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Background : Although the prevalence of oesophageal cancer increases in elderly patients, its clinical history and outcome after treatment remain poorly described. Methods : Between January 2001 and December 2011, 58 patients (pts) older than 75 years-old received 3D conformal radiotherapy (mean dose 51 Gy) in two French cancer centres. 47/58 (82%) pts received concomitant chemotherapy (with CDDP and/or FU regimens) and 8 pts underwent surgery after primary radiochemotherapy (RCT). Results : Median age was 77.9 years and the performance status was 0 or 1 in 89%. Tumours were mainly adenocarcinoma of lower oesophagus or gastroesophageal junction (n=51, 89%), T3T4 (n=54, 95%) and N1 (n=44, 77%). The mean follow-up was 21.9 months. In the overall population, the median progression free survival was 9.6 months and median overall survival (OS) was 14.5 months. Using univariate analysis, OS was significantly associated with age (p=0.048), Performance Status (p<0.001) and surgery (p=0.035). 35 (60.3%) and 18 patients (31%) experienced grade 1-2 or 3-4 toxicity, respectively (CTCAE v4.0). Conclusion : RCT in elderly patients is a feasible treatment and its outcome is close to younger patient's outcome published in the literature. Surgical resection, after comprehensive geriatric assessment, should be recommended as the standard treatment for adenocarcinoma of lower oesophagus or gastroesophageal junction in elderly patients with good performance status and low comorbidity profile, as it is in younger patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present the fi rst reported case of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepatic-gastrostomy, performed on a patient with a history of bariatric surgery (gastric banding). We review the patient's clinical history and the technology and accessories used. This case report is supplemented with a detailed and updated review of the medical literature regarding endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary-pancreatic diversions. These procedures are rapidly developing in a way that is increasing the therapeutic armory for patients who require biliary or pancreatic derivations but who do not meet the requirements for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and who are not candidates for, or who reject, the option of percutaneous biliary bypass. These procedures include the hepatic gastrostomy guided by endoscopic ultrasound, biliary-pancreatic rendezvous guided by endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy, endoscopic ultrasonography-guided cholecystogastrostomy and endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic gastrostomy. This article provides a technical description of each of these procedures and the accessories required. Finally, we present patient management following the guide of the most experienced pioneers of these techniques in the world. These procedures already have a well-recognized place in the therapeutic armory for patients who require this kind of diversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) offers minimally invasive decompression when conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography fails. Stents can be placed from the intrahepatic ducts into the stomach (hepaticogastrostomy [HG]) or from the extrahepatic bile duct into the small intestine (choledochoduodenostomy [CCD]). Long-term patency of these stents is unknown. In this study, we aim to compare long-term patency of CCD versus HG., Methods: Consecutive patients from 12 centers were included in a registry over 14 years. Demographics, procedure info, adverse events, and follow-up data were collected. Student's t-test, Chi-square, and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Only patients with at least 6-month follow-up or who died within 6-month postprocedure were included., Results: One-hundred and eighty-two patients were included (93% male; mean age: 70; HG n = 95, CCD n = 87). No significant difference in indication, diagnosis, dissection instrument, or stent type was seen between the two groups. Technical success was 92% in both groups. Clinical success was achieved in 75/87 (86%) in the HG group and 80/80 (100%) in the CCD group. A trend toward higher adverse events was seen in the CCD group. A total of 25 patients out of 87 needed stent revision in the HG group (success rate 71%), while eight out of 80 were revised in the CCD group (success rate 90%). Chi square shows CCD success higher than HG (90% vs. 71%, P = 0.010). After adjusting for diagnosis, jaundice or cholangitis presentation, instrument used for dissection, and gender, CCD was 4.5 times more likely than HG to achieve longer stent patency or manage obstruction (odds ratio 4.5; 95% 1.1548-17.6500, P = 0.0302)., Conclusion: CCD is associated with superior long-term patency than HG but with a trend toward higher adverse events. This is particularly important in patients with increased survival. Additional studies are required before recommending a change in practice., Competing Interests: None

Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Background: Recent advances in EUS techniques (real-time EUS elastography and contrast-enhanced EUS) have allowed a better characterization of focal pancreatic masses. Mean strain histograms (SHs) are considered a good parameter for the semi-quantitative evaluation of focal pancreatic masses, alongside complementary contrast-enhanced EUS parameters which can be quantified during both the early arterial and late venous phase., Materials and Methods: The study design was prospective, blinded, and multicentric, assessing real-time EUS elastography and contrast-enhanced EUS results for the characterization of focal pancreatic masses using parametric measurements, in comparison with pathology which is the gold standard. SHs were performed based on the embedded software of the ultrasound system, with the values being reversed as opposed to our initially published data on hue histograms. Consequently, a cutoff of 80 was derived from previous multicentric trials. Contrast-enhanced EUS also allowed the focal masses to be classified as hyper-, iso-, or hypoenhanced in comparison with the normal pancreatic parenchyma. EUS-FNA was then performed for all patients, with a positive cytological diagnosis taken as a final proof of malignancy for the pancreatic masses. The diagnoses obtained by EUS-FNA were verified further either by surgery or during a clinical follow-up of at least 6 months., Results: A total number of 97 consecutive patients with focal pancreatic masses were included in the study. Based on previously defined cutoffs of 80, the values of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the mean SHs for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer were 100%, 29.63%, 78.65%, 100%, and 80.41%, respectively. Corresponding values for contrast-enhanced EUS (taking into consideration hypoenhencement as a predictive factor of malignancy) were 98.57%, 77.78%, 92%, 95.45%, and 92.78%, respectively. Combining contrast enhancement-EUS (hypoenhencement) and semi-quantitative EUS elastography (SH cutoffs <80), the resulting values corresponding for sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 98.57%, 81.48%, and 93.81%, respectively., Conclusion: The current study using objective parametric tools for both EUS elastography and contrast-enhanced EUS confirmed the results of previous studies and meta-analyses that indicated a complementary role for the differential diagnosis of focal pancreatic masses. Moreover, the best values for the receiver operating curves were obtained using a sequential clinical algorithm based on the initial use of elastography, followed by contrast enhancement., Competing Interests: None

Patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer have a poor prognosis. The analysis of prognostic factors before treatment may be helpful in determining the best therapeutic strategies. The aim of the PEACE study is to assess the vascularity of pancreatic malignant tumors using contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS (CEH-EUS) and to clarify the prognostic value of tumor vascularity in patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer. Hereby, we present the protocol of a prospective, nonrandomized, single-arm, multicenter study aiming to assess changes in tumor vascularity using CEH-EUS before and 2 months after treatment initiation in patients with unresectable, locally advanced/metastatic pancreatic cancer and to examine the correlation between vascular changes and treatment response, progression-free survival, and overall survival., Competing Interests: None

Competing Interests: Laurent Poincloux who participated in the design of the stent has no financial disclosure to declare. There are no other conflicts of interest.

