyntic gland adenoma is a rare neoplasm often misdiagnosed as a hyperplastic or fundic gland polyp due to nonspecific endoscopic features and the limitations of superficial biopsies, leading to diagn...
BACKGROUND: Gastric oxyntic gland adenoma is a rare neoplasm often misdiagnosed as a hyperplastic or fundic gland polyp due to nonspecific endoscopic features and the limitations of superficial biopsies, leading to diagnostic delays. CASE SUMMARY: In 2020, a gastroscopy of a 47-year-old man revealed a 0.5 cm lesion that was diagnosed as a hyperplastic polyp by superficial biopsy. By 2022, the lesion had enlarged to 1.0 cm exhibiting firmness, bleeding tendency, and disrupted submucosal layers on endoscopic ultrasound. Repeat biopsies again suggested hyperplasia. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed, confirming the diagnosis of gastric oxyntic gland adenoma. Additional surgical resection confirmed negative margins, and no recurrence at the three-year postoperative follow-up. However, endoscopic ultrasound revealed localized thickening (1.2 mm) of the muscularis mucosae at the gastric lesser curvature, likely representing post-procedural fibrosis. The patient was clinically asymptomatic, and was advised to continue annual endoscopic monitoring. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the necessity of deep biopsy or complete resection for diagnosis. We recommend long-term endoscopic surveillance post-resection and heightened clinical vigilance to mitigate misdiagnosis risks.
Utility of inflammatory markers as predictors of recurrence in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Insights from a nomogram-based approach.
Lamprecht CB, Kashuv T, Lucke-Wold B
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977643 · Full text
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), the most prevalent mesenchymal tumors, often have poor outcomes due to high recurrence rates. However, the specific risk factors for GISTs, particularly those concerning the innat...
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), the most prevalent mesenchymal tumors, often have poor outcomes due to high recurrence rates. However, the specific risk factors for GISTs, particularly those concerning the innate immune-inflammatory response, remain poorly understood. This editorial highlights key prognostic factors that impact GIST progression and prognosis, while discussing the findings of a recent study that investigated the prognostic value of systemic inflammatory markers: systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, on recurrence-free survival in GIST patients. This editorial examines strategies to enhance the clinical applicability of the nomogram developed in the study, ensuring its effectiveness for robust implementation. Future directions outlined in the editorial stress the importance of integrating molecular insights, including KIT and PDGFRA mutations, tumor staging, and mitotic rates to refine predictive models. The editorial also underscores the value of multi-center studies to enhance the generalizability and clinical relevance of these approaches. By bridging inflammatory biomarkers with genetic and clinicopathologic factors, a more comprehensive understanding of GIST pathophysiology can be developed, paving the way for improved management strategies and patient outcomes. This perspective serves as a call to action for continued research into the interplay between genetic mutations, inflammatory marker modulation, and GIST progression, aiming to expand the scope of personalized oncology through a deeper understanding of GIST progression.
Changing patterns of cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer: A regional perspective from Northeastern Italy.
Kirkik D, Ozabaci AN, Kalkanli Tas S
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977642 · Full text
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer worldwide, with a high mortality rate. Due to the lack of information regarding disease markers, characterization tools, and early detection methods...
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer worldwide, with a high mortality rate. Due to the lack of information regarding disease markers, characterization tools, and early detection methods, mortality continues to increase. The disease can be classified into two main groups: Intrahepatic CCA and extrahepatic CCA, the second of which is further subdivided into perihilar CCA and distal CCA. Certain regions are found to be at higher risk due to the presence of different contributing factors. These include hepatobiliary diseases, extrahepatic conditions, and environmental exposures. CCA shows a sex-related disparity, affecting men more than women, and its incidence rises progressively with age. These risk factors likely contribute to the rising incidence observed in certain regions, as each region is predominantly affected by distinct factors, resulting in wide geographical variations in CCA incidence. Epidemiological reports published before 2000 indicate a global increase in the incidence of intrahepatic CCA, whereas the incidence of extrahepatic CCA is reportedly decreasing. The present study offers an important epidemiological perspective by analyzing the incidence trends of gallbladder malignancies over a 17-year period in Northeastern Italy, analyzed according to sex and age groups.
