Latest Research
All publications from the Cancer3.AI database, newest first.
Retrosternal gastric reconstruction after esophagectomy using the "waterfall" method for posterior mediastinal dead space filling.
Yasuda T, et al
Researchers in Japan developed and evaluated a novel surgical technique called the 'waterfall' method for managing a dangerous complication of esophageal cancer surgery. After removing the esophagus in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, an empty space forms in the posterior mediastinum that can lead to life-threatening conditions such as airway collapse, fistulas, and mediastinitis. The new technique involves routing the greater omentum alongside the gastric conduit through the retrosternal (in front of the breastbone) path to the neck, then draping it downward to fill the dangerous posterior dead space, avoiding the functional problems caused by older approaches. In a retrospective study of 20 high-risk patients treated between 2012 and 2022, no serious complications such as airway necrosis, airway-mediastinal fistula, or mediastinitis were observed, and all patients maintained normal gastric conduit function. These findings suggest the waterfall method is a safe and practical option for surgeons managing complex esophageal cancer cases involving adjacent organ resection or incomplete tumor removal.
Esophagus : official journal of the Japan Esophageal Society
Source →Total gastrectomy with splenectomy versus total gastrectomy with spleen preservation for gastric cancer.
Li C, et al
A Cochrane systematic review examined whether removing the spleen (splenectomy) alongside total stomach removal (total gastrectomy) improves outcomes for gastric cancer patients compared to preserving the spleen. Researchers pooled data from five randomized controlled trials involving 1,002 adults from Asia and South America, published between 1985 and 2017. The analysis found no clear evidence that splenectomy improves overall survival, disease-free survival, or reduces postoperative mortality compared to spleen preservation, while the evidence for most outcomes was rated as low or very low certainty due to high risk of bias and imprecision. Moderate-certainty evidence suggested that splenectomy may increase the incidence of postoperative complications compared to spleen-preserving surgery. These findings are clinically significant because they challenge the routine practice of removing the spleen during total gastrectomy, suggesting that spleen preservation may be a safer approach for most patients without compromising cancer control.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
Source →The Rising Burden of Premature Mortality Due to Pancreatic Cancer in the United States.
Tushoski-Alemán GW, et al
Researchers analyzed over two decades of national data to quantify the premature mortality burden of pancreatic cancer in the United States using a metric called years of life lost (YLL), which captures not just how many people die but how early those deaths occur relative to expected lifespan. Between 1999 and 2023, nearly 952,000 pancreatic cancer deaths translated into more than 14 million years of life lost, with annual YLL rising 77% over the study period — outpacing the 71% rise in raw death counts. Each pancreatic cancer death resulted in an average of 14.8 years of life lost, and adults aged 55 to 74 accounted for nearly three-quarters of the national increase in YLL. Black Americans faced a disproportionately higher burden, with age-standardized YLL rates 23% higher than those of White Americans, while Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander populations had lower rates. The findings highlight that standard mortality statistics substantially underestimate the true societal cost of pancreatic cancer and call for greater research investment to identify and address the drivers of this worsening trend.
Pancreas
Source →Carcinogenicity in the 21st Century: Data Interpretation-Session 4.
De Jonghe S, et al
At the 2025 joint BSTP/ESTP Congress, a dedicated session addressed the complexities of data interpretation in carcinogenicity studies, which are essential for evaluating whether chemical compounds may cause cancer. Experts highlighted that rigorous interpretation requires not only statistical analysis but also consistent use of scientific terminology, high-quality peer review, and appropriate application of historical control data. A key focus was the International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria (INHAND) framework, with recommendations presented for updating terminology related to proliferative findings in the exocrine pancreas, liver, and ovaries. Case examples were used to illustrate how compound-specific and target-organ knowledge, combined with relevant scientific literature, supports accurate assessment of biological relevance. The session also addressed human relevance and risk assessment for tumors of the endocrine and reproductive systems, underscoring the importance of translating animal study findings into meaningful human safety conclusions. These advances in standardized interpretation practices aim to improve the reliability of carcinogenicity assessments that ultimately inform drug and chemical safety regulations protecting patients and the public.
Toxicologic pathology
Source →Duodenal metastasis from lobular breast cancer presenting as painless obstructive jaundice.
Antonakis PT, et al
Researchers report a rare case of breast cancer spreading to the duodenum — the first part of the small intestine — in a woman in her late 50s, more than ten years after her original breast cancer diagnosis. The patient presented with painless obstructive jaundice, a yellowing of the skin caused by bile duct blockage, which led to further investigation revealing that invasive lobular breast carcinoma had metastasized to the ampullary region near the pancreas. Metastatic involvement of the duodenum or pancreas from a breast cancer primary tumor is exceptionally rare, accounting for fewer than 3% of all pancreatic and periampullary malignancies. This case highlights that breast cancer can recur in unexpected locations many years after initial treatment, and that clinicians should consider metastatic breast cancer as a possible diagnosis in women with obstructive jaundice who have a history of breast cancer. Early recognition of such unusual metastatic patterns is critical to ensuring patients receive appropriate treatment rather than being misdiagnosed with a new primary tumor.
BMJ case reports
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