Background and Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) represents an option to treat obstructive jaundice when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails. The success rate of this procedure has been shown to be very high. Up to now, plastic and self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) have been employed, each of them presenting some limitations. The aims of this study were to evaluate the technical and functional success rates of EUS-HGS using a dedicated biliary SEMS with a half-covered part (Giobor® stent)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of patients, who underwent EUS-HGS at our center, with at least 6 months of follow-up. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted from the patient's charts and electronic records. Technical success rate was defined as the successful passage of the Giobor stent across the stomach, along with the flow of contrast medium and/or bile through the stent. Functional success rate was considered achieved when the decrease of bilirubin value of at least 25% within the 1st week was obtained. The rate of early and late complications was assessed., Results: A total of 41 patients were included (21F/20M, [mean age 66, range 45-85]). Technical success rate was obtained in 37 (90.2%) of patients. Functional success rate, analyzable in 29 patients, occurred in 65%. Between the 37 patients in whom HGS was technically feasible, 13 patients (31.7%) presented an early complication, mostly infective. At 6-month follow-up, 10/37 patients (27.0%) required a new biliary drainage (BD) and 11/37 (29.7%) died because of their disease., Conclusions: EUS-HGS using Giobor® stent is technically feasible, clinical effective, safe, and may be an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic BD in case of ERCP failure for biliary decompression.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a curative option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary malignancy of the liver. This bicentric retrospective study includes 46 patients admitted for their first percutaneous RFA for HCC. Sixty-three nodules were treated, with an average size of 32.5 mm. Our study confirms the efficiency of this technique for attaining necrosis of HCC nodules, with few complications. Subgroup studies according to RFA mode (mono- or multipolar), etiology of cirrhosis (alcoholic or viral), and HCC size showed better efficiency for multipolar RFA when applied to small tumors and better survival when the cirrhosis was due to viral infection. However, we noted a high rate of local recurrence in our and other recent works compared to previous studies, probably due to improved imaging techniques. The main problem is still de novo intrahepatic recurrence in diseased livers.

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease with a great heterogeneity in the response to treatments. To improve the responsiveness to treatments there are two different approaches, the first one consist to develop new and more efficient drugs that intent to cure all patients and the second one is to use already-approved drugs, alone or in combination, but selecting beforehand the most sensitive patients. In this work we explored the efficiency of the second possibility. We developed a collection of 17 PDAC samples collected by Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration (EUS-FNA) or surgery and preserved as xenografts and as primary cultures. This collection was characterized at molecular level by a transcriptomic analysis using an Affymetrix approach. In this paper we present data demonstrating that a subgroup of PDAC responds to low doses of 5-aza-dC. These tumors show a specific RNA expression profile that could serve as a marker, but there is no correlation with Dnmt1, Dnmt3A or Dnmt3B expression. Responder tumors corresponded to well-differentiated samples and longer survival patients. In conclusion, we present data obtained with the well-known drug 5-aza-dC as a proof of concept that a drug that seems to be inefficient in solid tumors in general could be applicable to a particular subgroup of patients with PDAC.

The primary goal of this study was to develop descriptive image interpretation criteria and a classification of endoscopic ultrasound-confocal microscopy (EUS-CM) findings in pancreatic masses and lymph nodes through a review of prospectively obtained EUS-CM videos from proven malignant and benign cases, and to propose diagnostic criteria for predicting malignancy. The material used was a 19-G EUS-needle in which the stylet was replaced by the confocal mini-probe. The mini-probe pre-loaded in the EUS-needle was guided endosonographically in the target then the mini-probe was pushed under EUS guidance into the lesion. Eleven patients mean age 62.3 years underwent EUS for the staging of a pancreatic mass (3 cystic and 4 solid) or for the diagnosis of celiac and/or mediastinal LN (n = 4). Benign intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) was characterized by the aspect of finger-like projections which correspond to the villous changes of intestinal IPMN type. In pancreatic adenocarcinomas, EUS-CM found vascular leakage with irregular vessels with leakage of fluorescein into the tumor, large dark clumps which correspond to humps of malignant cells. Inflammatory lymph nodes were characterized by the presence of diffuse small cells into a homogeneous stroma with a normal vascularization. At the opposite, EUS-CM showed in malignant lymph node glandular structures with dark cells, large dark clumps and an important neo-vascularization with huge leakage of fluorescein.

