Benign solid liver tumors

Benign solid liver tumors are frequently discovered during routine sonographic examinations. As a rule, malignant tumors can be excluded using contrast medium-based sectional imaging; however, unclear cases can represent a diagnostic challenge. The category of solid benign liver tumors includes first and foremost hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hemangioma. Based on the most recent data, an overview of the current standards in the diagnostics and treatment is given

Combined Liver and Inferior Vena Cava Resection for Malignancies Is Safe and Feasible in a Group of High-Risk Patients

Background and Methods: Tumors infiltrating the inferior caval vein (ICV) have been considered irresectable in the past due to high perioperative risks. Consequently, the only treatment option for these patients was best supportive care, which resulted in reduced survival. Advancements in surgical techniques have since evolved, such that combined resections of the ICV and the hepatic malignancy are being performed. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the long-term outcomes (e.g., survival) and short-term risks of this procedure. In this single-center, retrospective cohort study (n = 24), we evaluated surgical and oncological outcome for patients undergoing hepatic surgery for oncological indications in combination with resections of the ICV. In addition, we investigated which factors are associated with survival. Results: First, we showed that perioperative mortality is as low as 4.1%. Second, we showed that perioperative co-morbidities are acceptable for this type of advanced hepatobiliary surgery. Third, the reconstruction of the ICV by means of a patch was superior in terms of survival compared to other types of reconstructions. This finding was independent of the type or the aggressiveness of tumor or the resections status. Discussion: In our cohort, many patients had undergone (multiple) preceding visceral surgical interventions or underwent multi-visceral surgery. Despite the medical complexity, survival was encouraging in this cohort, offering novel treatment modalities with a low risk of severe morbidities

Erythropoietin reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat liver

Background: Human recombinant erythropoietin (Epo) has recently been shown to be a potent protector of ischemic damage in various organ systems. A significant reduction of stroke injury following cerebral ischemia has been postulated as well as improved cardiomyocyte function after myocardial infarction in tissue pretreated with Epo. It was the aim of this study to evaluate the effects of Epo in liver ischemia. Material and Methods: Rats were subjected to 45 min of warm hepatic ischemia. Animals were either pretreated with 1,000 IU of Epo in three doses or received 1,000 IU into the portal vein 30 min before ischemia. Control animals received saline at the same time points before ischemia. Animals were than sacrificed 6, 12, 24, 48 h and 7 days after surgery and transaminases were measured. Liver specimens were evaluated regarding apoptosis, necrosis and regeneration capacity. Results: Apoptosis rates were dramatically reduced in animals pretreated with Epo while mRNA of tumor necrosis factor-\u3b1 and STAT-3 were upregulated in all groups. Intraportal venous injection displayed superiority to subcutaneous preconditioning. Transaminases were significantly reduced among the Epo-treated animals after 6 and 12 h. Conclusion: Our data suggests a protective effect of Epo in warm hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in the rat. Copyrigh

Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Based Hyperthermia as a Treatment Option in Various Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Iron oxide nanoparticle-based hyperthermia is an emerging field in cancer treatment. The hyperthermia is primarily achieved by two differing methods: magnetic fluid hyperthermia and photothermal therapy. In magnetic fluid hyperthermia, the iron oxide nanoparticles are heated by an alternating magnetic field through Brownian and Néel relaxation. In photothermal therapy, the hyperthermia is mainly generated by absorption of light, thereby converting electromagnetic waves into thermal energy. By use of iron oxide nanoparticles, this effect can be enhanced. Both methods are promising tools in cancer treatment and are, therefore, also explored for gastrointestinal malignancies. Here, we provide an extensive literature research on both therapy options for the most common gastrointestinal malignancies (esophageal, gastric and colorectal cancer, colorectal liver metastases, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer). As many of these rank in the top ten of cancer-related deaths, novel treatment strategies are urgently needed. This review describes the efforts undertaken in vitro and in vivo