Rapid cholestasis improvement as key strategy for steroid-refractory immune-related cholangitis: A case report.
Gao Z, Zhang JX, Tian XD … +2 more , Wu SK, Jin X
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Sep · PMID 40977641 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Steroid-refractory immune-related cholangitis, characterized by biliary obstruction, can be caused by drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). While there a few reports of sclerosing cholangitis aft...
BACKGROUND: Steroid-refractory immune-related cholangitis, characterized by biliary obstruction, can be caused by drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). While there a few reports of sclerosing cholangitis after ICI administration, the therapeutic importance of local relief of obstruction has not been reported. CASE SUMMARY: A 60-year-old female patient with biliary tract carcinoma and peritoneal metastasis developed elevated liver enzymes following four cycles of combined therapy with anti-PD-1 (Pembrolizumab) and a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography indicated a thickening of the upper bile duct and pancreatic sections with narrow lumens. Digital peroral cholangioscopy revealed several erosions and surface vessel tortuosities coating the common bile duct. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed disruption of the middle lumen segment, with poorly defined wall structures. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) demonstrated mucosal irregularities with tortuous surface vessels along the common bile duct. Angiographic imaging revealed irregular defects in the middle and lower common bile duct segments, while the proximal duct exhibited multifocal stenosis alternating with dilatation. Biopsy samples obtained ERCP from the elevated mucosal lesions showed dense epithelial inflammatory cell infiltration, consistent with immune-related cholangitis. Both biliary enzymes can be decreased to a certain degree by corticosteroid and ursodeoxycholic acid therapy but are difficult to reduce to normal levels. Liver function normalized, and symptoms improved after local treatment for cholestasis (stent implantation). CONCLUSION: Stent placement offers prompt alleviation of cholestasis and constitutes an effective therapeutic strategy for managing immune-related cholangitis.
Correlation of pathological types and imaging features in pancreatic cancer.
Wang QL, Yang XJ
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40837772 · Full text
The study by Luo published in the presents a thorough and scientific methodology. Pancreatic cancer is the most challenging malignancy in the digestive system, exhibiting one of the highest mortality rates associated w...
The study by Luo published in the presents a thorough and scientific methodology. Pancreatic cancer is the most challenging malignancy in the digestive system, exhibiting one of the highest mortality rates associated with cancer globally. The delayed onset of symptoms and diagnosis often results in metastasis or local progression of the cancer, thereby constraining treatment options and outcomes. For these patients, prompt tumour identification and treatment strategising are crucial. The present objective of pancreatic cancer research is to examine the correlation between various pathological types and imaging data to facilitate therapeutic decision-making. This study aims to clarify the correlation between diverse pathological markers and imaging in pancreatic cancer patients, with prospective longitudinal studies potentially providing novel insights into the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
LncRNA SNHG5 modulates cell proliferation and migration through the miR-92a-3p/BTG2 axis in gastric cancer by the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Mao QQ, Zhang ML, Zhong L … +10 more , Xu XD, Wang XH, Pan DY, Zhou FS, Huang JX, Zhao XG, Chen JJ, Jiang XY, Sun X, Ding WQ
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40837760 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a widespread malignancy and associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. AIM: To examine the functional role of long non-coding RNAs small nucleolar RNA host gene 5...
BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a widespread malignancy and associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. AIM: To examine the functional role of long non-coding RNAs small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) and its regulation of miR-92a-3p and B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) in GC progression. METHODS: Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis determined the expression of SNHG5, miR-92a-3p, and BTG2 in GC and adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa. Dual-luciferase assays demonstrated interactions of SNHG5 with miR-92a-3p and BTG2. AGS cells were transfected with SNHG5 overexpression and miR-92a-3p knockdown models. Various assays, including CCK-8, colony formation, scratch wound healing, and Transwell assays, were used to determine cell proliferation and migration. An experimental model of a xenograft mouse was used to determine tumor growth. At the same time histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, with western blot analysis used to evaluate signaling pathway protein expression. RESULTS: BTG2 and SNHG5 were downregulated in GC tissues, and miR-92a-3p was upregulated. Overexpression of SNHG5 or knockdown of miR-92a-3p reduced GC cell proliferation and migration, and increased BTG2 expression while decreasing PI3K/AKT signaling activity. The dual-luciferase assays demonstrated direct binding of miR-92a-3p to SNHG5 and BTG2. Tumor volume and weight were significantly reduced in mice transplanted with AGS cells treated with miR-92a-3p inhibitor or SNHG5 overexpression compared with control AGS cells. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that treated tumors exhibited degenerative characteristics, including irregular morphology and nucleolysis. CONCLUSION: LncRNA SNHG5 inhibited GC cell growth and migration by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway the miR-92a-3p/BTG2 axis.
Colorectal cancer liver metastases: A radiologic point of view.
Reginelli A, Patanè V, Cappabianca S
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40837779 · Full text
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances in early detection and treatment, approximately half of patients with CRC develop liver metastases (LM), c...
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances in early detection and treatment, approximately half of patients with CRC develop liver metastases (LM), complicating therapeutic strategies and reducing survival rates. Radiological imaging is critical in managing colorectal LM by guiding detection, staging, treatment planning, and response evaluation. This letter to the editor provides a comprehensive overview of both traditional and emerging imaging modalities, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography, and their specific roles in clinical decision-making. It further explores advanced techniques such as radiomics, artificial intelligence, and radiogenomics, which integrate quantitative imaging features with genetic and clinical data to enhance prognostication and tailor personalized treatment approaches. Specific examples of how these innovations are applied in treatment response assessment and pre-surgical planning are highlighted. The discussion also emphasizes the need for large-scale prospective clinical trials and standardized protocols to validate current predictive models and fully integrate these advanced methodologies into clinical practice.
Interleukin-22 promotes cancer stemness and chemotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer epidermal growth factor receptor/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway.
Ruan HX, Fang YL, Qin XN … +1 more , Lin L
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40837778 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Interleukin-22 (IL-22) belongs to the IL-10 cytokine family, recognized for its ability to modulate diverse immune responses. Previous studies have indicated that IL-22 promotes cancer advancement and metasta...
BACKGROUND: Interleukin-22 (IL-22) belongs to the IL-10 cytokine family, recognized for its ability to modulate diverse immune responses. Previous studies have indicated that IL-22 promotes cancer advancement and metastasis. However, the precise function of IL-22 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. AIM: To investigate the role of IL-22 in promoting stem cell-like characteristics and chemotherapy resistance in CRC cells, as well as to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects. METHODS: HCT116 cells were treated with IL-22 (50 ng/mL) and oxaliplatin (L-OHP, 5 μg/mL). A series of functional assays - including cell counting kit-8 assay, tumor sphere formation assay, and cell apoptosis assay - were conducted to assess the effects of IL-22 on cell viability and stem cell-like characteristics. The expression of stemness-related markers (SOX2, Oct4, NANOG, and Bmi-1) was examined using Western blot analysis. Additionally, the total and phosphorylated levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), protein kinase B (AKT), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were evaluated by Western blot. An EGFR inhibitor, osimertinib (Osi), was used to assess the pathway's functional relevance. RESULTS: IL-22 treatment promotes CRC cell proliferation, enhances sphere formation, and elevates the expression of stem cell markers, including SOX2, Oct4, NANOG, and Bmi-1. IL-22 treatment increases the phosphorylation of EGFR, AKT, and ERK. Additionally, IL-22 treatment mitigates the cytotoxic effects and the ability to induce apoptosis of L-OHP. Furthermore, IL-22 treatment activated the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway by increasing the phosphorylation of EGFR, AKT, and ERK. Importantly, the use of the EGFR inhibitor Osi significantly counteracted the chemoresistance induced by IL-22 in CRC cells. CONCLUSION: IL-22 promotes tumor growth and induces chemotherapy resistance in CRC cells by activating the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway. These findings suggest that targeting IL-22 or its downstream signaling may offer novel therapeutic strategies in CRC.
Prognostic value of coagulation markers in locally advanced gastric cancer following neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy.
Krishnan A, Mukherjee D
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40837777 · Full text
Gastric cancer (GC) has remained one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. The development of noninvasive biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and treatment has gained substantial traction in recent years. R...
Gastric cancer (GC) has remained one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. The development of noninvasive biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and treatment has gained substantial traction in recent years. Recent evidence highlights hypercoagulation as a promising prognostic biomarker, particularly in locally advanced GC (LAGC) who underwent radical resection after neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT). A recent study by Li showed that hypercoagulation is a valuable prognostic indicator for patients with LAGC who have undergone radical resection following NICT. While the study addresses an important clinical issue and provides insightful findings, the present study offered valuable insights; the applicability of these findings was constrained by the retrospective design, the focus on a single center, and the small sample size of the existing studies. Additionally, vital confounders, such as preoperative comorbidities and systemic inflammation, are inadequately addressed. Future studies should focus on prospective multicenter trials, incorporating advanced predictive models such as machine learning algorithms to integrate coagulation markers with other clinical variables for personalized risk stratification. In addition, we are required to validate findings to examine the biological mechanisms correlating hypercoagulation to tumor progression. Integrating machine learning, comprehensive biomarker panels, and real-world data would allow the researchers to have personalized risk stratification, improve predictive accuracy, and optimize clinical decision-making. Finally, A multidisciplinary approach, including lifestyle interventions and imaging modalities, is essential to improve outcomes among patients with GC.
SOX plus sintilimab P-SOX SOX as neoadjuvant therapy in advanced gastric cancer: Efficacy and safety.
Wang YC, Zhang CG, Wang YW … +9 more , Guo C, Pan T, Yu PJ, Cai BJ, Ding RH, Qiang JL, Deng CQ, Hu CH, Xu YH
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40837776 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a major global health burden, particularly in East Asia, due to its high incidence, aggressive progression, and poor prognosis in advanced stages. Although surgery is the mainstay...
BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a major global health burden, particularly in East Asia, due to its high incidence, aggressive progression, and poor prognosis in advanced stages. Although surgery is the mainstay of curative treatment, outcomes for locally advanced cases remain unsatisfactory despite perioperative chemotherapy. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors, especially anti-PD-1 antibodies like sintilimab, have shown promise in improving survival when combined with chemotherapy. However, the comparative efficacy and safety of SOX plus sintilimab established regimens such as P-SOX and SOX alone in the neoadjuvant setting have not been fully explored. AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of three neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens-SOX combined with sintilimab (SOX + PD-1), albumin-bound paclitaxel plus oxaliplatin and S-1 (P-SOX), and SOX-in patients with advanced GC. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 299 patients with advanced GC who received both neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy along with standard D2 radical gastrectomy. Among them, 81 patients received SOX plus sintilimab, 118 received the P-SOX regimen, and 100 received the SOX regimen. All patients were randomly assigned to training (70%) or validation (30%) cohorts using the R software sample function. Short-term efficacy, long-term survival outcomes, and adverse events were assessed across the three groups. Additionally, clinical factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) were further investigated. RESULTS: In terms of short-term efficacy, the SOX + sintilimab group had higher objective response rates [91.4% and 70.4% according to the tumor regression grade (TRG) and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 criteria, respectively] than did the P-SOX (88.1% and 59.3%) and SOX groups (84.0% and 55.0%), although the intergroup differences were not statistically significant ( = 0.167). For long-term outcomes, the SOX + sintilimab group demonstrated significantly better OS rates at 1 year (98.8%), 18 months (92.6%), 2 years (84.0%), and 3 years (48.1%) than did the P-SOX (93.2%, 86.4%, 71.2%, 30.5%) and SOX (91.0%, 84.0%, 72.0%, 29.0%) groups, with the 3-year overall survival (OS) difference being statistically significant ( = 0.007). Similarly, PFS rates in the SOX + sintilimab group (1 year: 92.6%; 18 months: 77.8%; 2 years: 65.4%; 3 years: 35.8%) were significantly greater than those in the P-SOX (82.2%, 68.6%, 53.4%, 26.3%) and SOX (77.0%, 66.0%, 43.0%, 27.0%) groups, with significant differences at 1 year ( = 0.021) and 2 years ( = 0.011). In terms of safety, grade 1-2 gastrointestinal reactions, peripheral neuropathy, and alopecia were the main TRAEs across groups. The P-SOX group had a significantly greater incidence of alopecia (54.2% 53.0% 23.5%, = 0.009) and more cases of grade 2 alopecia (6.8% 1.2%), potentially due to the accumulation of triple-agent toxicity. No significant intergroup differences were observed in hematologic toxicity or liver dysfunction (all > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with the SOX and P-SOX regimens, the SOX plus sintilimab combination demonstrated significantly improved short- and long-term efficacy with favorable safety, with superior advantages in terms of 2- and 3-year OS and early PFS, suggesting that this combination is a more promising therapeutic option for patients with advanced GC. Patients who achieved good perioperative chemotherapy responses (meeting the TRG and RECIST 1.1 criteria) and had tumor diameters ≤ 2 cm, well-differentiated histology, earlier cTNM stages, and no lymph node metastasis had a better prognosis.
Bone marrow metastasis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma complicated by thrombotic microangiopathy: A case report.
Sun W, Chen XC, Wang H … +6 more , Chang WY, He Y, Lin ZH, Jia H, Zhang XM, Liu H
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40837775 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is an acute syndrome characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and multi-organ dysfunction due to the microcirculation of platelet thrombi. Cancer-...
BACKGROUND: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is an acute syndrome characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and multi-organ dysfunction due to the microcirculation of platelet thrombi. Cancer-associated TMA is a rare and fatal complication, which often occurs during cancer remission. It is frequently misdiagnosed because of limited clinical awareness. CASE SUMMARY: A middle-aged female patient presented to our clinic with a 15-days history of back pain, 15 months post-gastrectomy. Cancer-associated TMA was confirmed through bone marrow aspiration, biopsy, and imaging. The patient received intermittent transfusions, fluids, nutrition, and microcirculation therapy with partial coagulation improvement. The family refused intensive care unit admission and plasma exchange, preferring palliative care. The patient died of cerebral hemorrhage and herniation due to disease progression. This case indicates that TMA may serve as an early manifestation of various malignancies, particularly gastric cancer. However, it is often misdiagnosed. Its pathogenesis is not well understood and needs to be further investigated. Currently, no standardized treatment have been developed. Plasma exchange is the only intervention available, though other therapies may also be effective. CONCLUSION: In this case of gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma complicated by TMA, the patient achieved transient remission with supportive care but died following treatment discontinuation. Further studies are needed to elucidate the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for cancer-associated TMA.
Lipid metabolism-related genes in gastric cancer: Exploring oncogenic pathways.
Amir M, Bakht D, Bokhari SFH … +7 more , Yousaf R, Iqbal A, Nazir H, Waleed M, Naqvi MZ, Tahir M, Dost W
World J Gastrointest Oncol · 2025 Aug · PMID 40837774 · Full text
Lipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in gastric cancer (GC) progression, characterized by complex metabolic reprogramming that supports tumor growth and survival. This narrative review comprehensively examines the dysre...
Lipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in gastric cancer (GC) progression, characterized by complex metabolic reprogramming that supports tumor growth and survival. This narrative review comprehensively examines the dysregulation of lipid metabolism-associated genes, including fatty acid synthase (FASN), ATP-citrate lyase, acetyl-CoA carboxylases, FA binding proteins, sterol regulatory element-binding proteins, and other key enzymes. These genes facilitate critical oncogenic processes by enhancing FA synthesis, modifying cellular signaling, and supporting cancer cell proliferation, migration, and therapy resistance. Metabolic adaptations observed in GC include increased lipogenesis, altered enzymatic activities, and modified protein lipidation, which contribute to tumor aggressiveness. The review highlights the potential of targeting these metabolic pathways as a therapeutic strategy, demonstrating how inhibiting specific enzymes like FASN, ATP-citrate lyase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 can induce apoptosis, disrupt cancer stem cell properties, and potentially overcome treatment resistance. By elucidating the intricate interactions between lipid metabolism genes and cancer progression, this review provides insights into novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for managing GC.
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