Objectives: Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) are infrequent, which makes large experiences unlikely. Our aim was to describe a large single-center experience with PETs and the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and a cancer staging system (TNM)., Methods: This study involves a retrospective analysis of 86 patients (44 men; age, 58 +/- 14 years) who underwent EUS-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Immunohistochemistry was used. Lesions were classified as recommended by TNM classification., Results: Typical EUS features were well-demarcated, hypoechoic, solid, homogeneous lesions. Ninety percent had the diagnosis obtained by EUS-FNA. Twelve PETs (14%) were functioning, 8 (9.3%) were cystic, and 14 (16%) were 10 mm or smaller. Nonfunctional PETs and larger lesions were more advanced. The TNM stage was I in 24, II in 10, III in 18, and IV in 34 patients. Sixteen patients (27%) died, and 30 patients (52%) had progression/recurrence during the follow-up (34 +/- 27 months). TNM stage and surgery with curative intent were related to progression. The overall 5-year survival was 60%. The mean survival time was 94 +/- 12 months for stage I, 52 +/- 12 months for stage III, and 54 +/- 7 months for stage IV (P = 0.06)., Conclusions: Nonfunctional PETs were more common and advanced. The EUS-FNA has a high accuracy for diagnosing PETs. Progression and poorer survival were associated with TNM stage.

Digestive endoscopy, including endoscopic ultrasound, plays actually an important role in oncology concerning early diagnosis, tumor staging, and therapeutic procedures. Indeed, improvement of endoscope and dedicated accessories allow to increase applications of therapeutic endoscopy in oncologic indications : curative resection of early carcinoma ant submucosa tumor ; palliative treatment of tumoral bilio-digestive obstruction. Possibilities to resect sessile or flat polyps allow to treat curatively well-differentiated carcinoma without infiltration of the muscularis mucosae, the risk of lymph nodes invasion being null in this cases. In case of invasion of muscularis mucosae, this risk is inferior to 1% for colorectal cancer when submucosal invasion do not exceed 1000 microm but this risk is between 6 and 22% in case of oeso-gastric carcinoma invading the third part of the submucosa. Mortality of endoscopic resection was null in almost published series. Morbidity was 15-20% for colorectal resection with 5-6% of severe complications and up to 23% after oesophageal tumor ablation. Moreover, improvement of echoendoscope dedicated to therapeutic procedures allow from now to achieve non-anatomic pancreatic or biliary drainage through the gastric wall when the retrograde route is not suitable (whipple resection, duodenal stricture) or when drainage of the left hepatic lobe is difficult via the retrograde approach. The aim of this technique is to realize an anastomosis between the left hepatic duct and the stomach. Permanence of this fistula is ensured by insertion of one or two stent. Efficacy and safety of this procedure were recently retrospectively evaluated with a technical success in 91% of cases. Therapeutic endoscopy made many progress during the last years and development of new generation of endoscope and accessories would allow a real endoluminal surgical approach for superficial tumor, bilio-digestive anastomosis or gastro-enteroanastomosis by example.

Objective: Surgery is the traditional treatment for symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses, but morbidity and mortality are still too high. Minimally invasive approaches have been encouraged. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the endoscopic-ultrasound-guided (EUS) endoscopic transmural drainage of these pancreatic collections., Material and Methods: In this retrospective review of consecutive cases from a single referral centre, cystogastrostomy and cystoduodenostomy were created with an interventional linear echoendoscope under endosonographic and fluoroscopic control by the endoscopic insertion of straight or double pigtail stents., Results: Fifty-one symptomatic patients (33 men; mean age 58 years) were submitted to 62 procedures from January 2003 to December 2005. EUS-guided drainage was successful in 48 (94%) patients. Only three patients needed surgery. There were two procedure-related complications managed clinically. During a mean follow-up of 39 weeks, recurrence due to migration or obstruction of the stent was 17.7%. All these cases were submitted to a new session of endoscopic drainage. There was no mortality. Complications were more frequent in patients with a recent episode of acute pancreatitis (38.5% versus 10%; p=0.083). The endoscopic approach was not more hazardous for abscesses in regard to complications rate (19% versus 16.6%; p>0.05). In abscesses, a nasocystic drain did not decrease the complications rate (27% versus 13%; p=0.619), but the placement of 2 stents did decrease this rate (18% versus 20%; p>0.05), although increased it in pseudocysts (40% versus 13%; p=0.185)., Conclusions: Endoscopic transmural drainage is a minimally invasive, effective and safe approach in the management of pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses.